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Spring 2009 Pre-Season A Cold and Hot Start Unlike many travel teams, the Avalanche played on throughout the winter of 2008/09. Since November, the team has competed in two tough indoor sessions, played in an overnight tournament, and practiced once per week, In addition, each girl worked on her own personal fitness by exercising 4-5 times per week. Finally, on this day the team returned to the outdoor pitch.
Our first Spring 2009 pre-season match-up opened on a nice field in the Plains against the newly promoted D1 Vista FC Fury. But right from the beginning the Avalanche looked like the stronger side. A bit crisper, maybe half of a step faster, the girls in blue seemed to control the play for most of the afternoon. You could see some signs of rust, but that's why we schedule pre-season games. Increased coordination between players and units will come as the team gets used to the increased space and timing of outdoor play. Goalkeeping again appears to be a strength for the young team. Both  Shelby and Kaitlyn made confident plays and they appear to be more comfortable coming well off their line to shorten the field. And defense, of course, looks like it's going to be a hallmark again as Ashley, Anna, Dana, Nicole, JPeg, and Goose looked very solid. Several times during the game individual defenders pushed well into the attacking half--something picked up from indoor play and an encouraging sign.Perhaps the most outstanding aspect of the performance in this match was the power shown by the midfield and attack. Shots are coming from everywhere and they seem to have the zip required of soccer at higher levels. This aspect of the team was evident indoors, but I wasn't sure how it would translate. Preliminary observations are excellent, and we're only going to get stronger. Goals by Kaitlyn, Sammy, and Alyssa were all well and intelligently struck. But the rush came from Tyla, Holly, Steph, Allyson, Taylor, and Shelby, too. Even the team's corner kicks--an important part of their offensive strategy--seem to overflow with scoring potential. Finishing, one area the team must improve to remain competitive, seems to be on the right track.
As I said back in November, we are just getting started. Think snow. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
