Key points of consideration

I have put together a few key points we should keep in mind as we prepare for the coming weekend. Theses are just a few off the top and I'm sure there are more. These are just observations and conjecture and have no scientific basis. (As are most of my posts! LOL!)

We have been here before
2007 & 2008. Sodium knows how to prepare both mentally and physically for the upcoming battle. I think Arsenal might be a little shell shocked at the gravity of the situation when they get to the field. Sodium knows how to take the excitement, the adrenalin, the butterflies and turn it into a positive. To use it to their advantage. Arsenal hasn't been to the 'Big Dance' before, Sodium knows how to win it.

Grass (Field #5)
History. In 2007 on grass field #3 and in 2008 on the same field #5 Sodium captured the Championship. Tom and the ground crew know exactly how Sodium likes it and will get on their knees with tweezers to make it just right. Turf or grass, it won't matter. The lady warriors will be flying high on Saturday.

The E Factor
Sodium last played Arsenal in October '09. Since that game Sodium has had the overwhelming excitement of adding Easton Kawawaki to their powerhouse lineup. Arsenal has yet to have the pleasure to meet Mrs. Kawawaki. We'll be happy to introduce her Saturday.

Defense
Sodium defense is peaking right now. Saturdays game against FC Portland really put the exclamation point on that fact. Payten, Erika, Taylor, Lexi & Taylor (and Andrea) have reached nirvana in the backfield. They have each others back, they rotate, they seek out and destroy opponents offense. They are comfortable in the fact that they can match with any, ANY, offensive threat. One thing stands out; they take no team for granted and respect everyone. They come out and attack offenses with the same vengeance if they are from FC, EMFC or ESUFC. They are big, physical and in your face. God I love to watch those guys!

Offense & Midfield
The offense is starting to click. Yes, Sodium only scored 1 against Sherwood. But, they came back the next week and posted 2 against FC Portland! Sodium offense produced more goals than other team this year. If Sodium can keep that pace, they will be victorious. Sodium's midfield is coming of age. There has been a couple standout performances but mainly they have elevated play throughout. It will be critical for Sodiums mid fielders to control the game in order to win.

How the teams got here
Arsenal
5th in league. Defeated WSM Venom 2-0, PCU Impact 2-1, Magic 1-0, FC Ruby 2-0 and Rush 1-0.

Sodium
2nd in league. Defeated FC Ruby 1-0, RVSC 9-0, USA Hotshots 2-0, Sherwood 1-0 and FC Portland 2-0.

Peak too fast?
As a coach I will say I have seen teams play a powerhouse in the play-offs that took everything they had to beat. Rightly, they celebrated the victory. But the next round they had nothing left. Could this be the case for Arsenal? Could they have viewed (and rightly so) the game against Rush the biggest yet and thus, having left it all on the field, have nothing left? How long can a team go on adrenalin? Could the same be said for Rush having to play LOSC? Did they have nothing left for Arsenal? We'll see on Saturday.

Strength of position
Offense
Arsenal - Has a couple really good offensive threats. Scored 3 of the 4 goals allowed by Sodium this year. Scored 22 total goals. Fast & Physical
Sodium - (See above) Scored 31 total goals this year.
>>Key to victory
Sodium will need to maintain control of the ball up front. Score early & often. Play physical. Take advantage of our speed/quickness. Crash the box at every opportunity, there is safety in numbers! Crisp passing is critical.

Defense
Arsenal - Solid. Gave up 14 goals this season. Saw Rush make several deep runs.
Sodium - Like a rock. Allowed only 4 goals this season.
>>Key to victory
Sodium defense needs to keep playing at the level they have all year. They need to neutralize Zoe (#13). She is very good and needs a body on her at all times. Stop the easy break. Minimize or eliminate mistakes.

Midfield
Arsenal - Stable. Saw Rush control midfield at one point and it took away the Arsenal attack.
Sodium - Playing solid. Several players rising up right now and playing very physical.
>>Key to victory
Win the 50/50. Don't allow Arsenal mids easy feeds to Zoe and forwards. Make them work for every possession. Cut off outside penetration from Arsenal mids.

Fans
Ha Ha Ha!! I had to throw this in! We need to invite EVERYONE we know to this awesome event! Bring your air-horns and let them blow! We need to stand behind out team as they battle for the right to be called the best in Oregon! We need to scare the Arsenal fans back to the East side!

Overall
If Sodium can maintain their momentum, control the tempo and the ball, have great communication and play good solid team offense which starts with teams defense, there is no team in the state that can beat them.
Come out with an attitude Sodium, a chip on your shoulder. You have so much to prove Saturday. Be physical. Show Arsenal what's like to play a State Champion caliber of team. And when you get a lead, no letting up. Relentless pounding. Remember the RVSC game? We will see Arsenal again, that is a fact. Lets go out and take care of business, 'Sodium Style'.

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

You've done it before, now lets do it again....

GO SODIUM!!