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Fall 2011 - Game 8 Finally, A Break
On a crisp fall morning, you could just tell that the Avalanche had completely shaken off their malaise from the day before. Their warmup seemed more energetic, and it didn't hurt to have two extra players to start the game. Think of that luxury for a minute, even two extra players gives a coach a chance to rest girls who have tirelessly served in every game, all game. This was old school Avalanche with the midfield, led by Sammy completely having their way. Jillian, Danielle, Alyssa, and Hailey seemed a half step quicker, and they were up against some sizeable opponents, too. Anna, continuing to progress in a defensive midfield role, was clearly inserting herself into the attack as well. And the defenders were not just holding their own, Goose, Ashley, and Erin were clearly and definitively playing with authority. While Jennie was once again solid in the net, her defensive mates were the story as their powerful and accurate clearances ignited the rest of the team.
So the score at halftime was 5-0 in favor of the Avalanche, right? No. 2-0? No. 1-0? No. It was 0-0. How could that be? Well, perhaps the futility on corner kicks best exemplified what was happening. On at least three of the set pieces the Avalanche had five chances to score. This is in no way an exaggeration. To witness it was almost unbelievable. It seemed as though the FASA Fury Premiere had an extra invisible defender of the exact dimensions of the frame of the goal. We just, simply, could not score.
Well, finally, in this season of tough breaks the Avalanche got one of their own. Late in the match, Caris broke through the defense. Instead of taking an early shot, as has been our tendency, she kept the ball and forced the keeper to commit. Textbook stuff, really, and it paid off. The shot blistered the back of the net, and the Avalanche got a deserved, if not completely satisfying tie. Perhaps during the indoor season we'll remember what it's like to have an easy match. So far this season, we have yet to have one. Think snow! |
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