This weekends wrap up

The girls started off the weekend looking a little rusty. Saturdays match against VUSA Timbers was evident of the holiday layoff. The first score came in the first half as Lexi passed a fake corner kick to Jadyn who drove to the box and found the upper left corner of the net. Rusty, kind of. Relentless pressure, always. Sodium attacked the goal from the opening whistle. Half time had the score still 1-0. The second half had the Sodium squad showing greater patience and starting to string of passes together. Numerous opportunities in and just outside the box. Late in the second found the girls pounding the goal again. Sodium was jockeying for position when the pass went to Willy's feet just inside the box. Alertly she two touched and blasted a shot just inside the far post giving Sodium a 2-0 lead that would prove to be the final. Great performances were exhibited by all but recognition needs to be made to Erika and Aliyah for their contributions.

Sunday we witnessed the Sodium we have come to know and love. Communication, crisp passing and relentless pressure up front. It really didn't matter what combination Tom had at mid or at forward, these girls came to play and they wouldn't be denied. I don't think the WSA Courage coach read the scouting report from the Timbers game (LOL!) because Sodiums first score came from yet another fake corner kick. Jadyn again blasted the net for a 1-0 half time lead. Crosses, corners, blasts from the mid-field. Sodium was delivering from every position. The second half found Lexi at forward and with a nifty two-touch she found the far post post to give Sodium a 2-0 lead. With under 5 minutes left Aliyah fed Lexi a long lead pass. Lexi out ran the field and ripped the net past the diving Courage keeper, Sodium 3, Courage 0. With under a minute Mac was streaking in from the left side on a break and pulled down from behind in desperation in the 18 yard box. The ensuing PK was given to Lexi who just missed on the far side. Game, set, match.

Next up;

January 14th-17th, FC Portland Winter College Showcase.

Notes from the sidelines
The team played pretty well this weekend overall. From the sidelines we noticed some standout performances though; in addition to Erika and Aliyah I would like to recognize Kerri's play. She was asked to play defense Sunday and had a great showing. Mac (nursing a knee injury), MacKayla and Willy all played with fire & passion. And, a little kudos to the defense for not allowing a goal all weekend. I could actually name every player but will limit my praise due to short attention span. Lol!
If the girls can keep up this pace of improvement every week, Sodium could conceivably win out the NWCL season.

Great job ladies!

GO SODIUM!!!