US Club Nationals - Day 1 Results

The lady warriors took the field this morning against the Nations #1 ranked team, Arsenal FC, as the opening day of the US Club Nationals commenced.
Sodium knew they would be in for a battle as the scouting was deadly accurate; speed and physical play will rule the day.
The hot wind blew off the Atlantic as play got underway. At the beginning you could tell Sodium might have been a little intimidated but that quickly vanished as soon as the first body check was given, the firast elbow thrown. Back & forth the battle raged. Taylor Luty would earn her keep today even though the Arsenal shots were few they were laser percise. Ground pounding action all half long as their was no real team that dominated. They were very evenly matched.
The second started off as the first has ended, very hard fought, smash-mouth play from both squads. Then, as we approached the midway mark, an arsenal forward penetrated down the right side and crossed a pass to the far post where it was walked in. Backside help has been the Achilles Heel for Sodium all year and it proved their downfall once again. Within 2 minutes Arsenal lined up a corner kick from the left side. High it flew to the net as Taylor skied but the ball was just out of reach. Again, no backside help as the Arsenal forward was standing there to walk the ball into the net.
Not to be taken lightly the lady warriors stood at mid-field, ready for battle. They pushed and pushed but were unable to break the plane. On one occasion Lexi Frey had a break-a-way, was leading into the 18-yard box when the defender tackled her from behind sending head-over-heels to the turf. No call. These ref's aren't as bad as in Washington but both the Sodium fans and the Arsenal fans had a few chuckles over todays effort. The whistle blew and the Sodium squad was handed a 2-0 defeat.

Don't hang your heads ladies, this is a great team you just played. You hung with them 65 of the 70 minutes. You played hard. Sodium needs to really focus on helping their teammates out. Backside help NEEDS to be a priority of future discussions. You'can't leave your team hanging out like that.

Up Next:

Century United FC Pittsburgh @ 9:00 AM
[Century was beat by Sunday's opponent 3-0]

Soaking in suntan lotion we yell: GO SODIUM!!

Scouting Report

I have been doing a little scouting of the competition in Virginia Beach. Our first game may prove to be the toughest. [Seems to be a familiar theme these days!]

We play Arsenal FC from So Cal. They beat the So Cal Blues to get here. I asked Scott Hall to give me a breakdown since the twins team, WCFC, play them. Here is his report;

"Arsenal from Temecula Ca. is the team that beat us in a shoot out in the [So Cal State Cup] semi's. They advanced and we made the top four in So. Cal. We hate them, and they hate us. They are so physical and fast. My guess is that they are about 80% Native American/ Hispanic mix, and play pissed off. They set the tempo with my Twins, knocked them both to the turf, and it was on!!!
Respect them, but DO NOT BE INTIMIDATED BY THEM...That is their game plan."

So, it sounds like Keizer with a tan to me.

Play our game, control the ball and the tempo, let them get pissy and burn themselves out and we walk away with a win. Simple.

Safe travels everyone and we'll see you at the beach! [Virginia that is!]

GO SODIUM!!

Believe...

There are certain moments or events in every persons life that define who they are, and who they will become. Sunday was one of those moments for Sodium.
The 11 remaining Sodium players, battle-scarred and exhausted, took the field that morning to take on ESUFC Arsenal. Arsenal brought their 1-1-1 record to the field looking for a victory and a possible chance at the Flight A top spot. Sodium, with nothing to lose, was playing for pride and looking to be the spoiler.
The warm-up was lead by assistant coach Niki Brooks. We spoke personnel and positions. 'How will we get the most out of every position?" We settled on what got Sodium to where they are today, the basics. We planned out the personnel on a 3-4-3 set. Niki told the girls she wanted them to come out fast and score within the first 5 minutes. If we get up by 3 then you can basically play where you want, was the promise. She fired them up but most importantly, she told them, was to have fun.
As the thermometer was climbing up, so was the determination on the faces of the Sodium players. They knew this was going to be a battle, they knew they didn't have any subs on the bench, they knew they were running on pure guts and determination and emotion. They knew what had to be done.
From the opening whistle the Arsenal squad had one directive, to wear down the lady warriors by whatever means possible. They tried boot-ball and that didn't work. They tried running the girls with breaks and long passes. Sodium shut them down. Finally, they resorted to playing a little dirtier than I have seen them play. Every time our forwards would get the ball, they went down, hard. Every ball in the air the Sodium mids had someone climbing their backs. Even our defenders were taking cheap shots. And even when they were down, most with tears in their eyes, they never stayed down. They are warriors. They got up, dusted themselves off and as if to say; "Is that all you got?" would nod to us on the sidelines, 'I'm OK.' and you can bet they were.
The first half ended a 0-0 deadlock. On the sidelines the girls laid down and re-hydrated with water and wet towels. Jesse James gave Sodium a much needed lesson on communication and pep talks were given to boost emotions. We noted that the Arsenal keeper likes to challenge and kept coming way out of the box to slide tackle. Keep that in the back of your minds forwards, it could come in handy.
As the whistle blew the Sodium team knew they had seen the best ESUFC had to dish out, and now the only thing left for them to do, was score.
The play again was hard fought. Both teams had had time to rest, but who would outlast who was the question. The Arsenal squad would sub at every opportunity to keep fresh legs in game. But, as with all great players, they listened at half. They applied what they had heard and slowed the play down with control, communication and solid passes. Play was winding down to the 15 minute mark and from the bench we could see that the lady warriors were now running on pure adrenalin and emotion. Something had to give. That was when KJ broke free down the left side. she was taking punishment from two defenders who she quickly beat and sure enough, the ESUFC keeper came charging out. As any great student of the game KJ applied what she had learned and chipped the ball. It deflected off the keepers shoulder and toward the goal. Mac Kearney had been in the keepers face all day and now she found herself again, deep in the box. But this time there was no keeper and she finished the ball into the net! The players were so exhausted there was barely any celebration. Methodically the made there way to the line. Niki had said in the pre-game that if we get up and are tired that players could swap a couple positions and center forward could drag back to help out the mids. And that is exactly what Sodium did and it paid off nicely as they shut the Arsenal down for the remaining 12 minutes. As the whistle blew and the tears welled up, you could see in the faces of the lady warriors that they had nothing left, the tanks were empty.
What an absolute testament to the heart each and every one of these players possess and to the teams conditioning & training regiment. I challenge any other team to accomplish the things these athletes accomplished on the field today.

Congratulations Sodium on digging deeper than you thought you could, and finding what you didn't know you had.

You are true competitors, true champions.

Horsely I will continue to yell; GO SODIUM!

Outnumbered but not outmatched

The opening day of the Oswego Nike Cup proved to nothing short of expectations as great soccer was played on nearly every field.
The defending State Champion and tournament host LOSC Extreme met with our very own team Sodium to start the days festivities. The fact that Sodium was down 3 starters and only had a roster of 12 didn't diminish the determination or confidence of the lady warriors. LOSC was first on the attack with flurry right out of the gate but the sturdy Sodium defense would not budge under the pressure. The play was fast and physical but contained to the mid-field as Kelly, Taylor C, Lexi and Moscoe were flexing their defensive muscles. Great keeper play on both ends brought the first half to a close in a 0-0 deadlock.
The second half started out with a bang as the Extreme launched an attempt from about 40-yards that was gobbled up but Taylor Luty who had an outstanding game. This would be just the tip of what was to come. As the first half was mainly defense, the second was all offense. KJ, Mac, Marisa & Eli were getting great feeds from Erika, Aliyah and Jadyn all day. Late in the second half an Extreme forward drove deep down the left side and in traffic, her cross finished into the net by a diving right side forward to give LO a 1-0 lead with about 7 minutes remaining.
One thing I admire about the 09/10 squad is their ability to calmly and efficiently assess the situation and get the job done. I almost like to see them behind because it brings to the surface a businesslike air. Confidently the lady warriors strode to the midfield stripe. They knew what they needed to do. They had been here before. KJ barked a couple of instructions to the offense, Taylor barked a couple of instructions to the defense, and the game was on. The whistle blew and you could almost immediately see the change. The passing was crisp, there was no rush, communication was evident. A couple of corner kicks placed brilliantly by Moscoe were just shy of the mark as the Sodium team crashed the box. Taylor M even lined up a free kick that Jadyn just missed as she flew in for the header at the far post. Then, with under 4 minutes remaining another free kick was awarded to Sodium. From over 30-yards out Lexi came up from left back as the lady warriors took their offensive positions. She lined it up and let it fly. The entire Sodium team crashed into the 6-yard box as the kick soared just over the finger tips of the Extremes very talented keeper and into the net! The sidelines erupted as the team mobbed Lexi on the field. As play resumed you knew LOSC was anything but done. Again they started their attack, but just as they had done all game, Kelly P and Taylor C put relentless pressure on LOSC's all star forward, Chloe, and shut her down. She is one of the most physical forwards in Oregon and Kelly and Taylor pounded her all game and would not let her get just a crease. Otherwise, the outcome could have been much different. But in the end the Sodium defense would not bend and the final remained a 1-1 tie.

These 12 warriors took the field and would not be denied. They didn't let anything stand in their way. Not the records, not the hype, nothing. They were given specific instructions by Tom and their execution was flawless.

Tourney Notes;
Surprisingly, most of today's games ended in ties. Here are the breakdowns. Teams total points are bracketed.
EMFC 95 Magic[1] 1-1 Columbia Timbers GU14 Red[1]
Placer United Prestige 96 Gold[1] 0-0 Emerald City F95 Green[1]
LOSC Extreme[1] 1-1 THUSC Sodium[1]
SSC 95 Hotspur[2] 2-2 FC Portland Platinum[1]
EMFC 95 Magic[1] 0-2 ESUFC Arsenal[3]
SSC 95 Hotspur 1-1 Oregon Rush U14 G Nike[1]

Up Next
9:15 @ Field #14 vs EMFC 95 Magic

Keep hydrated lady warriors!

GO SODIUM!

A daunting task on the horizon

Today starts Oswego Cup. Lady warriors you are asked to take on a formidable foe. Know that even though you will be small in numbers [12], you are large in desire. Large in heart, skill and relentless in your pursuit of perfection. You are prepared for the task before you. Remember the movie 300? A small band of Spartans stood in the face of unbelievable odds and rose victorious. And so shall you, Sodium.
Know that the player next to you will be sacrificing everything she has for the team and that you will be called on to do the same. She will have your back, and you hers. You will be called upon to give everything you have and nothing less.

The time has come to call upon the team. A team of warriors who have battled to victory on many occasions, who rise up to play their best and give their all. Now is that time Sodium. Now is time for battle.

* Remember OSU vs USC?
* Remember Appalachian State vs Michigan?
* Remember the USA Hockey Team vs USSR?

Let's give them something to remember today!

Your faithful followers will be behind you and encouraging you all the way. Give it all you've got and you will be victorious.

12 players. 60 minutes. 100 percent. United we stand.

GO SODIUM!!

SODIUM INVITED TO NATIONAL TOURNAMENT!

As with all great teams Sodium was recognized by US Club Soccer and invited to attend the 2009 US Club Soccer National Tournament in Virginia Beach, VA!

With the tournament only a few short weeks away the girls have no time to raise funds on their own. So, we the faithful followers, parents and fans are trying our hands at attracting corporate sponsorships & donations.
All donations and sponsorships are TAX DEDUCTIBLE! since THUSC is a 501(3)c non-profit.

Currently we are involved in contacting several Oregon companies to help the girls defer some of the costs.

Sodium is honored to be the youngest Oregon girls team to be invited to a National Tournament.

To donate please drop me an email and I will pass your information on to the team manager for a direct reply. Honestly, any amount of a donation will be so greatly appreciated and not only will it it help the team, but it will show support for Oregon in the tournament.

Email me here.

Again, thank you all so much for your support and helping make our teams dreams come true.

Proudly we say "Thank You" and; GO SODIUM!!

Staying Healthy During Down Time

Hey team,

Looks like we have had a few team members being taken to the doctors office after the Regionals trip. Let's be extra cautious over the next few weeks so all are at 100% come Oswego Cup.

Stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, practice good nutritional habits, get plenty of rest [did I mention rest?]

I'm sure the unsavory weather conditions during the championship game has played a major roll in this.

GO SODIUM!!

Burlington Results in Heartbreak

Early this morning, just as the fog was lifting over the 16 fields of Skagit River Park, you could see a group of players striding confidently towards field #4. Once they got to the sidelines they dropped their bags, grabbed their soccer balls and went to work. They knew there was no more preparation, there was no more studying, there was only the task at hand; beating the defending US Club Regional Champions, Crossfire Premiere G95A. This one single objective was the goal on every players mind as they methodically and thoroughly began their preparation.
They got there by beating Washington's State Champion (who hadn't had a goal scored on them) and by beating Washington's Challenge Cup Champion. Not bad for a team that didn't make the quarter finals in Oregon.
As the players lined the field to march to midfield you could see determination in their eyes.
The whistle blew and the battle was on. The Crossfire was big, fast and physical. Their mids were lightening fast and you could tell that this was going to be the battle royal for Sodium. As with the last two games, and much to the surprise of the Sodium faithful, they came out and just pounded the Crossfire keeper. Within the first 5 minutes Sodium had pile up in the Premiere box. The ball squirted to Dani Brown who one touch turned and fired a rip past the far post for a goal! The crowed cheered, the Eastside fans cheered! Everybody cheered! The Premiere squad raced back to midfield, they would not go down without a fight. With just minutes left in the half Crossfire penetrated deep into Sodium territory down the right side. They flooded the box which brought our mids down. They lofted a cross to a pretty much wide open forward camped outside the far post and the match tied 1-1 going into half-time.
Crossfire had never been here. They had never been scored on, they had never been behind, they had never been tied until today. Was this team from Oregon for real? They would find out in the second half.
The second half was just as fast and furious as the first. Bodies hit the turf and the blood flowed. Keepers on both ends made spectacular saves and the mids battled and battled. With just under 6 minutes left Crossfire had penetrated deep and crossed a shot in front of the goal. Taylor Luty extended out sideways, caught the ball and hit the ground as she brought it in. A Premiere forward crashed into her and kicked the ball out of her hands and into the goal. Everyone stood there. Then the unthinkable, the ref called a goal! Obviously she kicked the ball out of the keepers hands which is against the rules but he called it anyway. As any great defender would do both Erika Cook and Taylor Coon were immediately in the face of the ref explaining to him what happened [because he obviously missed it]. His response; "I make the calls", their response; "Then make the correct one!" [More on this later] The Crossfire fans went nuts as their team took a 2-1 lead with under 5 minutes left. Sodium would not let down, they had come too far now. They marched up to the line with a look of a platoon of soldiers who had fought long and hard but had one more hill to conquer. The whistle blew and the attack was on! Tom had pulled Lexi Frey up front to add to the firepower. They play was confined to the Crossfire end as Sodium would not go down with out a fight. Lexi had the ball down the right side deep. She ripped a cross into the crowed where Mac Kearney came flying in to get a foot on it and slam the back of the net! The crowed went wild, the fans went wild, the Eastside Red fans and players went wild! [Yes Mr. Geist, they were rooting against a team from their own state! It's called rivalry, can you believe it!]
The score was tied in regulation and we were heading into OT! In the 2 x 10 minute overtimes the play was brutal. More bodies on the turf, more elbows, more blood. I thought a Greko Roman wrestling match was going to break out! At the end of the 2 OT's the match was deadlocked. On to PK's!
Taylor Luty had had a great tournament thus far and she was ready put it all on the line. In all the excitement I don't even recall who shot the PK's for Sodium but it went something like this;
Crossfire scored 0-1
Sodium stopped 0-1
Crossfire Scored 0-2
Sodium stopped 0-2
Crossfire stopped 0-2
Sodium scored 1-2
Crossfire stopped 1-2
Sodium scored 2-2
Crossfire scored 2-3 for the win

Rightly deserving the Crossfire Premiere team and fans screamed and mobbed the field. Sodium cried in frustration and defeat.

Do not hang your heads Sodium, look at the run you've had over the last several months;

Nomad Finalists
BME Champions
Beat WSA Courage [Clash at the Border Champions]
United Cup Champions
US Club Regioanls Finalists [Beating the Washington State Champions, Challenge Cup Champions and losing to the defending US Club Regional Champion in PK's]

And in a side note, this is the first loss since the new squad has taken the field. The first time we took the field with a full roster [only missing 3 players] we beat Black Hills U15 team in the CFC Timbers Friendly up in Vancouver and never lost since. A pretty impressive statistic I might say.

Notes from the sidelines
First, Tom mentioned a couple very important points after the game. He mentioned Sodium needed to pay more attention to details and he also mentioned developing attitude. I am sure the coaches will address the the first point, I would like to address the second, attitude.
Lady warriors, you work too hard, sacrifice too much and are too talented to not walk on the field each and every game with the attitude you are going to dominate the opposition. Attitude is when mental and physical preparation collide. When you have worked your butt off physically and you know the game inside and out. That is when attitude happens.
If I were to ask you all before the game if you were going to go out and beat the pants off of Crossfire, I guarantee the majority would have responded "Um, I guess so." The 5 or 6 that possess the attitude of a champion would have yelled; "Dang right!" And you know who those 5 or 6 are. You see them every practice. They hustle, they work hard, they push themselves and their teammates to be the best. And who do you think the team relies on most on the field? Those same players. Look at the track record listed above! Can you name another Oregon team who made it to the finals in a Regional event? I can. Can you name another Oregon team that made it to the finals in a California tournament? I can, and that's because there is only one, Sodium. And THAT is why you need to work harder, sacrifice more both on and off the field, to be the best. I would put our team against any in the state right now, hands down. No LO, no OR Rush, no Keizer or FC can hold a candle to you right now. But you need to take all the hard work you put in and take it to the field. Have fun, cop an attitude! You have the talent to back it up!
Secondly, the officiating in Washington has always been horrible. With the exception of the SSC Elite game, this tournament was no exception. Now, I don't whine about officials because games are won by putting the ball in the net. Period. But even for me to say this in light of the fact we won all our games? Has got to say something. Case in point; finals game. We are on the sidelines and this guy is standing next to us. We yell something about the call. The guy turns around and says; "Your right, it should have been blah, blah" [he explained it]. Turns out, he is an official in Washington. He even pointed out several instances where the official on the field missed calls that we didn't even catch! And when the ball was kicked from our keepers hands he said that the official totally missed the call and it should NOT have been a goal. Funniest thing was he was wearing a CROSSFIRE JACKET!!! So that means he should have been biased for Crossfire but totally agreed the official missed it! Anyway, thought I would share that story for a laugh.

As kind of a recap of the coming weeks we have girls guest playing in Cascade Cup & Beaverton Cup. Then we have Lake Oswego Cup, PQT's then off to Mustang Stampede in Danville, CA.

Keep the fire Sodium, take this time to reflect and adjust the attitude. Take the time Tom has given you and work on nutrition, go for a run or two. Rest the bruises and ice the injuries. Get plenty of sleep because we have scores to settle in the near future.

A very large thanks goes out to Dani for playing with us this weekend. You are a very special player who will always have a place in our memories and on our roster.

GO SODIUM!!

A Day To Remember

vs Eastside FC G95 Red
In the morning game the lady warriors faced, what would prove to be, their toughest adversary. The Eastside team, the Washington GU13 State Champions, were big, physical, hadn't been scored on and definitely brought their "A" game. They had been shutting teams down and shutting them out 4-0, 5-0. Until, on this humid July morning, they met the girls from Oregon. The opening whistle found the gunslingers from Oregon right in the Eastside teams face. Within the first two minutes Jadyn McMillan penetrated deep down the left side. She crossed the ball right in front of the net where a diving KJ headed a blast past the Eastside keeper! The crowed erupted and Sodium had 1-0 lead! Smelling blood the lady warriors were on the attack! Relentlessly attacking the goal, controlling the midfield, the defense stepping it up to shut down even the smallest hint of an Eastside run. But folks, don't let my biased writing fool you, this Eastside team was fierce. They were talented and they gave Sodium all they could handle!
From her midfield position Kelly Priest controlled the tempo. On a 50/50 ball she dropped a perfect pass to a crashing KJ who ripped the net! Within the first five minutes Sodium had 2-0 lead!! The Sodium faithful were going nuts! The Eastside fans and team seemed stunned. The battle that ensued was one of epic proportions. The physical play at the midfield, the battles between forwards and defenders, Taylor Luty making play after play at keeper. This was one of, if not THE most exciting soccer match this blogger has ever seen. [And this was just the first half!] The Eastside forwards capitalized on a Sodium defensive glitch to put the match at 2-1 at half.
The second half started off in classic Sodium style. pushing the ball and the envelope on every possession. Back and forth until Erika Cook found a streaking Dani Brown to put Sodium up 3-1! Unbelievable! The green machine was firing on all cylinders at this point, but as I mentioned, the Eastside squad was a great opponent. They answered Sodium's goal with not 1, but 2 of their own to tie the score with under 3 minutes left! But, as with any true championship caliber team, the game isn't over until the final whistle. Like in the previous SSC game when it was tied, the lady warriors ratcheted up their attack even further, to a level we didn't even know they had. With under a minute left a Sodium PK was awarded just shy of the 25 yard mark. Laura Camp was given the nod by Tom to test her metal. Laura lined it up, gave her patented stutter step and ripped a long-ball over the keeper's reach and into the upper far post corner! Game , set, MATCH! The 4-3 victory sent Sodium on to the Semi-Finals! The place went crazy as Sodium fans were coming out of the woodwork to cheer on the Green Machine!
As I mentioned earlier, this truly was an outstanding game and hat's off to Eastside FC G95 Red who gave us an absolutely great, right down to the wire, game.

vs Northwest Nationals [NWN] G95 Red
As with the first game, the nightcap semi final proved to be a barn burner with play going back and forth and bodies hitting the turf on every play. Sodium again drew first blood as a Laura Camp's corner kick drifted to the far post where Hannah Lautenbach emerged from the crowd to head in the first score! The Sodium faithful were going nuts! Hard play ensued as the first half ended with a 1-0 Sodium lead. Both squads came out determined to make it to the championship in the second half. Battle after battle, mids, forwards, defense, keeper and back again. Then, late in the half, the NWN forward launched a shot from 20-yards that sailed just inches from the outstretched fingers of Taylor Luty to tie the game 1-1. Walking back to midfield all you had to do was look into the lady warriors eyes to know they weren't going to take this lightly. In the last 4 minutes Sodium must taken at least 10 shots on goal. With time running out the NWN defender knocked the ball out of bounds to the right side. Tom brought Taylor Coon up from middle defender to take the throw in. The throw entered the 18-yard box where it was trapped by Aliyah Chance and returned to Taylor who lofted a chip-shot towards the goal. The chip was headed toward the goal by Hannah and finished into the back of the net by Dani Brown!
Sodium is on to the US Club Regionals Championship Game!
The place erupted as fans, parents and spectators swarmed onto the field in celebration.

Notes from the sidelines
I have never witnessed a team, and I am including all the sports I have ever coached or watched, that has gelled together so quickly with such outstanding results. A true testament to Tom's coaching skills and the maturity level of the 2009/2010 Sodium squad. The patience with the ball, the communication, the movement of the ball and players are all signs of a championship team. These girls have come together to form a bond that is evident both on and off the field. A true joy to behold.

Up Next
The 2009 US Club Regionals Championship vs Crossfire Premiere G95A - 8:00AM, Field #4

Note: If Sodium wins, they will play in US Club Nationals in Virginia Beach, VA. Keep your fingers crossed loyal followers!

From under the umbrella's, all puffed up and proud, the parents scream; GO SODIUM!

Sodium Roars Through Second Day!

The lady warriors kept the first day momentum alive as they pounded the SSC Elite 95 team from Spokane 4-1 early Sunday morning.
Scoring was initiated early as Jadyn McMillan drove deep into Elite territory and lofted a chip shot over the Elite keeper. Mac Kearney was there in the net to ensure the goal and give Sodium a 1-0 lead! Late in the half Mac drove down the right side, ripped a cross that was deflected to Dani Brown who one touched to an awaiting Jadyn in front of the net for a 2-0 Sodium lead! With under a minute to go, Elite mounted an attack of their own and capitalized on a momentary Sodium lapse to post a 2-1 half time score.
The second half was battle in the making as the Elite came out with a vengeance. Midfielders and defenders were the key on both squads as play went back and forth. Midway through Taylor Moscoe, from her right defender spot, drove to near midfield before and launched a perfect long-ball over the defenders to lead KJ to a one touch rip of the net and a 3-0 lead! The crowed, who was holding their breath on the past, burst out with a loud cheer heard round the park!
Not be outdone by her teammate, Erika Cook, from her midfield spot, drove clear to the 18-yard box before threading the needle between defenders and finding a sliding Aliyah Chance for the fourth and final Sodium goal!
The girls are playing really good ball right now. They are communicating well, passing is crisp and they are showing a great deal of patience in the 'Red Zone' just outside the 18-yard box. Every position is trapping, looking, passing and communicating throughout the entire game. Fun to watch and even more fun to cheer for!

Standings
There are 3 teams tied with 6 points and two with 4 points. The top 4 play to advance to the finals.

THUSC Sodium 6pts
Eastside FC G'95 Red 6pts
Crossfire Premiere G95A 6pts

NWN G95 Red 4pts
ECFC E95 Green 4pts

Monday's Schedule
Crossfire Premiere G95A vs ECFC E95 Green
NWN G95 Red vs DOC FC G95 Red
Cross Fire 95 Black vs SSC Elite 95
Washington Rush Nike vs EMFC 95 Magic
THUSC Sodium vs Eastside FC G'95 Red [battle of the unbeatens!]

From the dorms @ WWU Fairhaven #8 the fans scream: GO SODIUM!

Green Machine Rolls Into US Club Regionals

The lady warriors rolled into Bellingham, WA on a mission; to set a precedence by beating some of the Pacific Northwest's best teams.
Today, they accomplished the first step. Sodium took the field against the Crossfire 95 Black in the heat of the summer sun and brought their B+ game against one of Washington's best. But B+ proved to be a passing grade as Sodium controlled the game, tempo and the score as they posted a 3-1 opening day victory.
Scoring came sporadically but was initiated as guest player Dani Brown penetrated the 18-yard box and was mugged! As in the SSC game, Jadyn McMillan calmly stepped up to take the kick. She eyed the goalie and fired her shot into the lower right corner to take a 1-0 lead! Before halftime Marisa Reid penetrated deep into Crossfire territory and crossed a perfect pass to a crashing Dani Brown who finished in [Sodium] style as she ripped the ball passed the diving keeper for a 2-0 halftime lead.
As in any tournament of this caliber no team can be taken for granted, no lead can be taken for granted. So a 2-0 lead is nothing to rest on. As the second half got under way it was a battle. The Black squad came out hungry and with everything to gain. All the stops were pulled as Crossfire scored on a perfectly executed corner kick to bring the tally to 2-1. Sodium wasn't done because a 1 point lead just wouldn't do. All game long the midfield had been secured by the outstanding play of Laura Camp and Kelly Priest. To accent that thought Kelly dropped a perfect lead pass to Dani who waltzed right up to the Crossfire goalie and ripped it just outside her reach for the goal and a 3-1 Sodium win!
As with any team that has new players there is a transition period. Sodium is still in flux with the addition of players, but they are uniting, they are forming the bonds that will lift them and take them far. Many great things lie ahead for this team, but first; SSC Elite 95.

Sodium beat SSC 95 Elite in the BME tournament last season and they are coming off a severe 5-0 beating by WA State Champs Eastside FC G95 Red [Sodium plays them tomorrow].

Up Next;
SSC Elite 95 @ 9:30AM, Field #14.

Slathered with sunscreen the faithful scream; GO SODIUM!

With a little help from our friends...

Join me in giving a big welcome to Dani Brown! Dani will be joining Sodium as a guest player for the US Club Regionals this weekend. Dani comes to Sodium from none other than SSC Hotspur and was the player who scored SSC's only goal in the United Cup Championship!
Ms Brown will fill in for Emmy Owens [vacation], KJ [95 ODP Camp] and Payten Sonnen [injuries] who will not be making the trek Northward.

Please make her feel welcome and part of the team.

Remember, no practice Thursday but we will be practicing Friday upon arrival in Bellingham.

Stay hydrated and drive safely everyone.

GO SODIUM!