How Sweet It Is!!

This photo says it all. Any questions?

Sodium Captures 2010 Oswego Nike Cup

In the morning SemiFinal game Sodium was firing on all cylinders again. As play commenced Easton found herself closing on a ball in the 18-yard box. As the GRFC keeper came out and dove Easton alertly drilled the ball into her. The deflection was ripped into the net by Aliyah for a 1-0 Sodium lead. The lady warriors never looked back. Just before half Lexi punched a long lead pass to Emmy who was flashing right up the middle of the field. Emmy flat out beat the defender and ripped the net to make it 2-0 Sodium at the intermission.
In the second half we witnessed more of the same. Hannah had the ball just inside the 18 box where she reversed around her defender and blasted a shot just inside the far post! Sodium up 3-0. Next McKayla poked a beautiful lead pass to Marisa who finished it perfectly! Sodium up 4-0. Just before the closing whistle Marisa found Eli just outside the 18 where she found the back of the net to give Sodium a 5-0 win! Both the VUSA Timbers and LOSC Extreme were watching this game from the side. I wonder what was going through their minds.......

The afternoon Championship pitted rivals LOSC Extreme and Sodium. Readers Digest version, these teams do not like each other at all. Period.
Todays match was a typical performance for these teams. Extremely hard fought, physical, low scoring, defensive battles. It was back and forth all game with both Bella (LOSC) and Taylor making outstanding saves. Hats off to the Sodium defense for averting some enormous LOSC offensive attacks. Whether it was Taylor L diving, recovering and diving again to make another save, or Taylor C rushing into the box and blasting the ball out of the net a couple times. Great job defense! At the end of regulation the score was locked 0-0 and we were on to 2 x 5 minute overtimes. at the end of the first overtime Sodium was attacking the LOSC goal once again. Emmy was driving deep down the right side where just before the end line she ripped a cross curving away from the LOSC keeper and right into a crashing Aliyah who finished it into the net as the crowd erupted! The next 5 minute OT found Sodium playing conservative, keeping the ball at the Extreme end of the pitch and running the clock out and claiming the Championship!

From the Sidelines
After a slow start it was great to see Sodium finish the tournament strong. A well deserving few days off await to recharge, heal injuries and get fired up for Mustang Stampede in Cali.

"Great Job" goes out to the entire roster as each player played with passion, determination and desire to bring home the hardware.

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

GO SODIUM!!

LO Cup Half Time Update

0-0 with Sodium unable to capitalize on multiple opportunities.

More to come.

Go Sodium!!

Sodium advances to finals

Sodium put together a great effort in defeating GRFC 5-0 this morning.

LOSC is currently playing VUSA Timbers to see who will face Sodium in the championship.

I will post details later today.

Go Sodium!!

Nike Oswego Cup Update

Day two proved to be full of surprises. The game against VUSA Timbers was strange indeed. Sodium, after outscoring their opponents 35 to 5 in the Cascade and Beaverton Cups, can't seem to find the net. It certainly wasn't for lack of effort or opportunity. It was a hard fought match that ended 0-0.

In other bracket action:
Eugene 1 vs VUSA Timbers 2
ESUFC 0 vs LOSC 2
LOSC 0 vs GRFC 1
FC Portland 1 vs ESUFC 0
Eugen 1 vs Westsound 1

Sunday Semi-Finals
GRFC vs Sodium
VUSA vs LOSC

Final @ 1pm

From the sideline
As I posted in the Beaverton Cup, never underestimate your opponent. Just ask LOSC. They were joking and singing on the sidelines before their match with GRFC. And look what happened.
Sodium can not take anything for granted tomorrow. From here on out it's win or go home. Nothing but 100% will be accepted. It's time to make history Sodium, time to set your sites on what it will take to win 3 consecutive tournaments.

It is time to make your move Sodium.

Never give up. Never back down. Never give in.

GO SODIUM!!

Nike Oswego Cup Update

The morning match against EMFC Magic proved to be just what was expected, a hard fought battle. The keepers barely touched the ball as the mids controlled the play. The contest ended locked at 0-0 and each team receiving 1 pt.

The afternoon game against Westsound 95 Cullip turned out a little more Sodium Style. The first half was back and forth, each team feeling out the competition, looking for a weakness. Sodium had a couple just wide and off the frame and right before the intermission Emmy pushed hard into the box and poked a great pass to Lexi who had crashed hard from her defensive spot. Lexi finished it in fine fashion as the whistle blew for break just a minute later. In the most bizarre moment, just after the half whistle blew, the Westsound coach stormed the AR arguing that Lexi was offsides. He was so aggressive that ref had to stand between the two and direct the coach back to his bench and team. During the half you could tell, by watching the body language, that Coach Tom was giving the lady warriors a stern 'pep talk'. Well, it worked.
Sodium came out with a little more fire and purpose. minutes in Sodium again was on the attack and it found Dani dishing to Mac in the box who drew two defenders, tapped the ball back to Dani who ripped a cross at the far post. Emmy came flying in to finish it past the keeper and notch Sodium's second goal. The attack didn't let up until the end. Just before the final whistle Dani took the ball at midfield and dropped a heads up pass to Mac who streaked the remaining 20 yards and found the net for the final goal making it 3-0.

Next Up
11:45am Sodium vs VUSA Timbers G95 Red

This game will be a must win for Sodium in order to advance. If they can gel as they did in the last two tournaments, there shouldn't be a problem. I will post the points standings after todays game.

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

GO SODIUM!!

Nike Oswego Cup Schedule

The schedule is posted;

Friday, 7/23/10 - 10:30am at Alder Creek MS Turf #1. Sodium vs Eugene Metro FC (Magic)
Anyone who has followed Sodium knows the rivalry between these clubs. I wouldn't really call it a rivalry, more of a friendship. These teams have played each other since U11 and the players have developed a great friendship off the pitch. They guest play for one another, have sleepovers, Facebook etc. But on the field, oh boy watch out. Last years LO Cup found Eugene the victor, a fact none of the Sodium squad has forgotten. The lady warriors will looking to settle the score with a vengeance... Then it's off the PeachWave for frozen yogurt together! LOL!

Friday, 7/23/10 - 2:1pam at Alder Creek MS Turf #1. Sodium vs Westsound 95 Cullip (WA)
Last month at US Club Regionals LO beat these guys 6-1. They had 0 wins, 1 loss, 2 ties for 2 points. Last year they won LO Cup by beating Placer United from Cali. So, I think Sodium will need to bring their "A" game to advance.

Saturday, 7/24/10 - 10:30am at Alder Creek MS Turf #1. Sodium vs VUSA 95 Timbers Red
The Washington site, wsysa.com is down, so as soon as it comes up I will fill in more info on both the Washington teams.

Keep checking back.

GO SODIUM!!

Beaverton Cupdate

Friday, 7/16/10 vs PCU Impact @ REC # 3. 8:00pm kickoff
Sodium has always played PCU teams tough, this was no exception. The scoring began early with Aliyah driving down the right side and finding Mac in the box for the finish. 1-0. Within minutes Hannah, working on her favorite left side, drove a perfect cross to McKayla who ripped the net for a 2-0 Sodium lead. The relentless pressure continued as the was alertly pass back where Kelly was waiting. From about 33 yards Kelly wound up and found the top of the net. Sodium was rolling to a 3-0 advantage. Just before intermission Kelly found Eli open at the 20 yard line. Eli found the net and Sodium found themselves up 4-0. After the break the onslaught continued. Emmy down the right was looking for some to cross to, when no one showed, Emmy showed the keeper she can score too! She found the top left corner to make it 5-0. Emmy again took the ball deep where she fond McKayla muscling a defender out of the way. McKayls broke loose and popped in the 6th! Late in the match an Impact forward lofted a ball from about 22 yards out just over the 72" frame of Sodium keeper Taylor Luty. The lady warriors brushed that off when Lexi launched a corner kick which was deflected by Taylor Coon to a waiting Elly "Willy" who found the net. Game, set, match as Sodium notched the opening win 7-1.

Saturday, 7/17/10 vs RCSC G95 Black@ REC # 5. 8:00am kickoff
The squad from River City SC were tough. There mids and defenders were big and physical, their forwards skilled. with about 10 minutes remaining in the first half Emmy drove down her patented right side, found Aliyah streaking goalward and Sodium was up 1-0. Just before half Lexi found herself staring at at a 30 yard free kick. In Laura Camp-esc style she lined it up, took a run and ripped it beautifully passed the RCSC keeper. Sodium up 2-0 at half. Second opened with RCSC flurry. they attacked and attacked and at around the halfway mark found the back of the net to narrow the score to 2-1. Calmly the lady warriors regrouped. They got back to basics and began their attack. With minutes left Mac drove the ball hard down left sideline. She turned the corner into the box and ripped what we all thought was a beautiful cross but instead, it found the top far post net! The crowd went wild! Moments later the whistle blew and Sodium had notched it's second victory. 3-1.

Saturday, 7/17/10 vs WSM Venom @ PCC Rock Creek. 2:00pm kickoff
The afternoon game proved to be another scoring barrage for Sodium. Against their cross town rivals WSM Sodium always brings a good game. The first half started out more like an episode of 'So You Think You Can Dance' with each team finding its comfort zone. A dance that would end with some bruised toes. Just before the intermission Eli took a drop at about 25 yards and ripped the back of the net to give Sodium a 1-0 advantage before the break. Tom must have given the girls a little added incentive because they came out hot in the second half. Lexi lined up a corner kick that was fired passed the keeper by Kerri. 2-0. Minutes later Lexi found herself again on the attack. She dropped a pass into the box to Kerri who tangled with the diving WSM keeper. The squirted loose where Kerri popped it in! 3-0. Once the the dynamic duo hooked up. Lexi dropped a perfect lead to Kerri who ripped the net. Sodium up 4-0. With 10 minutes left, newcomer Elly "Willy" Williams drove the ball herself from 35 yards out fire a shot past the WSM keeper. 5-0. Not be outdone, Lexi found herself behind the defense from about 30 and waltzed in the 6th goal. Taylor found herself too storming the keeper but a collision in the box caused the ball to squib wide. To make up for it, the next drive found Taylor down the right side, past her defender, for a perfect cross to Lexi for the 7th and final goal.

Sunday, 7/18/10 FINAL vs RCSC @ REC # 5. 11:00am kickoff
Talk about a tale of two halves. Sodium came out in the Beaverton Cup Championship very sluggish. They weren't crisp, communicating or passing effectively. The River City squad on the other hand, did. They attacked Sodium from the opening whistle. They had nothing to lose and everything to gain. Sodium was on there heals more than once during the first half and had fight for the score to remain 0-0 at the break. You could tell by the body language that coach Tom was giving them a lesson in underestimating their opponent and mental preparation. Well, it worked. The lady warriors came out like the team we have seen play the last two weeks. Relentless pressure, wearing down the opposition, looking for opportunities to score. halfway through the half that opportunity presented itself. Aliyah, who had owned the right sideline for much of the game, powered past the defender and lofted a great cross where Willy was flying in to shin the ball into the net for what would prove to be the game winner. Many other opportunities went high or off the frame before the final whistle and the crowing of the Beaverton Cup Champions.

Notes from the sidelines
Never underestimate your opponents. I don't care what the score was or how many times you have beat them. The very second you enter a competition thinking you are going to walk over everyone or think just by showing up you will win, you will receive a harsh slap of reality and get beat. With that said, we needed to play the championship game with the same enthusiasm, heart and will to win as we played in with every game to this point. Period.

Now, with that said, Sodium is really starting to fire on all cylinders. Between the Cascade and Beaverton Cups Sodium has scored 34 goals while allowing just 5. I'll take that ratio any day of the week.

Up Next:
Lake Oswego Nike Cup! - I will post schedules and opponents as the weekend nears.

GO SODIUM!!

Represent

Pause the music below on the right side. This is worth it.

GO SODIUM!!

National / Regional Rankings

Just checked National Soccer Ranking.com website and the results are in:

GIRLS U14 NATIONAL RANKINGS [Last Updated 7/6/2010]

#42. Tualatin Hills United Sodium (Beaverton, OR)

and

GIRLS U14 REGION 4 RANKINGS [Last Updated 7/4/2010]

#10. Tualatin Hills United Sodium (Beaverton, OR)

Click Here

We are marching on up the ladder lady warriors, keep up the great work!

GO SODIUM!!

Sodium wins Cascade Cup

In very businesslike fashion Sodium wins the 2010 Cascade Cup from hosting ESUFC Arsenal. The lady warriors (minus 5 ODP players all weekend) took care of business Sunday with a 2-0 victory. Sodium took the field, played the game and when the opportunity presented itself Kelly Priest dropped a nifty lead to Marisa Reid who finished the job into the far post net. Just before intermission Mac Kearney took a pass from Aliyah Chance, dished it right back to her streaking down the right side. Aliyah saw Emmy Owens going to goal and chipped a pass to her. Two touches and Emmy found the back of net.
Play resumed back and forth until the final whistle blew and Sodium was crowned champion.

Notes From The Sidelines
This will not be the last Sodium will face ESUFC Arsenal. They have become a physical presence and have not only gained, but will demand other teams respect. I can't wait to follow them as this year unfolds, they are going to take the U15 by storm.
Since Sodium had 5 players attending ODP they needed some help. I would like to thank Kerri, McKayla and Bree for helping out this weekend. You guys contributed tremendously and I'm sure we will see much more of these young ladies because of the tournament schedule Sodium has over the summer.  

Up Next
Adidas Beaverton Cup - July 16th, 17th & 18th
Friday, 7/16/10 @ 8pm vs PCU Impact at REC #3.
Saturday, 7/17/10 @ 8am vs RCSC G95 Black at REC #5.
Saturday, 7/17/10 @ 2pm vs WSM Venom at PCC.
Sunday, 7/18/10 @ 11am - Championship Game at REC #5.

Notes
RCSC is River City Soccer Club out of Spokane. Can't really find any results for 2010 but am digging.
PCU Impact - Finished 5th in Silver Division
WSM Venom - Finished 4th in Silver Division

In my most humble opinion, Sodium should roll through this tournament as well on their way to Oswego Nike Cup.

GO SODIUM!!

Second Day of Cascade Cup Turns Wild and Woolly!

Did I mention that the true test of a champion is how they respond to adversity? Man, I'm good.

In the morning match Sodium was pitted against ESUFC Coventry, Arsenal's 'B' team. The girls took care of business very professionally handing the Coventry an 8-0 defeat. So many people scored and played great that I will list then for you;
Marisa Reid brought the ball deep down the right side chipped a beautiful cross to Easton on the far post who headed it in for the opening goal! 1-0.
Taylor C took a midfield pass in the 18-yard and fired in #2.
Eli fed Mac a nice lead pass that she two touched before finding the back of the net to make it 3-0.
To return the favor Mac drove the ball in and dished back to Eli to make it 4-0 at half.
The second started out as the first had ended. Aliyah brought the up and found Emmy charging hard. 5-0
Aliyah, on a free kick, found Emmy again for a little flick to the close post. 6-0
Emmy down the right side cross back to Marisa to make it 7-0.
And finally, Mrs Assist herself, Aliyah chance chalked up yet another as she found McKayla who blasted in the 8th and final goal.
Wow, thought my thumbs would fall off from so much typing! And this wasn't even the exciting game!

The afternoon match pitted Sodium against a combination U16 / U17 squad, Willamette United. The U17 girls were from the 2010 State Championship team.
Sodium came out flat. The heat and morning game had definitely taken it's toll. The first half was a battle with both teams unable to find the net. Early in the second the Willamette team scored and put Sodium on their heals. Them, midway through the Willamette squad scored again. From the sidelines we were sensing a feeling of defeat. On the pitch, it was a different feeling all together. Coach Tom made some strategic position chances that instantaneously changed the changed the complexion of the game. The Sodium girls looked at each other as if to say; "Are we going to go out like this?" "HECK NO!" The girls, with under 8 minutes left took fire! They never lost composure but just elevated their game to a new level. Willamette United never knew what hit them. Relentlessly they began a barrage of shots on goal. Pounding the defense over and over. Kerri found the net first to make it 2-1. Instead of celebrating, Sodium grabbed the ball and brought it to midfield. The ensuing kickoff was met with more of the same, punishment. Methodically Sodium brought the attack. Calculating their moves, listening as Coach Tom orchestrated the comeback. With under 5 minutes left their was yet another onslaught in the goal box where McKayla punched in the equalizer! The ever growing crowed erupted in cheer! For the closing minutes the lady warriors never gave up. They attacked and attacked. The game ended in a 2-2 deadlock and on to PK's!

Taylor Luty. That is all that needs to be said. Three stops. Incredible.

Erika Cook strolls up to the spot, takes the ball and places it precisely on the grass. Looks at the official "Yeah, I'm ready" and proceeds to rip the net. The keeper never even had a chance to move. Sodium explodes, the fans ignite and the place goes wild!

The best comeback in Sodium history I will wager. Hats off to all the girls who have played very, very well this weekend. One more left.


Up Next
Cascade Cup Championship.

Sodium vs ESUFC Arsenal. 5pm.  Be There!

A rematch of the 2010 State Championship. Let's have the same outcome, eh?

GO SODIUM!!

First day of Cascade Cup ends in a split

The true test of a champion is how they respond to adversity. 


With the passing of Mercury coach Troy Brown, a huge blow to everyone. The very minimal practice schedule, many guest players due to ODP and what some may call "Regionals Hangover", the Sodium squad was not expected to put its best foot forward in the Cascade Cup. Despite all that, the lady warriors fought long and hard in the sweltering heat right to the end before giving up the winning goal to the U16 ESUFC Fulham club. It was grinding game all day that just wore each team out.

As I strode by the team preparing for the afternoon game I reminded them that they can take adversity 2 ways; either they can roll over, give up and play the victim, or they can take everything to heart, build on it, and get stronger from it. 

Looks like they took the latter.

In the afternoon game the Sodium squad came alive against U16 Pacific FC from Washington. In the opening moments Kerri (playing from ESUFC Arseanl I believe) took a perfect feed from Marisa Reid to open the game with a 1-0 Sodium lead. Just a few minutes later Mac Kearney fought and clawed her way between 3 PFC defenders to find the net for a 2-0 tally. Just before half Easton Kawawaki eluded several defenders down the right side and ripped a shot through to the far post. The shot looked like it was going to go in but an alert McKayla Creamer was there to put the exclamation point on it high into the net. The half found Sodium with a 3-0 lead.  

The second half found several players playing in different positions. Kerri again found a streaking Taylor Coon (normally central defense) who eluded defenders and ripped the net for a 4-0 Sodium lead. With just a minute left in the game, Emmy Owens found Taylor Coon again streaking in from her right midfield position at the top of the 18 yard box. Taylor two touched and ripped a left foot into the upper part of the net for the final goal and a 5-0 Sodium victory!


Up Next:
ESUFC Coventry @ 12:30pm


Since I can't tell by looking at the bracket whether Sodium is in the 'A' or the 'B' bracket, the best I can do is guess.


WIN = Play again @ 3:30pm
LOSE = Play Sunday at either 8:00am or 9:30am


(I think)


GO SODIUM!!

Happy 4th of July!

To all the loyal parents, followers & fans, HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!

GO SODIUM!!

World Cup Action

I don't think I have ever seen a more exciting game than Uruguay vs Ghana yesterday. How much emotion, heart and strength these two teams showed. Each team with opportunities to win and each time victory was denied.

If there was ever a game that exemplified the saying; "Never Give Up. Never Back Down. Never Lose Faith." I have yet to see it.

If you get an opportunity to watch it on ESPN.com or wherever, I highly recommend it.

Looking forward to getting back on the pitch.

GO SODIUM!!

Upcoming Tournaments

Kind of slow right now so I thought I would post our upcoming tournaments.

July
9th thru 11th - Cascade Cup (Gresham, OR)
16th thru 18th - Beaverton Cup (Beaverton, OR)
23rd thru 25th - Lake Oswego Cup (Lake Oswego, OR)

August
6th thru 9th - Mustang Stampede (Danville, CA)
9th thru 12th - THUSC Club Tryouts
23rd thru 26th - High School Tryouts

Best of luck to the teams in the tournaments and to the players during tryouts!

GO SODIUM!!