Back to Black

Now that the high school season is behind us, and congratulations go out to Dani and Lexi from all of us, it's time to turn the attention back to the Sodium black. It's time to reminisce about playing up a year and winning the Cascade Cup. About mowing our way through Beaverton Cup and ending the local tournament season by defeating LOSC in their own tournament. Then off to an appearance in the finals at Mustang Fury. What a great run to end the season. What a great way to start this year.

The NWCL will start fast and furious with games on December 11th against Northwest Nationals 95 Red (Who we beat at Mustang in OT) and December 12th with Eastside FC 95 Red, the Washington State Champion, who we faced in US Club Regionals last year. These are very good teams and shouldn't be taken lightly. They will be taking the pitch with a vengeance. But this years talented Sodium squad will be a little different from the previous couple years. I have a feeling this years squad will more closely resemble the U12 team that won state with one exception, their skill level has greatly increased. The 2011 Sodium team possess more attitude, more tenacity and that in-your-face "Sodium Style" of play that accentuated the U12 season and carried the team to it's second state cup. Maybe it's the addition of Dani, McKayla and Willy that caused the girls to walk with a little more swagger. Maybe it's the confidence, the never back down attitude that Kerri brings that has ignited Sodium from within, or the force Julianna will add to the mix. Maybe it's the wily veterans who gained even more confidence from the high school season. Can you feel it? The solid rock players who have been the backbone for many years are all bigger, more experienced. I know the defense is itching to take the pitch. I know the forwards and midfielders can't wait to showcase their stuff. This talented class of freshman left nothing to the imagination as they had a huge impact on the local high school scene this year. And now it's time to get back to business.

I don't know about the rest of the Sodium faithful, but this fan can't wait until the lady warriors stride onto the pitch in Washington.

GO SODIUM!!