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2010 Virginian Lost and Found For the second year in a row, the weather for the Virginian soccer tournament was extremely cooperative. Though the skies threatened on occasion, most of the games were played in hot, dry weather on a beautifully manicured pitch. Overall, the Avalanche results weren't as good as had been hoped, but the beginning and end sure were fun. Read on.
It seems like the Avalanche goes up against this team every season and in every tournament. And it is true that, outside of the friendly confines of the SportsPlex, the Avs had never beaten this purple and black opponent. That all changed when Kaitlyn scored midway through the first half. With a one goal lead the team had to hold on defensively and continue to pour on the attack. The defense, led by Jennie and Dana, battled fiercely, and Alyssa's offense continued to put pressure on the other side. Taylor had one of her best games ever as she raced all over the attacking third and challenged for the ball consistently. A huge win to start the tournament.
The Avalanche heart got lost somewhere between the heat and the second game of the tournament. What seemed to come easily earlier in the day was now a complete struggle. The Avalanche couldn't muster much of an attack and the defense struggled to hold back the threatening opponent. Were it not for Shelby's brilliant goalkeeping the deficit would have grown much greater, much faster. Credit must be given to the DAM Timberwolves as their even spacing and collective play confounded our girls at every turn. After their brilliant first match, the light blue clad Avs had no energy, no strength left to give and fell, 1-0. Still, their destiny remained in their own hands.
Based on the results from the previous games, a win would have put the Avalanche in first place in their group, and a tie would have put them in second place. A loss would mean fourth/last place, but that was almost unthinkable. Well, perhaps we should have thought a little harder. The Avalanche remained lost for a second game. The game started out with about ten minutes of good rush from the Avalanche attack. The chances were there, but the finishes were not. And, once OC United scored on a beautiful, arcing shot, the wind went completely out of the light blue sails. Down just 1-0 at half time, the first five minutes of the second half proved to be their undoing as the Avalanche were eliminated from contention, 3-1. A bright spot in the match came when Allyson raced down the left flank and made a beautiful cross that was finished by Kaitlyn.
Frankly, I didn't know what to say to my team after the disappointment of the third match, and that's when they found themselves again. Sure, they probably looked a little silly with their second half kickoff routine. But that's what made them happy, and they needed to feel good and happy on the soccer field again. Emma played keeper; Ashley , Goose,and Anna attacked; Sammy swept; Holly stopped; Steph played central. Virtually all of the girls played out of their normal, comfortable positions and loved every minute of it! It was a treat to watch, and it reminded me of the first seasons coaching this wonderful team. Let's hope we can continue to find that spirit for the remainder of the Spring. After going scoreless again, but finishing with a tie, one of the girls noted that they play so much better when they are having fun. Amen. Think snow! | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
