Weekend Update

Alright then, this weekend was filled with excitement;

Saturday Sodium took on WSA Courage at their place, a very nice Doc Harris Stadium. Play started slow as both squads were getting in the rhythm. Then Emmy broke loose with a run, juked the keeper and walked in for the opening score. Just before half Emmy took lead pass from the mids and fed Lexi who showed she's got some moves herself and put Sodium up 2-0 at half. As the second half was underway Willy was subbed in at forward and immediately took low goal kick and slammed back into the Courage net for a 3-0 Sodium lead! Midway through the second Julie lined up free kick from about 40 yards out. She let it rip and found the head of a crashing Willy for her second of the match and a solid 4-0 Sodium lead. The pesky left forward for WSA took advantage of a communication breakdown, found the far post and made it 4-1.
Moments before the final whistle Mac took a pass from Kerri, lined it up and launched a chip shot towards the 6 yard box. An alert Easton waltzed it in for the 5th and final goal giving Sodium a 5-1 advantage as the whistle blew.

Sundays matchup against EMFC Magic was a out-n-out war. Both teams know each other, both teams will 'bring it' every time and that afternoon would not disappoint anyone. The ref's favorite phrase seemed to be "Play On" as jersey pulling, handballs, slide tackles from behind and all out physical play would be the norm. The Magic came and just flat out put the screws to Sodium in the first half. They beat us to the ball, they won everything in the air, they just plain out hustled us in the first half. Both keepers were making outstanding plays to save the day. The second half things to even out a little. Both teams were again punishing the opponents defense with deep runs. About at the midway point Magic's left forward took advantage of an arrant ball by the Sodium defenses and charged the box finding the far side net for a 1-0 Magic lead. You could see it in the Sodium girls eyes, they would never roll over, this would not be the end. They took the ensuing ball down the pitch where Emmy drove deep down the left side, pivoted, found Lexi for the drop and Lexi popped a perfect chip just over the outstretched diving hands of the Magic keeper where Aliyah was there to finish it off for the equalizer. Back to work both teams began where they left off. The final whistle blew, both teams hugged and laughed, the fans cheered! What a great afternoon!

I will have to say, since probably U11, there is never a dull match up between Sodium and Magic. Both teams will bring their 'A' games and it will be a brawl. The best part is most of these players are friends and/or play ODP together. They laugh and Facebook and whatever off the pitch so having them come together you can really see what fierce athletes they are when the whistle blows. Great job girls!

Standings
OPL
FC Portland 12pts (5 games played)
EMFC 95 Magic 9 pts (3 games played)
OSSA 95 Blue 6 pts (3 games played)
United Sodium 6 pts (2 games played)
PCU Impact 4 pts (5 games played)
ESUFC Arsenal 3 pts (2 games played)
Pacific FC Avalanche 95 2 pts (5 games played)
WSM Havoc 1 pt (5 games played)

* Not all games are posted.

NWCL (8 game schedule)
Olympic Division
THUSC Sodium 14 pts (8 games played)
VUSA Timbers 11 pts (6 games played)
OSSA Blue 95 10 pts (7 games played)
WSA Courage 5 pts (7 games played)

Rainier Division
Eastside FC 95 Red 14 pts (6 games played)
NW Nationals 95 Red 13 pts (6 games played)
EMFC Magic 5 pts (7 games played)
ESUFC Arsenal 3 pts (7 games played)

Sodium is assured a playoff berth in NWCL.

So, have a great week, get healthy and let's continue to have fun!

GO SODIUM!!