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!