Thoughts from posts past...

I wanted to share with the team, fans & followers some of the great posts that have emerged around State Cup time over the past 3 years. Below are links to those posts. Read them, remember and be very proud.

Today

...be afraid of the dark

Win forever..

STATE CHAMPIONS!

The Tradition Continues

State Cup Thoughts

Desire | Commitment | Team

And who could ever forget...

All Great Things...

It's time for you to start making memories of our own Sodium. It's time to face your opponent. Without fear or apprehension you know you have earned the right, through all you have sacrifice, your hard work and dedication, to be on the podium. Let's rally together, all the preparation is done, and rise up tomorrow lady warriors for now is your hour to shine. Look up in those stands Saturday and you will see the faithful. The followers who believe in you and what you stand for.

Believe in yourself, believe in your team, believe in United. Together you will not waver.

Never give up. Never back down. Never lose faith.

Tomorrow you will be invincible. You are Sodium.

GO SODIUM!!

Time to start get'n a little jacked up!

Saturday State Cup Results

Sodium advances to Semi Finals in dominating fashion. Although the score may not reflect it, the lady warriors put on a dominating performance against Sherwood this afternoon to advance to the State Cup Semi Finals next weekend.
Mid way through the first windy half Lexi Frey drove deep into Force territory where she crossed to a posting up Emmy Owens who one touched, pivoted around her defender and drilled it passed the keeper for the go ahead, and eventually winning, goal.
The second half found the ball predominately in the Sherwood half with shots careening off the cross bar, wide and high. Taylor Luty touched a total of 2 Sherwood shots all afternoon.

Other Quarter Final games...
Defending State Cup Champion LOSC falls to a persistent and always competitive OR Rush in PK's.
(Wait, defending champ losing in quarter finals the next year...hmm, where have I heard that before?)

FC Platinum over Magic.
It was a great run for the much improved Magic who played FC tough but gave up a goal on a defensive miscue in the opening minutes and could never get it back. We'll see Magic again in the quarters and beyond for sure.

Arsenal plays FC Ruby
FC Ruby had a great run this year but it ended with a 2-0 loss to ESUFC.

Next Up:
Semi Final Action:
Sodium takes on rival FC Platinum, Saturday 1:00pm @ REC #1
Rush vs Arsenal Saturday 3:00pm @ REC #1

From the sidelines
On the grass of field 5 Sodium put on a very workmanlike performance. They passed well, communicated well, took advantage of opportunities given and walked away with a win. Was it a spectacular outing? No. Was it a good effort? Yes.Was it a win to advance to the semi's? Absolutely!
Sodium will be back on the turf at field #1 for the semi final match up against FC Portland Saturday. In my opinion the keys to victory next week will be to come out charged, emotionally and physically. Score early and put FC on their heels. In the last few games I don't believe FC has trailed many. If Sodium can put them in a position where they have to worry more about defense, it will take them out of their usually offensive minded set.
Sodium will need a big effort from it's forwards and mids, a task they have risen to in the last few outings, and a solid game from the defense to keep the potent FC offense in check.

LOSC vs Rush - I watched the end of regulation here and you could tell the Rush squad was tired. They had 2 subs and LOSC was pounding them. You had players with hands on their knees and you could tell a couple were out of position. If we do end up playing these guys, Sodium needs to adopt that same attitude, run & gun and wear them out, like we have teams all year. The remaining games are at our house so teams will travel to us. Let's make the most of it.

FC vs Magic - FC took advantage of a very rare defensive miscue and scored in the first few minutes. This put Magic in that 'we need a score to tie' mode for nearly the entire game. When we arrived just after half the play was pretty centralized to mid field and the FC end of the pitch. While I was their the Magic keeper only touched the ball maybe 3 times. Tough to overcome that mental blow of an early goal. FC was just that, FC. I watched and watched thinking I was going to see what everyone has been spouting off about, but frankly, I saw nothing but the same old, same old. ODP keeper who is good. One defender (right side) who is fast, one midfielder who is ODP and fast and a handful of forwards who we have seen sine about U11. Nothing Sodium hasn't seen from many, many other teams they have beaten handily. Never underestimate your opponents, especially a team who has risen up like FC. They are hungry and want to win. We just need to be hungrier.

The lady warriors are really coming together now. You can see it on the field as they are beginning to anticipate and compliment their teammates moves and strengths. Really fun to watch them meticulously pick apart a defense with relentless attacks until they find the crack in the armor and pounce. The defense has been impenetrable, allowing the fewest goals in league play AND dishing out 4 shutouts in State Cup action. Great to watch as wave after wave will attack the opponents offense. A defender will challenge the ball then drop off as her sister advances on the player. They will strike and strike again until they gain control of the ball and push to start the offensive machine rolling. Great stuff on the pitch!

Never give up, Never back down, Never lose faith.

March on lady warriors for the greatest battles lay ahead...
     
GO SODIUM!!

Game prep

OK, so I don't normally post about practices but this is an exception.

In the last practice in preparation for their quarter final game Saturday against Sherwood, Sodium had a scrimmage. Now you might think OK, big deal. Well, it turned out it was a big deal. The lady warriors played U18 Far West Champion Neon. Not only did they play them, they played them well. Right out of the gate the lady warriors stood their ground. So much so that within the first 5 minutes Sodium scored on a beautiful Easton Kawawaki header set up by a perfect Lexi Frey cross. The battle ensued for the next 45 minutes. Only until the starting Sodium defense subbed out with extra Neon players did Neon score. Unbelievable. Sodium held their own, on grass, against the dream team.

Tired, but excited and ready for Saturday, Sodium strode off the field.
"Bring It" said the look in their eyes.

See you all tomorrow night at the team dinner.

GO SODIUM!!

A special thanks to THUSC Platinum's Maddie Thom who practiced with Sodium tonight.

State Cup Weekend Schedules

The schedules have been announced;

Quarter Finals;
4/24/10
[1611] FC Platinum vs Magic - 11:00am @ Liberty HS #1
[1609] LOSC vs Rush - 1:30pm @ Hazelia Field (LO)
[1612] Sodium vs Sherwood - 5:00pm @ REC #5

4/25/10
Arsenal vs FC Ruby - 3:30pm @ Gresham HS #1

Semi Finals
5/1/10
[1614] Winner of 1611 vs Winner 1612 - 1:00pm REC #1
[1613] Winner of 1609 vs Winner 1610 - 3:00pm REC #1

Final
5/8/10
Winner of 1613 vs Winner of 1613 - 1:30pm REC #5

GO SODIUM!!

Sodium advances to State Quarter Finals!

A 2-0 victory over USA Hotshots solidified Sodiums advancement to the State Quarter Finals! The first half was 0-0 but the lady warriors broke out of the huddle determined to put this one away. Play was mostly confined to the USA end Sodium strung run after run together. Mac Kearney drove deep down the right side where she fired a beautiful cross that deflected off a rattled USA keeper to a crashing Elie Beard who put it away for a 1-0 Sodium lead! In the latter half Sodium was on the march again. This time the dynamic duo teamed up again as Elie lead a perfect pass to Mac who broke past the defenders in a footrace to goal. The Hotshot defenders were no match for Mac as she blazed past them, put a move on the keeper and found the right side of the frame for a 2-0 Sodium lead that would hold till the final whistle. Hat's off to USA Hotshots for a great run and always a tough competitor for Sodium.

Following is a breakdown of the State Cup Quarter Final match ups.

LOSC vs OR Rush
Couldn't happen to a nicer couple of U14 powerhouses! Honestly, it would be nice to not have to play either of these teams given how great they are, but I have a feeling we will meet one of them at some point. Winner will play the winner of Arsenal vs FC Ruby.

Arsenal vs FC Ruby
I am sad to say I believe that Cinderella (I mean Dorothy! Thanks Nicole) won't find the Ruby slipper today. Winner will play winner of LOSC vs Rush.

FC Platinum vs Magic
Magic beat FC decisively both times they met in league play. (5-1 and 3-0) FC is playing better right now. Winner will take on winner of THUSC vs Sherwood.

THUSC vs Sherwood Force
Sherwood beat a Hotspur team that is having an identity crisis. I am not going to put a lot of weight into that victory. These teams tied in October of 2009 and then THUSC won outright 4-0 there next meeting. Winner plays winner of FC and Magic.

So there you have it, the 2010 State Cup Quester Final match ups. Enjoy!

GO SODIUM!!

Saturday's Results; A flurry of upsets

In what can only be called a 'flurry of upsets', the Oregon State Cup bracket was turned on its ear after Saturdays games. Here are the results and the implications.

O.C. 4 vs BSC 2
If O.C. can pull an upset in Bend tomorrow, they could knock Rush out of State Cup and represent 2nd place in the C Group and play LOSC in the QF's.

Arsenal 2 vs PCU 1
With this win Arsenal tied EMFC Magic for the top spot in D Group. They will go head-to-head Sunday to determine who will occupy first and second spots.

OR Rush 0 vs FC Platinum 1
Upset #2. This win solidify's FC's first place in C Group and the Rush vs O.C. game will determine 2nd place.

Sherwood Force 1 vs SSC Hotspur 0
Upset #1. This loss gives SSC an early exit from State Cup and boosts Sherwood into the 2nd place spot to take on the first place seed in B Group for QF's.

RVSC 0 vs FC Ruby 5
Upset #3. Since Ruby scored 4 unanswered goals that will put them in a tie with Hotshots (but ahead in goal diff). If Sodium beats Hotshots, even 1-0, FC Ruby will advance as #2 in B Group.

Wow, what an amazing day.

If Sodiums defense can rise up and keep the Hotshot forwards in check, if Sodiums offense can keep the momentum and cap off the first round with a few goals, then Sodium will rocket into the Quarter Finals leading in 2 important categories; goals for (we have 10 now), and goals against (we have 0 now).
Don't underestimate your opponent, score early and often and don't let your foot off the gas.

Never give up, Never back down, Never lose faith.

GO SODIUM!!

What tomorrow brings

Here is a breakdown of what tomorrow's game against Hotshots means in terms of the future.

If we win, we are #1 in the B Group and our opening game of the Quarter Finals will be against SSC Hotspur (and we all remember what happened last year).

If we tie, each team will receive a single point. We will still retain the #1 spot.

If we lose, Hotshots will go as #1 in the B Group and we will advance as #2 and play the #1 team in the D Group (Either Magic or Arsenal) in the Quarter Finals.

So the future lies in your own hands Sodium.

"Victory always starts in the head, it's a state of mind. It spreads with such radiance and such affirmations that destiny can do nothing but obey."
~ Author Unknown

GO SODIUM!!

What the weekend taught us

Sodium forged ahead in the B Group with a pair of victories this weekend. Yes, the victories are important but the real gem is what was learned from those victories;

• Never underestimate your opponent.
FC Ruby came out and played us tough as nails.
• Leave everything on the field.
The Ruby squad NEVER gave up, NEVER went away or rolled over.
• Don't play to the level of your competition.
You didn't resort to boot-ball when RVSC did.
• Keep playing hard until the final whistle.
Yes, you could have stopped at 5-0 but instead, you proved a point to every other team by keeping the pedal to the metal the whole game.
• Keep your composure.
When the other team started falling apart around you, you kept your composure, played your game and left a lasting mark.
• Win with class, lose with class.
Sunday was a prime example of how to win with class and how to lose with no class.

If Sodium can keep it together and play their game throughout State Cup, we stand a great chance of making it to the finals.

Never give up, Never back down, Never lose faith.

GO SODIUM!!

State Cup Weekend Updates

Sodium takes home a pair of victories in State Cup action this weekend.

vs FC Ruby - Sodium came out a little sluggish to face a tough Ruby squad Saturday. Late in the second half Hannah Lautenbach found the upper right corner of the net from about 23 yards out giving Sodium a 1-0 lead! The lady warriors hung onto the shut out to take home the max 3 points.

vs RVSC - Sodium UNLOADED on the Powerstrikers Sunday morning to send a message for State Cup. The scoring barrage went something like this;
Emmy Owens drive deep down the right side. Cross to an awaiting MAC Kearney with a little help from the defender. 1-0
Jadyn McMillan down the right side again crosses from 24 yards to a crashing Hannah Lautenbach. 2-0
Laura Camp on a PK from 22 yards out goes untouched upper right side. 3-0
Half Time
KJ on a break-a-way. 4-0
Marissa Reid dances through 3 defenders and nutmegs keeper. 5-0
Emmy down the right again, cross to Elie Beard. 6-0
Marissa Reid on a break-a-way. 7-0
Elie Beard draws defenders to her on left, crosses to a wide open KJ who waltzes it in. 8-0
MAC Kearney on a solo break from mid field caps the night. 9-0
The remainder of the game was keep-a-way to run out the clock.

Around the Bracket


Saturday 4/10
PCU 0 vs Magic 1
Sherwood 0 vs LOSC 5
FC Ruby 0 vs THUSC 1
FC Platinum 4 vs O.C. Pioneers 0
BSC Black 1 vs OR Rush 6
Arsenal 2 vs WSM Venom 0
Hotshots 1 vs RVSC 0

Sunday 4/11
THUSC 9 vs RVSC 0
FC Platinum 2 vs BSC Black 1
Hotshots 0 vs FC Ruby 0

From the sidelines
I am going to vent a little on safety. I don't care what team you play for, something needs to be done when your opponents are intentionally trying to injure your players. The RVSC team has a classless blow-hard for a coach and their play and players reflect that. Their coach received multiple warnings for yelling at the center official and had the AR in his face several times. The first warning came after Lexi had beaten her defender, had a clear break for the goal, and was intentionally taken down from behind. The RVSC player received a red card and the coach a warning for yelling at the ref. How many goals ahead does a team need to be before a coach realizes it might not be the refs? He was even getting loud and obnoxious when we were up by 9! In the second half alone there were half a dozen whistles for flagrant fouls. How many players have to hit the turf before the ref steps in? It was ridiculous on several levels. First that the RVSC coach teaches this. How could he not? If a Sodium player tried that on the field their cleats would barely have left the turf before their butt hit the bench with an earful from Tom! Second, the safety of the players on the field. The ref's should have addressed it with the RVSC coach well before it got to that level. In the last few minutes there were several fouls where the RVSC player made absolutely NO attempt at the ball. The contact was made solely to injure the Sodium player. And THAT'S where I draw the line. When a coach lets his players intentionally injure another player, that coach needs to be retired. He is a hazard to the safety of other players, his players and the league. The RVSC players were saying stuff to the fans as well as trash talking our players. I have lost what little respect I had for this organization and I feel for FC Ruby having to travel all the way to Medford just take the field against this classless, bush-league team and their idiotic coach. This team got exactly what it deserves today, a butt-kicking and a 6 hour drive to think about it.

I will get off my box now.

GO SODIUM!!

Who say's you can't?

A couple of motivational videos;









GO SODIUM!!

OPL

Looks like there is going to be an open meeting to discuss the future plans of OPL. From my understanding the OPL currently includes only U10, U11 & U12 teams but it might behoove a few of us to attend given the involvement of our coach. For more details go to www.oregonpremierleague.com.

GO SODIUM!!

Weekends State Cup Results

Recap of this weekends games;

LOSC 2 vs SSC Hotspur 1
Magic 3 vs WSM Venom 1
OR Rush vs OC Pioneers (Rescheduled to 4/18 due to inclement weather)

4/10 & 11
PCU Impact vs Magic  [8:30am @ Delta Park]
Sherwood Force vs LOSC  [9:00am @ Laurel Ridge]
FC Portland Ruby vs THUSC  [9:00am @ Liberty HS]
FC Portland Platinum vs OC Pioneers  [10:30am @ Liberty HS]
BSC Mercury Black vs OR Rush  [1:00pm @ Delta Park]
ESUFC Arsenal vs WSM Venom  [2:00pm @ Gresham HS]
USA Hotshots vs RVSC Power Strikers  [2:30pm @ Whitaker MS]

Come watch all the excitement!

GO SODIUM!!

New World Cup Commercial from Pepsi

Thanks to Colleen Chance for sending this in.

GO SODIUM!

Rehab...

OK, so after last nights enormous email blunder, and I sincerely apologize again, I am taking Pam Reid's suggestion and checking myself into rehab. I found a nice place, The Dick Butkus Center For Overly Excitable Ex-Coaches, Parents, Fans & Bloggers. They specialize in helping to calm self-proclaimed 'know-it-alls' who try to re-live the 'old days' vicariously through their children, all while making a fool of themselves and pissing people off. Sounds right up my alley as I should be welcomed with open arms. The program should take me through May so don't expect any tirades from me during State Cup. Sorry to disappoint because I know how you all like to stand next to me and listen as my voice bellows across the open pitch with non-fact-based tidbits of stupidity. You can now find me quietly watching from the stands reading my copy of "Laws of the Game".

One game at a time....

GO SODIUM!

    

***** Blog Shut Down Indefinitely *****

Due to sanctions handed down late yesterday by USYS in conjunction with OYSA this blog shall be deemed INACTIVE until further notice.

The owner/operator of this blog is prohibited from participating in any related activities until released from said sanction.




[come on guys, check the date, it's an APRIL FOOLS joke!]


Go SODIUM!