Rough Play At The Collegiate Level.

OK folks, you think Sodium plays rough once in awhile? Check out New Mexico's defender vs BYU.




THE OUTCOME

New Mexico player banned, apologizes

ESPN.com news services

New Mexico women's soccer defender Elizabeth Lambert has been suspended indefinitely after engaging in rough play -- including hauling an opposing player to the ground by her pony tail -- in the Lobos' 1-0 loss to BYU in the Mountain West Conference semifinals.
Lambert is prohibited from taking part in practices, games and conditioning, coach Kit Vela announced Friday.
"Liz is a quality student-athlete, but in this instance her actions clearly crossed the line of fair play and good sportsmanship," Vela said.
Video footage of the game shows Lambert, a junior, committing a series of excessively rough plays, including kicking, tackles, a forearm shiver to the back -- in response to an elbow to the ribs -- and yanking BYU forward Kassidy Shumway to the ground by her hair.
Lambert was assessed a yellow card during the 76th minute, apparently for tripping.
On Friday, Lambert apologized for her actions, saying she was "deeply and wholeheartedly regretful."
"I let my emotions get the best of me in a heated situation. I take full responsibility for my actions and accept any punishment felt necessary," Lambert said. "This is in no way indicative of my character or the soccer player that I am. I am sorry to my coaches and teammates for any and all damages I have brought upon them.
"I am especially sorry to BYU and the BYU women's soccer players that were personally affected by my actions. I have the utmost respect for the BYU women's soccer program and its players."
The Mountain West said it endorsed New Mexico's discipline of Lambert, saying her actions violated the conference's sportsmanship policy. The conference said it would continue an internal review of "the overall dynamic involved in the match" and said it would not comment further.
"Liz's conduct on the field against BYU was completely inappropriate," said Paul Krebs, New Mexico's vice president for athletics. "There is no way to defend her actions."
BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe, in a news release, said Krebs had contacted him after the incident.
"It's an unfortunate incident that occurred in the game Thursday afternoon," Holmoe said. "The University of New Mexico and the Mountain West Conference have reviewed the situation and have acted appropriately ... I am pleased with his immediate response to the matter."
New Mexico (13-5-3) was the No. 4 seed in the tournament. Top-seeded BYU (17-2-2), ranked No. 17 in the NCSAA/adidas College Soccer Women's Top 25, advanced to the tournament final against San Diego State with the win.
The Cougars scored the game's lone goal on a Carlee Payne header off a direct kick in the 31st minute.

GO SODIUM!!

Fall league complete, bring on OPL!

With the much anticipated Keizer game rescheduled until Spring, the fall season has come to a close for Sodium. It did end on a high note with the decisive defeat of the Sherwood squad. Remember, the Spring league will be the one that counts towards State Cup standings and placement!

Starting 11/7/09 with a doubleheader, OPL League!

With games against OSA Inferno [1st place, Division 1 bracket] and PCU Impact [5th place, Silver bracket] on Saturday, the lady warriors should break out of the gate hot and take the momentum right to LOSC Extreme on Sunday. Sodium is anticipating a semi final match at Sunset HS on 11/15 but can never take their opponents for granted. Hard work, conditioning and plenty of rest will be needed to ensure they will bring their "A" game to the pitch.

Looking forward to a great weekend of soccer!

The Details;
Saturday 11/7
Sodium vs OSA Inferno @ 1:30pm - PCC #2
Sodium vs PCU Impact @ 7:30pm - PCC #2
Sunday 11/8
Sodium vs LOSC Extreme @ Noon - Tigard HS

High atop the stands Sodium faithful will be screaming; GO SODIUM!!

Week 8 Recap

This week in the U14 Gold bracket we found a a little more action. More goals and a couple surprises.

Recap;

Saturday
LOSC Extreme 2 vs. FC Portland 1
SSC 95 Hotspur 1 vs. OR Rush 1

Sunday
ESUFC Arsenal 0 vs. OR Rush 1
Sherwood Force 0 vs. THUSC Sodium 4
SSC Hotspur 0 vs. USA Hotshots 0
FC Portland 0 vs. EMFC Magic 3

Game notes;
Saturdays games were puzzling to me. I would have thought that LOSC would have posted a few more goals against last place FC Portland and I would have loved to see the Hotsur, Rush tie. I bet that was a heck-of-a game. Sunday found the always improving Arsenal squad giving Rush all they can handle and the now revitalized Magic pounding FC Portland. Sodium took care of business against Sherwood [more on this later] and another SSC game I would have liked to see, a tie with Hotshots.

Bracket Standings
OR Rush [17 pts]
THUSC Sodium [13 pts]
EMFC Magic [13 pts]
SSC Hotspur [11 pts]
USA Hotshots [10 pts]
LOSC Extreme [10 pts]
Sherwood Force [6 pts]
ESUFC Arsenal [5 pts]
FC Portland [4 pts]

Bracket Notes;
With only 2 weekends of play left and 2 teams finished, here is my prediction for how the top 4 will shake out. Keep in mind, my opinion and very unscientific.
#1 - OR Rush 95G Nike
I am assuming they will have no problems with Sherwood and based on how both teams are playing, will give them the nod and the win over LOSC.
#2 - THUSC Sodium
The lady warriors have really started coming together in the last games. With a confidence builder this weekend, they will take this momentum into the last game.
#3 - This is where it is going to get tough. But sticking with the predictions I have already made, I am going to give this spot to EMFC Magic. I had Hotshots tied here as well but since they play Sodium and then Arsenal [who they tied 10/25] I am going to have to give it to Magic on points differential.
#4 - USA Hotshots [See above]

Notes from the sidelines;
Sodium really brought to FC Last week [unable to finish] and to Sherwood this week. It is really fun to watch the patience, the communication and the attack when they are firing on all cylinders. The Sherwood keeper did a great job of keeping Sherwood in the game, it could have easily been a much higher score.
The attack built up from the opening whistle. A slow methodical start as each team was getting the feel for the opponent. Towards the end of the first half Lexi Frey penetrated the Force defense from her left back position. Lexi lofted a shot that glanced off the cross bar to where a waiting Hannah Lautenbach punched it in for the first score! Welcome back Hannah, you were missed!. Several shots later the whistle blew and half-time ascended on a beautiful November morning.
After the half the lady warriors came out hot and began an relentless attack. Shot after shot as the Sodium defense and mids controlled the tempo, and the game. Marisa Reid drove the ball into the box, ripped a cross where a hustling MAC Kearney took the deflection and found the far post for a 2-0 Sodium lead! The bundled up crowd went nuts! As they have been instructed, the Sodium team was not about to let Sherwood back in. Lexi again found herself driving the ball deep down the left side, this time she checked off the defender and launched a bar to the far post where Jadyn McMillan was waiting to head it in!! The stands went wild! Sodium was really beginning to ignite! With minutes left the never selfish team player Jill Farley drove the ball in left, crossed right where Jadyn ripped a left foot into the net for her second and a 4-0 Sodium win! This was a break out game for Sodium, they needed to this one to build confidence as we start OPL league play 11/7. Let's keep up the momentum ladies and have a great showing at OPL!

Next up:
DOUBLEHEADER!!
11/7 - PCC Rock Creek. 4:30pm vs USA Hotshot & 7:30pm vs PCU Impact [OPL]

Rest up Sodium, it's going to be a fun night!

GO SODIUM!!

Week 7 Recap

To recap this weeks games I will..."yawn"...oh, sorry. I will have to say there wasn't a lot of excitement. Or better yet, all the excitement was stored up until the very last game!!

The Recap;

Saturday
EMFC 95 Magic 0 vs SSC 95 Hotspur 0
FC Portland 0 vs THUSC Sodium 0
Sherwood Force 0 vs USA Hotshots 3

Sunday
USA Hotshots 0 vs ESUFC Arsenal 0
OR Rush 95G Nike 1 vs SSC 95 Hotspur 2

Bracket Standings
OR Rush [13 pts]
THUSC Sodium [10 pts]
EMFC Magic [10 pts]
USA Hotshots [9 pts]
SSC Hotspur [9 pts]
LOSC Extreme [7 pts]
Sherwood Force [6 pts]
ESUFC Arsenal [5 pts]
FC Portland 4 pts]

Bracket Notes:
With so many games left it is still pretty up for grabs. Although, if teams are going to make a move, they better do it now! Magic with 10 points only has 1 game remaining where Arsenal & Rush have 4, FC Portland 5. With LOSC going to Cali and missing 2 games, they are really at a disadvantage given they only have 2 games left for a total of 7. Sodium could conceivably max out at 16 points by winning their last 2 games but with Rush having 4 left; will probably have to settle for second place. The dark horse would be Hotshots. If they win out the fall they could capture the bracket lead. In doing so they would have to go through Sodium, Hotspur (playing well right now) and a much improved Arsenal squad. A daunting task.

Notes from the sidelines;

The take-a-ways from Saturdays tie with FC Portland are important.
First, Sodium created great opportunities. Sodium had many, many chances to score. Keep building those opportunities and the goals will come.
Second, Sodium can score from everywhere. The mids started looking at the net instead of passing this match. I know Laura Camp had at least 3 attempts herself and Jill had at least 2. Keep that up and the shots will fall (or at least a forward will be there to mop up!).
Third, the defense is starting to rise up. This fall Sodium is tied with bracket leading Rush in goals allowed with only 3. Saturday, Taylor Luty didn't get an opportunity to stop a shot in the first half, and only got to stop one in the second. Thank goodness the defense passes back to her.
Fourth, Sodium has got to finish, finish, finish. Just keep creating those great opportunities and they will fall.

I was a little disappointed to see the low turnout of Sodium players at the high school practice Sunday evening. You can tell who is rising up and playing their best since 4 of the 5 starting defenders were there. The practice consisted mainly of finishing drills, would have been nice to have some mids and forwards there to work on it. We only had 4 show up I think. It's about commitment ladies. When you are struggling in a particular area it is important to understand what is going wrong and work on correcting it.

I don't think our inability to put the ball in the net is cause for concern though. Look at the U12 season when Sodium went on to win the State Championship, we didn't win a game in October of that season and had such a 'peaks and valley' season it was hard to watch. This year we recognize our talent level and know what we are capable of. Keep working hard and creating those great opportunities and the shots will fall. I think the flood gates are going to open soon and when they do, and when Sodium gets a taste of a few blowouts, watch out!!

From under an umbrella at the 18-yard box, Sodium faithful yell; GO SODIUM!!

Project Warm Up

Many thanks to the Sodium team members and parents who volunteered their time this morning at Project warm up! As you can see the place was packed!









T and T - there DYNOMITE!!

Taylor Coon and Taylor Moscoe lend a helping hand at this years event checking out and bagging much needed clothing for families in the community.

Yet another example of Sodium "Giving Back".

Way to go girls!

GO SODIUM!!

High School Play

I was fortunate to watch Sunset vs Southridge last night and wanted to share some observations from that game.
A) They spread the field. Very rarely do you see two players occupying the same space unless they are involved in a double-team. When a player has the ball, her teammates create avenues for her to pass them the ball; i.e. they take off running in anticipation of a lead pass. They don't stand there and look at her, waiting for a pass, they create a situation where a pass to them will create an opportunity for advancement.
B) Speed of play. These girls play fast. When there is a throw in, BANG it's in! When there is a free kick, BANG, the ball is down and advancing. Every possession by the midfielder the forwards would turn to goal and streak in anticipation of a lead pass. They would cross, trying to create confusion on the defense. But mainly, they wouldn't stand around waiting. They ran to create opportunities.
C) Communication. These girls never stopped chattering for 80 minutes. The defense & keeper, the mids, the forwards. Always let each other know where they were and what they were doing. This gave the girl with the ball knowledge of every option available. When the defender had her back to the field, all the other defenders let her know where the pressure was. If a mid had the ball, the forwards took off and the defenders let her know who was open. It was pretty cool to listen too really.
D) Purpose. With very few exceptions, every pass, whether it got there or not, was intended for another player. Other than when there was action in front of the goal and it needed to be cleared, every possession had the purpose of starting a break to goal. If a defender had the ball, the left & right mids flared out and the center broke free. Once the mid had the ball the forwards would cross, check and run or whatever. They were trying to create a situation where the mid could feed them a pass as they broke to goal. Often I have watched our forwards stand there and wait for a pass from the mids.
D) Physical. These girls know how to use their bodies. I would have to say the best team we have faced that used their bodies for positioning was LOSC. They stepped in front of us and had position all day long. The best girls who do this that should be copied on our team are Jill Farely, KJ & Emmy. I don't know if that's something they teach at ODP but it is surely something ALL our girls need to adopt.

These were just a few helpful hints I wanted to pass on from the game last night. And, by the way, Sunset won 1-0. I wouldn't have added that but I'm an Alumni so, well, you know.

GO SODIUM!!

Desire | Commitment | Team

This is a reprint of a post from the U13 season. Posted April 30th, 2009. A lot has happened in 6 months, but I felt this is just as important now as it was back then.

This will be the last post prior to the first Quarter Final game. I want to take this opportunity to address what it means and what it takes to be, not only a Championship caliber, but any, team. These are the opinions of a former coach and athlete.

Desire The player wants to be there. Period. You will never develop an athlete who's parents pushed him/her into a sport. They have to love it and desire to be the best and contribute to the success of the team. This desire will push them to give 100% in practice and thus, perform at that same level during the game. You play like you practice. A player with this desire doesn't complain that the coach is pushing them too hard, that they had to run an extra lap or another flight of stairs. Players with this desire push themselves and their teammates because they know it is for their own good, It will make them faster, stronger, better.

Commitment To be an effective part of any team, all players need to be committed. Committed to the success of the team. If that means getting physical & rough at practice because that is the type of opponent you face, then so be it. There should never be a question. Your opponent will never back down from you, your teammates shouldn't either. Commitment means being to practice on time and working your behind off while you're there. Commitment means practicing good nutrition and getting plenty of sleep because if you don't, you run the risk of not playing to the level you need to be at and the team expects. It means doing whatever it takes. A player who is not willing to commit 100% to the team, should not be on the team.

Team [taken from July 1st, 2008 post titled: Team] ~ noun

1. a number of persons forming one of the sides in a game or contest: a soccer team.
2. a number of persons associated in some joint action: a team of players.
3. a number of persons joined together in unison to achieve a common goal: to win.
4. a number persons committed to their coach and each other, giving 100% to be the best they can, day after day, game after game: Sodium.

To be part of a team is a great achievement. To be part of a championship team is an outstanding accomplishment. What that means is that you have fought together, sacrificed together and won together. You have developed a bond that few realize and even fewer recognize. These are your sisters. You are solders doing battle on a field of green. When you step onto the field this weekend or any weekend, look into your teammates eyes and see the look of a warrior. A Lady Warrior. Sodium.

Your fans will be screaming our heads off; GO SODIUM!

Week 6 Recap

Well, it certainly was interesting this weekend to say the least. Here is a recap of the games in week 6;

Saturday
THUSC Sodium 0 vs LOSC Extreme 0
EMFC 95 Magic 0 vs OR Rush 95G Nike 1
USA Hotshots 1 vs Sherwood Force 0

Sunday
Sherwood Force 1 vs SSC 95 Hotspur 3
LOSC Extreme 2 vs USA Hotshots 1
ESUFC Arsenal 2 vs THUSC Sodium 1

Bracket Standings
OR Rush [13 pts] - 5 games remaining
EMFC 95 Magic [9 pts] - 2 games remaining
THUSC Sodium [9 pts] - 3 games remaining
LOSC Extreme [7 pts] - 4 games remaining
Sherwood Force [6 pts] - 4 games remaining
SSC 95 Hotspur [5 pts] - 4 games remaining
USA Hotshots [5 pts] - 5 games remaining
ESUFC Arsenal [4 pts] - 5 games remaining
FC Portland A GU14 Platinum [3 pts] - 5 games remaining

Bracket Notes
With so many games remaining it looks like the bracket is still wide open. For example, if FC wins out and OR Rush falls off the map, FC would have enough points to be #1. So, as we saw this weekend, anything can happen.

Notes from the sidelines
Here's where it gets kinda ugly. After Sodium fell to Arsenal last night Tom had a few choice words for the girls. But before I go into that I have to say 'Hats off' to Arsenal. They flat out beat us. They out-hustled us, they out-played us, and they deserved the victory hands down. The Arsenal team we played last night would have beat the LOSC team we faced Saturday in my opinion. OK, on to the business at hand.

Tom recapped this weekend like this;
1) Sodium is not playing as a team right now, they are playing like individuals. At one given time there are 7 girls playing and 3 taking a break. That is where the collapse is happening. We should never have players taking a break.
2) We got out prepared. Arsenal obviously put in the time & effort in preparation and we did not. We cannot think that just because we are Sodium, we automatically get the W. Doesn't work that way. We need to prepare HARDER, LONGER and get better every day BECAUSE we are Sodium.
3) Disappointment. We have yet to play to our potential since Burlington, WA. Why?

Please think about what Tom said lady warriors.

Ask yourself: Are you taking a break on the field? Are you playing to the best of your abilities or just sliding by? When you get beat, do you give up and watch or bust your butt to get the ball back? Are you practicing 'Team Defense' or just playing your position? Are you playing with the ball and loosing it or are you making 2 or 3 good touches and passing with purpose? In practice, are you working to get better or looking forward to the end of practice? When we came off the field last night were you thinking "What could I have done better?" or "Where are we stopping for dinner?" Those things will separate the players from the posers.

Up Next;
Sodium is scheduled to face LOSC again on 10/25 but I believe LOSC is going to be playing in a tournament in California. Best of luck LOSC. I did notice that FC Portland doesn't play on 10/25. Maybe arrange a friendly at the same field using the same ref's?

The E*A*T defense holds off another LOSC attack!

* picture sent in by LOSC team manager Joe Donlon. Thanks for the great action shot!

Until next time: GO SODIUM!!