June 7, 2008
- Gold Schooled by Top Ranked Stafford Fusion Blue in Season Closer...On a sweltering 95 degree day, Stafford Fusion Blue was not the kind of opponent that Wildcats Gold needed for a moral-boosting season closer. The Fusion Blue exhibited skills on set plays, in the air, and on the ground. Three of the Fusion’s 6 goals were off set plays (corner kicks). They were very comfortable heading the ball and they were first-to-the-ball on the majority of occasions. By the end of the first half Gold was down by only 3-0, thanks to wonderful saves by goalkeeper Brady. Second-half adjustments resulted in more aggressive play by Gold. At times there were flashes of brilliance from Gold—beautiful crosses from Kate, exquisite give and goes between Christina (CW) and Kate, good combinations from CW, Kate and Monica, and gutsy defensive stops by Allison, Ariana, and D’Erika. Late in the second half Gold’s offense hooked up on a series of passes that resulted in a beautiful right footer from Monica that found the upper right corner of the nets. It was enough to avoid the shut-out, but little too late to change the outcome of the game, a 6-1 loss. However, this does not detract from the great effort that Gold exhibited all season. They have poured their hearts into every game and left it all on the field. Thanks for giving parents, family, friends, and fans an inspiring season.
June 1-2, 2008
- Defense Dominates Wildcats Gold Season Penultimate Game...Under midday sun and 78 degree temperatures, Gold came up against the formidable Loudoun 96G Black. Within the first 3 minutes of the game, Loudoun Black’s speedy offense found the nets. This was a wakeup call for Gold’s defense, who responded with an incredible effort that would last the rest of the game. With outstanding saves from both of Gold’s keepers -- Brady and Keia, the rest of the defense (Allison, Nikki, Monica, Christina (CW), and Virginia) played with gusto to prevent further goals from the blistering offensive attack of Loudoun Black. Spectacular saves by Keia from 3 short-range shots on goal were noteworthy. Midfield efforts from Kate, Leah, and D’Erika were also commendable. On a day which was not one of the better games for the offense, Gold did well to end the game with a 0-1 loss. It was indeed an outstanding effort by Gold, who exhibited improved levels of play in every aspect of the game. Great job Gold!!!
- FPYC Wildcats Blue Closes Its WAGS Season with a Great 3-1 Win against an Undefeated Arlington Ajax, Ending Its Spring WAGS Season with a 7-1-1 Record...On a humid Sunday away at Arlington's Benjamin Banneker, Blue arrived fired up and ready for a fiercely competitive match against a formidable (and physically larger) foe, and were not disappointed. In two prior matches, the two teams had split -- once in the 2006 Virginian, when the Wildcats returned from a 0-2 deficit to snatch a 3-2 victory from the Ajax, and the second time at the 2007 ASIST tourney, where the Ajax came out ahead 3-1 on a field more covered by snow than turf -- and Blue knew that it could not waste its chances in this meeting.
- From the first moments, the momentum predictably swung one way then the other, with both sides showing skill and speed, but then after a strategic formation change, Nancy (Zippy) broke free on the left side and, as the defender swooped to tackle, placed a beautiful ball at an open Lili's feet to finish at the near post. Jennifer had her turn next when, after receiving a gorgeous punt from Christina (Cookie), she placed her shot perfectly, putting Blue up by 2. Not to be outdone, Ajax too kept the pressure on, and created chances, one getting by after a defensive miscommunication allowed an open shot.
- In their team huddle at the half, the twelve Blue determined to live up to the Wildcats motto and "leave it all on the field" in their last 30 minutes of this WAGS season and to preserve the lead. Despite several impressive efforts by a fast and physical Ajax front line, Blue's defense, while hot and weary, held strong, and through sheer luck (two Ajax shots bouncing off the posts) and determination (Gilli's timely saves and great second-half presence in the goal), the defensive team -- Sarah, Charlotte, Hannah, Nancy, Kaitlyn -- held tough and denied the Ajax any further reward. Instead, after Lili on the left found open space, Blue repeated its first-half play, with Lili feeding a pretty pass to Jessica to finish. The 3-1 win capped off a fun, challenging, and exciting season for Blue, allowing a final record of 7-1-1. Way to go, Hannah, Charlotte, Gilli, Lili, Sarah, Cookie, Sam, Nancy, Kaitlyn, Jessica, Callie, and Jennifer!!! We are very proud of all of you.
May 24-25 (Memorial Day Weekend Tournaments)
- FPYC Wildcats Gold -- Virginian Semi-Finalists...Way to go, Gold!!!
- Congratulations to Wildcats Gold, Virginian semi-finalists with 16 goals for and only 4 against!!! The Virginian tournament started on the Saturday of the Memorial Day weekend as a chilly, breezy but mostly sunny day. The well-rested, carb-loaded Wildcats Gold girls were ready to play. Against their first opponent, HYS Power, Gold made some very good crosses and several shots on goal. The entire defense was very good and Christina’s (CW) excellent work in the backfield stood out. Goalkeeper Brady’s alertness and flexibility kept HYS Power at bay. Caroline scored the first goal, which was a picturesque shot from just around the goalie box. Kate scored the 2nd goal and Leah, the 3rd, from an assist by Nikki. Gold’s great teamwork and footskills propelled them to a 3-0 lead by the end of the half. Although the second half produced only one goal, Gold's teamwork, tenacious defense and determined offense were still alert and strong. Abby, the 2nd half goalie, skillfully prevented HYS from scoring. The final goal, a close kick in by Monica, came when Monica and Leah, well positioned in front of the net, both tried to score as HYS unsuccessfully tried to block a goal. Gold ended the first match with a 4-0 shut-out over HYS Power.
- In game 2, the Gold players returned from lunch to face FCF Academy Grey refreshed and confident after their first game win and determined to repeat their stunning performance. The rejuvenated players continued to dominate both defensively and offensively. They kept up the momentum, with Brady in goal, assisted by her defensive players; their teamwork kept FCF Academy Grey from finding their nets. Monica scored the 1st goal after remarkable teamwork by a few players. The 2nd goal resulted by a close kick in by Abby who took advantage of a fumble by FCF’s keeper. Superb teamwork continued throughout the game as seen in the 3rd goal when Kate placed the ball at the back of the net after a stunning cross from Leah. Leah scored the 4th goal from a combination cross by Keia and CW demonstrating glorious teamwork. Monica scored the 5th goal for the Wildcats resulting in a score of 5-0 at the half. The second half continued with Gold’s dominant play with Keia replacing Brady in the goal. They had several shots on goal and great crosses from the wing. D’Erika had two beautiful shots on goal, but they did not result in any goals. Keia made a nice save of an air ball further preventing FCF Academy from scoring and preserving the shut-out. Caroline, Virginia and Kate scored the 7th, 8th and 9th goals. Gold’s grit and determination shut out FCF Academy Grey in the 2nd match resulting in a score of 9-0.
- Wildcats Gold began day 2 of the Virginian tournament match with an evenly matched game against Arlington Dynamo. After day one’s performance, all Gold needed was to avoid a shutout to be first place in its flight. The Dynamo was quick and aggressive, but Gold, brimming with confidence from its resounding victories on day one was equally as aggressive. The defense was stellar and the midfield and offense were clicking on all cylinders. Gold got on the board early with a lovely goal by Leah. The Dynamo responded quickly with a goal, tying the game at 1-1 at the half. The Dynamo’s offense was on the board with its second goal early in the second half. Strong defense prevented Gold from finding the nets despite a flurry of great runs and shots on goal. However, in the waning seconds of the game a costly mistake by the Dynamo’s defense resulted in a penalty kick by Gold. CW easily converted the kick, tying the game at 2-2 and sealing Gold’s first place position in its flight.
- Snagging a berth in the semi-finals, Gold’s second game was against the SYC Thunder Blue, a team that defeated them 2-1 in the regular season, so it was time for revenge. Most of the half was uneventful with the defense on both sides dominating the game (with particularly solid defense by CW, Allison, and Monica in particular), causing few offensive opportunities by either team. It was not until the final minute of the first half that a lovely run up the right wing by Keia resulted in a cross to Caroline, whose shot on goal caused the goalkeeper to bobble the ball, which rebounded, and Monica launched her shot from ten yards out to give Gold a 1-0 advantage at the half. A determined Thunder Blue responded with 2 quick goals early in the second half and despite Gold’s spirited attempt, they were able to hold on to win the game 2-1, ending Gold’s strong showing in the Virginian tournament. Way to go, Gold -- Virginian Semi-Finalists!!!
- Wildcats Blue: Missed Opportunities at the Potomac Memorial...Traveling the relatively short distance over the bridge to Maryland to play on fields at Strawberry Knoll, Blue started the Potomac Memorial with high hopes, excited about facing a high level of play. With their dreams of a semi-final berth cut short after their early morning match on Sunday, Blue was left to ruminate on the missed opportunities that left them one goal short of a Sunday afternoon match.
- The Saturday morning opening match against McLean White -- a team Blue had bested 4-1 a few short weeks back -- should have given Blue that one goal, with Blue breaching McLean's defense several times to create over a dozen clear opportunities, including some with an open goal. In the waning moments with the score still astonishingly at 0-0, Blue came to regret those missed opportunities, particularly when a dazzling shot on a McLean breakaway (White's only solid shot on goal for the whole match, but a potentially game-changing one) would have caught the upper left corner but for Gilli's spectacular tip-away save.
- Blue made up for its lack of morning scoring quickly in a fast-moving afternoon match against a speedy and physical FSV Bethesda, with Lili quickly knocking one in during the opening minutes. In the course of the remaining 45 or so minutes, Blue's defense -- with Gilli, Sarah, Charlotte, Nancy, and Hannah all making critical plays, and Gilli and Cookie sharing keeper duties -- again kept the goal clean, allowing no goals in during the 100 minutes of Saturday play. Mackenzie and Jessica (with two) brought the final tally to 4; again, there were missed opportunities, but the 4-0 win seemed solid.
- Sunday morning, Blue arrived bright and early for its much-anticipated 8:30 am final prelim match against the mighty PWSI Courage Red. With great tip-away saves by Gilli, and strong defense by Sarah, Charlotte, Nancy, and Hannah, Blue survived a quick on-slaught from Red during the opening moments, and was able to turn the tables to create a few opportunities. With nearly every touch on the ball with purpose and each pass perfectly placed, Red, a team that makes few mistakes, controlled much of the match. Down 1-2 at the half (with Blue's goal coming after Jessica smartly capitalized on a rebound off Red's keeper in a scramble in front of the goal), Blue created a few more opportunities, two of which came just short of an additional goal; at the same time, Red snuck in 3 more, two due to unfortunate defensive miscues and deflections.
- In the end, Blue's 1-5 final score in the Red match resulted in a tie in points with McLean White -- with the first tie-breaker being goal differential....one fewer goal against (or one more for) in the Red match (or a goal for in the White match or one more goal in the FSV game) would have made Blue a semi-finalist. With Blue and White tied again, the second tie-breaker (goals against) held against Blue, and it paid the price for missing opportunities with a loss of its semi-final berth.
May 17-18 -- In Two Dramatic Matches, Blue Pulls Off the Win in the Final Minutes; Gold Falls in Two Well-Played Nail-biters
- In Two Dramatic Matches, Blue Pulls Off the Win in the Final Minutes against a Talented Chantilly Panthers White on Saturday and NVSC Majestics Gold on Sunday. On a sunny and windy Saturday on a slightly soggy Crossfield Elementary field, a short-rostered Blue turned on the heat in the last five minutes to score 2 and snatch the win from a talented Chantilly Panthers White side in a match filled with frustration, injury, exhaustion, drama, and exhilaration (only one sub! heads collide mid-air! down by one with five minutes left! the coach faints!). In a terrifying moment about five minutes in, all present gasped as two Blue teammates (Kaitlyn and Charlotte (Bigfoot)) crumpled to the ground after knocking heads. Fortunately, after an initial scare, both players eventually rebounded with help from an icepack. Despite having the advantage in time of possession and with beautiful through balls and crosses by Kaitlyn, Jennifer, Jessica, Sarah (Speedy), Sam (Sneaky), and Lili creating chances, Blue was unable to capitalize after the Panthers' very solid defense and goalkeeping proved to be an impenetrable -- and frustrating -- wall for Blue's front line. Similarly, Blue's defensive triangle of Kaitlyn, Speedy, and Bigfoot, aided by Nancy (Zippy) and with Christina (Cookie) in charge in the goal, turned away all red shirts in the first half, resulting in a stalemate after 30 minutes.
- The drama did not end in the first half. With a nice cross and tap-in finish, the Panthers took the lead about five minutes into the second half, and continued to pressure Blue. Blue fought back, with Lili, Kaitlyn, Jessica, Speedy, Jennifer, and Sneaky creating opportunities, but again stymied by the Panthers' timely tackling and solid goaltending. With Blue fighting off exhaustion, the odds looked to favor the Panthers again after a foul outside the Blue box resulted in a direct Red kick. With a great effort by Bigfoot, Zippy, and Kaitlyn, Blue cleared the ball, and, with five minutes left, made its way down to the home side again, and at last met some success -- a cross by Jessica went to Lili for the tap-in. Now with conviction and determination, in a final few minutes reminiscent of FASA Impact White's come-back against Blue in the season-opening match, Blue coordinated yet another offensive effort, and with a well-placed shot taken from about 10 yards out, Speedy scored the game-winning goal -- resulting in exhilaration for all on the Blue side. Kudos and great respect must go to the home side, who put up a strong fight in a pulse-pounding, dramatic match.
- On a wet Sunday on the very short and narrow Patriot Park turf fields, and missing Bigfoot, Blue faced a very physical NVSC Majestics Gold, the only team to score on the Wildcats in the spring 2007 season. While creating several chances early, Blue was thwarted again by strong goaltending and tough defense (and two erroneous off-sides calls) for much of the first half until, off a beautifully placed corner kick by Cookie, Jessica scored a perfect header goal in what was indubitably the play of the game. Soon thereafter, the Majestics answered after a wet ball bobbled out of Blue's keeper's hands and allowed the easy finish. For the second day in a row, the half ended in a stalemate. Starting the second half with more zip, Blue continued to press the Majestics defense until, once again, a corner kicked by Jessica created an opportunity that Jennifer finished on the right side with a beautifully placed volley. Blue nearly went up by another shortly thereafter on another corner opportunity, but Jessica's header off of Sam's (Sneaky) kick sailed over the crossbar. Not to be outdone, the Majestics answered again, this time after a defensive miscue resulted in a clear landing right at the Majestics feet, where it was smartly finished. In the final moments, Blue showed that never-give-up spirit that inspires pride in us all, and put together a tight offensive drive in which Kaitlyn fed a ball up to Jessica, who, seeing two defenders swoop to tackle, knew someone was open and nicely laid the ball off to Lili, who finished beautifully. Huge kudos to Hannah, Sarah (Speedy), Nancy (Zippy), Gilli, and Kaitlyn, who together played tough defense throughout the game on a tricky short field where tides turn quickly and helped preserve the win. On to the Adidas Potomac Memorial next weekend!
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Gold loses 1-2 to SYC Thunder Blue in a Nail-biting Finish, Strong 2nd Half Defense Limits Alexandria Thunder to a 4–2 Win on Sunday. Wildcats Gold suffered a 2-1 defeat to the SYC Thunder Blue in an intense, up-tempo, and downright thriller. After giving up a goal less than a minute into the game (third time for the season), Gold settled down and played some solid defense. Both Allison and Christina (CW) were unflappable in their defensive roles and were able to neutralize any further first-half offensive threat from Thunder Blue. Thunder Blue exhibited great quickness, but Gold was equally as aggressive. The offense had a quiet first half with only 2 convincing shots on goal—a right footer from Keia that just sailed wide right and one from Caroline that was beautifully saved by Thunder Blue’s goalkeeper.
- The tempo picked up in the second half with both teams exhibiting great quickness and agility. Gold’s passing game came to life and its good ball distribution began to pose problems for Thunder Blue. The equalizer came 10 minutes into the second half when a well executed play, built from the defense up, created a well timed right-wing cross from CW that resulted in a run-on and tap-in for goal by Caroline. This appeared to energize Gold who exhibited great all-round play for the rest of the game that resulted in several shot opportunities. Even Gold’s parents and fans became excited and animated in the last 15 minutes of the game, but it was Thunder Blue who prevailed in the end with a goal in the last two minutes of the game. It was a great team effort, of which all -- players, parents, fans, and friends -- should be extremely proud.
- On Sunday, Wildcats Gold began its Patriot Park home match against Alexandria Thunder under a drizzling rain-threatening sky, but ready to thrill the crowd. Thunder was equally ready to put up a strong fight by scoring early into the game. The Gold players were determined to match that and Caroline skillfully scored the equalizer from 8 yards out. Defensive breakdowns by Gold complicated by a wet ball and field resulted in a flurry of first-half goals by Thunder. The first half ended with Gold down 4-1.
- Gold returned to the field for the second half after their enthusiastic cheer ready to score and ready to put up a strong defense against their opponents. Gold’s defense was alert and strong, the offense quick and nimble as they all exhibited a harmonious team effort in the 2nd half. Their second goal was realized when Brady scored off a corner kick by Ariana. The team was elated! They continued to attempt to score but were unable to. Gold put up a very strong defense in the 2nd half and limited the Thunder to the first-half scores. On to the Virginian for Memorial Day weekend!!!
May 3-4, 2008 -- Saturday Sweep, Sunday Split...
- The Academy goes 3 for 4 on the weekend....and winds up the weekend with a fun pool and pizza party....
- Blue Takes an Aggressive Vienna Side by "Storm" ... On a breezy but sunny Sunday afternoon, Blue traveled the short distance to Vienna to face a familiar opponent, the VYS Storm. The Storm is a strong, fast, and physical side, whose players are very proficient at making the most of a counter-attack. The Storm's kick-off was calculated to create an opportunity for their strong left side, and that it did, resulting in a quick corner for the home side and two shots on goals saved by Christina (Cookie). While the Storm looked to have the momentum from the first moments, the tide shifted about five minutes in as Blue found its stride and took control. With the diamond of Lili, Jessica, Kaitlyn, and Jennifer working the ball down the left side, supported by Charlotte (Bigfoot) and Sarah (Speedy) in the back, Blue began creating opportunities while maintaining possession, with Jennifer breaking through about seven minutes in and punching one by the Storm's keeper. Despite the Storm's game efforts to turn the tide back, Blue stepped up its attack, and created several more opportunities, keeping the Storm's keeper busy, until a beautiful cross by Lili allowed Sam (Sneaky) to tap a second score in, putting Blue up by 2 at the half (and making her the 7th Blue player to score over the weekend). Blue continued its possession game in the second half, and continued to create chances, with Sam, Lili, Kaitlyn, Jennifer, Jessica, Callie, Cookie, and others having shots either wide or saved by the Storm's keeper. Jessica increased the lead to 3 after winning a ball from a defender then calmly placing her shot outside the keeper's reach. While the Storm answered after finding a gap in Blue's defense, Kaitlyn -- moments after coming back from an injury -- took advantage of a miscalculation by the Storm's keeper to chip one over her head to find the back of the net and make it 4. The Storm looked to increase their tally to 2 in the waning moments with two great efforts, but, in what was easily the play of the game (according to her teammates!), Sarah's (Speedy) incredible speed and determination prevented the shot from a Storm breakaway effort, and Gilli's timely save in the last 5 seconds earned them both captain armbands for "play of the game." Kudos also must go to Bigfoot, for her tough defense against players twice her size; Hannah, for her great defensive play on the left side; Nancy (Zippy), for her well-played contributions to the passing game on the left side in the first half and her tough defense in the second half; and Callie, who won almost every 50-50 ball and gave 100% on the field (also earning her an armband).
- Gold Downed by NVSC Jr. Majestics 96 Blue 3-1. A confident Wildcats Gold suffered a 3-1 loss to an aggressive Majestics. Less than 1 minute into the game Majestics struck when a Gold defensive breakdown resulted in an easy tap in for goal. For much of the first half, Majestics kept up a blistering offensive attack, exhibiting aggression both on and off the ball. Gold was forced to play defense for most of the first half. Allison, Ariana and Virginia worked tirelessly in defense to prevent further goals. Abby had some great saves in goal before she was unfortunately kicked in the head by a Majestics offensive player going after a ball deemed a fifty-fifty ball by the referee. Abby left the field and had to be replaced in goal by Keia. Gold gave up their second goal from a set play just outside the penalty area. It was not until the last 2 minutes of the half that Gold generated some offense when Monica had a good run and shot on goal that sailed over the crossbar. Caroline quickly followed with a shot of her own that was beautifully saved by the Majestics keeper. Gold, however, finished the half down 2-0.
- It was apparent that Gold benefited from the halftime strategy session, as their offensive attack picked up steam in the second half. Monica and Leah had a series of give and go sequences, one of which resulted in a nice, easy finish by Leah who caught the Majestics keeper badly positioned. Caroline also had a few offensive opportunities, but Gold’s late offensive spark was not enough to prevent a 3-1 loss to the Majestics.
- Blue Shuts Out an Aggressive and Physical VISTA Platinum. On a sunny Saturday afternoon, Blue's momentum continued with a 6-0 shut out of the Vista Platinum. While the final tally might suggest an unevenly matched pairing, the Platinum were not a side that gave up easily, nor did they concede easy goals. Rather, they kept Blue on their toes, moving play quickly and allowing no time to rest on dead balls, despite the humid and sweltering day. Very thankful for the conditioning work they have put in over the last few weeks in particular, Blue too kept the pressure on, creating several opportunities in the first half (with several nice passing combinations among Jessica, Lili, Kaitlyn, Jennifer and Sarah (Speedy) in particular, with Jennifer having several nice 1v1 wins and timely crosses) before Jessica capitalized around the 6-minute mark. Speedy doubled the lead before the end of the half while testing out her form at forward, following a shot fumbled by the Platinum goalie and finding the net for her second goal of the season. Christina (Cookie) kept a clean first half goal, supported by strong defense by Charlotte (Bigfoot), Nancy (Zippy), Speedy, Gillian, and Callie.
- With Gilli in charge in the back for the second half showing great leadership, Blue continued to poke and prod at the Vista defense, and after creating several chances Jennifer found the back of the net with a bullet that zipped by the beleaguered Vista keeper. Lili, nicknamed the "Little Engine that Could" for the match, used her speed and agility to get by the Vista defense and create chance after chance.....while two goals were called back for offsides, she tallied one for Blue, with support from Jessica (including several very nice give-and-go plays) and Hannah. Hannah was the fifth Blue player to add to the mix, coming from the left and, with Lili and Kaitlyn's support, making it five, and Jessica closed out the scoring in the final minutes. Sam (Sneaky), Zippy, and Cookie contributed nicely to the passing combinations from the outside midfield positions (with Sam and Zippy both making very nice corner kicks), and Callie showed her usual speed and hustle. On to Vienna tomorrow, to face the always formidable VYS Storm....
- A Rested Gold Dominates LMVSA Patriots 96 in a Comfortable 4-2 Victory. After a week break from match play, a rested Gold dominated the game between LMVSA Patriots 96 with a comfortable 4-2 victory. Gold was clicking on all cylinders throughout the game. It began in the third minute when a midfield pass from Allison resulted in good run up the right wing by Ariana who produced a wonderful right footer that eluded the outstretched hands of the Patriots keeper and found the lower right corner of the goal. Although Patriots responded with a goal 5 minutes later, Gold kept up the offensive attack and had several opportunities. Monica, Allison, and D’Erika in the midfield created a string of outstanding passes that resulted in shot opportunities for Ariana and Kate. Kate had a few great shot-opportunities in quick succession. Her first shot barely went wide left and her second shot was beautifully saved by the Patriots keeper. Sweet redemption followed shortly thereafter when a midfield pass from Monica to Kate caught the Patriots keeper off her line, resulting in a beautiful finish by Kate. Before the half Gold had several other shot opportunities. Monica joined the action and had a few good shots from long range. The shot of the day, and indisputably the goal of the match, came when the Gold offensive players, well guarded by the Patriots defense, passed the ball back to Allison in defense. Allison unleashed an amazing long-range shot on goal from 25 yards out that ended up in the top left corner of the goal. It was a textbook display. Gold ended the half with a comfortable 3-1 lead.
- Both teams traded a goal in the second half, but Gold always looked in control. A beautiful display of shot passes at the 18 yard line yielded Gold’s fourth goal. At least 5 girls were involved in these passes before Ariana finally finished the play. It was obviously a sign of their confidence. The defense was not to be outdone. Allison, Virginia, and Ariana (when she played defense) offered solid defensive support. It was indeed a solid and commanding display by Gold. Go Wildcats!!!
April 19-20, 2008
- Blue Shuts Out SASA Fusion White. Surprisingly happy to be playing at home at Fairhill Elementary, Blue regained its form with a nicely played match against a very motivated and driven SASA Fusion White on Saturday. With forwards Jessica and Jennifer creating chances early, and defenders Nancy (Zippy), Charlotte (Bigfoot), Sarah (Speedy), and Hannah delaying and denying the Fusion, working hard to prevent the shot, Blue was able to put together some nice combinations and coordinate an attack. While Sam's (Sneaky) well-placed corner kicks created chances, it wasn't until she switched fields with a nicely placed through ball to Jessica right inside the box that Blue was able to breach the Fusion's goal. Blue doubled its lead when Kaitlyn sent a similar ball into Jessica, who neatly dispatched it again. Callie, with her hustle and speed, also created some nice first half opportunities, as did Lili. To the Fusion's credit, they never let up, and started the second half strong and physical. Despite the Fusion's efforts and counters, Blue's defense preserved the shut-out, with Bigfoot in particular making key tackles and preventing the shot, and Sneaky also stepping in at a critical moment with a clear. Kaitlyn added one more to Blue's tally when she took the ball, beat the defender, and placed her shot nicely low and outside, sneaking by the keeper. Christina (Cookie) almost made it 4 when she nearly knocked in from the left a wide far post shot, but missed by a millimeter. Kudos to Cookie and Gilli for a clean goal. Way to go, Wildcats! On to VISTA tomorrow, with fingers crossed that the weather holds....
- Gold Downed by CYA Chaos under Difficult Field Conditions. Under bright sunny skies, 78 degree temperatures, and a slight westerly breeze, Gold was set for a good day of soccer, but the CYA Chaos had other ideas. Like its sister team Blue encountered last weekend, Gold faced rugged field conditions (although the grass was mowed!), making it difficult for Gold's passing game to gain momentum. Eight minutes into the game, Chaos drew first blood. A defensive breakdown and an unlucky touch by the goalkeeper resulted in an easy tap-in by the Chaos. Gold responded 3 minutes later when a through ball from Christina (CW) resulted in indecision by the Chaos goalkeeper while coming out for the ball. Caroline was able to make a great interception and tap-in to an open goal. Chaos quickly responded with goal number 2 and defensive breakdowns by Gold resulted in a third goal before the half.
- Much of the second half was uneventful. Good regulation saves by goalkeeper Abby prevented further bleeding for Gold. It was not until the last 5 minutes of the game that Gold exhibited some offensive spark. Another great through ball by CW gave Monica a good opportunity but she was unable to get off a shot on goal. Leah quickly followed with a cross from the left wing to Keia, whose shot sailed over the goalpost. Gold threatened again with another left wing pass into Caroline but she was unable to penetrate the Chaos goalkeeper. It was Chaos who later sealed the game with a goal in the last minute of the game to defeat Gold 4-1.
- All in all, Gold played well under tough field conditions. Allison was solid in defense and exhibited great ball distribution. CW also exhibited great ball distribution and is slowly becoming a master of the long ball. A 1-2 Gold take on SYC Thunder Blue on Sunday April 27 during week 3 of the season.
April 12-13, 2008
- On Saturday, FPYC Wildcats Gold made good of a delayed season opener with a 2-1 win over the LMVSC Patriots 96 on Saturday. Gold scored late in the first half when Christina (CW) received a cross from Allison from about 30 yards out and was able to stave off the LMVSC pesky defense with a good run and tap in from 12 yards. Early in the second half, it was CW who scored again to put Gold up by 2. The LMVSC Patriots 96 responded quickly with a goal, but tenacious defense and solid overall team-play by Gold prevented them from finding the nets again. Gold threatened again late in the game but shots from CW and Brady sailed wide right, and one by Caroline went over the goal. CW exhibited outstanding play from both the offensive and defensive end of the field. Monica and Allison made a number of great crosses from the wings. Good mid-field play was also exhibited by Ariana and Kate, while Allison made some very good defensive stops in the second half. Overall, a very good team effort and a great start to the season by Gold.
- On Saturday, Gold's 4-0 loss to a physical PWSI Courage White is no indication of the grit and determination displayed by the team. Three of the 4 goals were on set plays from just outside the box. For the first 10 minutes of the game, time of possession clearly favored Gold, but fortunes changed when the goalkeeper stepped outside the goal area during a punt. The infraction yielded a goal for PWSI. Inspired by this goal, the PWSI offensive attack had more than 20 shots on goal which resulted in some fine saves in goal by Keia. PWSI managed 3 more goals by the half. A rejuvenated Wildcats Gold dominated the second half but was unable to find the back of the nets. Very good ball distribution by D’Erika, Monica and Christina in the midfield gave good opportunities to Caroline and Ariana who both had 3 shots each on goal, Brady who had 2 shots and Monica and D’Erika 1 shot each. A solid defensive effort was also exhibited by Virginia. It was a tough game, but Gold left it all on the field. Great team effort! Way to go Gold!!!
- Similarly, Blue's disappointing 2-1 loss Sunday versus the ODFC South Riding Storm does not reflect the effort made by the players on what were perhaps the most challenging field conditions they have ever faced. With the patchy, unmowed, tufted grass (interspersed with mud and bare spots) virtually shutting down the passing/possession game that Blue has worked hard to develop, it seemed like every time Blue had momentum they either were turned back by the unpredictable field conditions (which made the ball's path equally uncertain with every pass) or by the Storm's steady defense and keeper. The Storm scored first, when Christina's (Cookie's) game effort to pluck a corner kick from its trajectory allowed her a piece of it before it slipped through and a well-positioned Storm player knocked it in. Blue created opportunities and eventually answered in the second half, but a late game scramble in front of the goal in which the Storm knocked in a ball that got away from Gilli gave the home side the advantage. While dominating the last ten minutes or so, Blue was unable to find the net again. Blue hopes to find its rhythm against next week in two home matches against SASA and VISTA.
April 5-6, 2008
- On a two-game weekend where they were one of the few teams to get both their games in, Wildcats Blue traveled to Fredericksburg on Saturday, facing the very skilled FASA Impact White for the fourth time in a year. The first three times -- in the semi-finals at the Virginian and in the fall 2007 WAGS season -- the Wildcats fought hard and created opportunities, but walked away without a goal scored and with all the points ceded to a talented opponent. In a great team effort, the Wildcats ended that drought on Saturday. The Wildcats were the first to hit the net, when Jessica knocked in the first goal midway through. While the Impact answered before the half ended, Lili put the Wildcats up again 2-1 midway through the second half with a gorgeous shot from the left, buried in the upper right pocket. Down by one, the Impact showed in the final moments why they have been so successful, pressuring the Wildcats and relentlessly seeking the equalizer; tremendous defensive efforts by Charlotte (Bigfoot), Nancy (Zippy), Sarah (Speedy), and Kaitlyn prevented the shot, and some timely saves by Gilli kept the goal clean for over 29 minutes. Had the match been four seconds shorter, the Wildcats would have walked away with the win, but with a final corner taken in those last seconds, the Impact took advantage of a defensive breakdown to tie the game at 2 apiece. Congrats and kudos to all of the players for a well-played, enjoyable to watch match against a strong opponent.
- On Sunday, Blue faced a feisty MPS Challengers White on a wet Patriot Park turf field. Despite a rocky start and being down 0-1 at the half, Blue rallied and knocked 4 in during the second half, thanks to great plays and passing by Callie, Jessica, Kaitlyn, Lili, and Christina (Cookie) in particular. A strong defensive effort by Sarah (cutting short a breakaway effort) and solid goalkeeping by Cookie (who tipped away a sure goal in the first half) and Gilli (who, with great leadership in the back, kept a clean second half goal) preserved the win.
- Unfortunately, FPYC Wildcats Gold's game against the CYA Chaos was rained out this weekend, so their opening weekend is postponed a week. The U11 FPYC Wildcats Academy is off to a promising start and ready for an exciting WAGS season!
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