NORCAL STATE CUP: GET READY NORCAL HERE WE COME

Well it's official, all teams have been bracketed for State Cup. Their formula for seeding is probably different than what we've seen.

The Seeding Committee has divided the teams into two even numbered groups.

U10 Girls: Teams seeded 1 to 21 - A ...Teams seeded 22 to 42 - B

Two teams from both A and B groups have become a group of 4. As much as possible, the “groups of 4” have been assembled by location, but insuring that each group is approximately equal in strength to all other groups was the first priority.

1. Seeding Committee creates groups of 4.
2. During October, “Groups of 4” play a first round 3 game round-robin against the other teams within their group. This is the “sorting” round beginning the process of moving teams into groups of more comparable strength. These games can be played in any order, on any date and at any time agreeable to both teams. Norcal will designate the home teams for all of these games with most eligible teams having either one or two home games.
3. By formula, the results of the first round move the teams into new “groups of 4” that play a second round 3 game round robin on Saturday, November 17th. This round will finalize the groupings of the teams for the games on Championship Sunday.
4. By formula, the results of the second round are used to move the teams into Sunday AM quarter-final round games in the different divisions – some combination of Super, Premier, Gold, Silver and others – depending on the number of teams in a division. Each team will play 3 games on Saturday and at least one game on Sunday AM. There will be from 20 to 22 Championships decided on Sunday, November 18th

I know it's a bit confusing, but after talking to Norcal, I think this is a very good way to do State Cup. We are very excited about our bracket. Here it is

Group F: 5 team group, 4 games
Modesto Ajax United Elite 98 G
CVSA Cyclones
Elk Grove United 98 Blue
South Valley United G97
Placer United Prestige '98 Girls Tango

Yes, we'll be playing 4 games instead of 3, but this is a good thing. We also have just been sent hotel information for The Championship Weekend on Nov 17-18 in Sacramento. The coaches feel if at all possible we should try to all stay in the same hotel. This way the girls can hang out and us parents can also. Because 10 years from now the girls may not remember the wins or losses. But they will remember the fun times they had together.

And really, what are we doing this all for. Yes, to build character in our little girls and also to show them hard work pays off. We also hope they learn to work with others and to find a love for the game. Let's never forget they are just little girls, let's fill their lives with positive things. Life will throw enough negatives at them as they grow up. Remember, when they are playing the game, they are doing there best out there on the field, no matter how we see it. So let's encourage them for the right things they do, and let the coaches worry about anything that they might need to work on. Then we will all look back at the times here with CVSA and be pleased with what it gave to us and our children.

2nd League Game vs. Central United

Wow! What a game: short and sweet. The girls played strong from the start, but also did Central. It was good to see Kennedy and Ashton; those girls haven't lost their touch. Isabella, again found the back of the net and put us up 1-0 in the first half. She then scored again, but it was called back for offsides. (Good shot anyway Isabella!) Katrina took a ball through five defenders; I thought she was going to score. Journey didn't get much action in goal in the first half, since they didn't generate any shots. Although we had some great opportunities to score with nice passes, we just couldn't seem to finish them up. (...Can someone guess what we're working on in practice this week?) Mary had an awesome game. She shut down everyone and I mean everyone. Way to go Mary! With a great win, 2-0 and only one shot taken on our goal, we as coaches were pleased with everyone. We coaches want to apologize for our lack of substitution in the game. As we all know Coach Scott is very good at getting all of the girls a fair amount of playing time. It's safe to say, that is were the Vargas coaches struggle. Sometimes we get so caught up in the game, we forget to get the fresh legs in. We probably could have found another goal or two had we been more attentive. With all that the game brought, from coaches, players, and parents, we still walked away with a win, and the girls should be very proud of themselves. We'll get back at it Monday. GOOOOOOOOOOOO CYCLONES

Scrimmage vs. Lone Star

The girls played a great game tonight vs. Lone Star. After the Lone Star team took an early goal, our girls fought back and found the back of the net five times before half. That is one thing that all the coaches are very proud of. When our girls go down a goal, they never give up. With it being Journey's birthday, the win was a great way to celebrate......and those cupcakes weren't so bad either. Oh yeah, and it was Laurie's birthday also (that would be Isabella's Mom), so a Happy Happy Birthday to you girls from all of the CVSA crew! The girls played strong and as the other coach said, "we have a great little team!" By the way, we think so also. Logan, way to play the outside position strong, Journey, nice hands in the goal , Nyove, hope you feel better, and Cassidy (Meow). Great game from all you girls. Let's play strong on Saturday.

The Whistle Blows: First League Game

After our first league game was cancelled our girls along with their families traveled to the south valley to play Bakersfield Brigade, It was not only our first game of the season but our first game ever in league play as CVSA Cyclones. The last time we were in Bakersfield, it was not a very good outcome, although we did play in a tournament that was a year older than our girls. Now we were back four months later with some history under our belts. As for the coaches, I know the fields were too familiar, but we knew that our girls were up to the challenge. Coach Scott reminded the girls to strike early and remember what we had done in practice. Coach David encouraged the girls to play one to the ball, and to get physical on the field. Coach Dennis added two things, that we must win every 50/50 ball and to remember the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defender.
As the whistle blew, our girls showed Bakersfield, our parents and us as coaches that they came to play. Ryan took what Coach Scott had said to heart and struck early with a goal. With Emi playing a strong forward position she also found the goal. The girls took control of the game early by winning 85% of all 50/50 balls. They did get a little sloppy in the first half which the coaches addressed at half time. Still they ended the half with five goals to none.
The defense stepped it up in the second half with Cassidy taking control of the back. Between Katrina shutting down every player that came in her area and Camille getting very physical and holding off any shots from her side, the defense (with help from Mary and Lucy) kept the Bakersfield team from taking any shots on goal. Lucy and Mary also helped out on offense with Lucy taking a shot on goal that just missed. Logan and Journey shared the goalie duties both doing a wonderful job, and both girls helped out on the field also. Between Journey making some great passes to set up shots on goal and Logan with her passion, the other team was constantly frustrated. Mandy played the best game since her time here with the Cyclones. She not only played more aggressive than the coaches have ever seen, but she also positioned herself well at the back door to strike one in the back of net. She also just missed on a well placed shot in the second half. With Nyove's practices getting better every session, she truly took her practices to the game and played a solid game. Coaches couldn't have asked more from Nyove with two goals with one of them coming off her left foot. And finally to say Isabella had a great game would be an understatement. Isabella played smart, strong, and at a higher level than she had ever played before. She passed to the open player, she shot on the first strike and she consistently made herself available for the ball.
The coaches were very pleased with all the girls performances. Now with the first game of the season in the win column, we must now look to Saturday and Sunday. With two strong teams to play, we must practice hard this week. Remember, we play like we practice. Congratulations, Cyclones!