Wrap Up from Coach Gene Canes vs. Xtreme

MCFC Hurricanes v. Extreme
11/04/06
2:00 pm
York School
1 2 - F
Extreme 0 0 - 0
Hurricane 0 1 - 1
Keepers:
Hurricanes: Kiera Paulo (0 saves; 0 goals)
Hurricanes: Emilie Costa (1 save; 0 goals)
Extreme: (2 saves; 1 goal)
Notes: Despite not having their fearless leader today (Coach Corner), the young lady Hurricanes played an inspired game. We were relentless in the attack, quick on defense, and while the victory was in doubt to the end, our girls outplayed the Extreme throughout the game. A number of things impressed me (which I discuss below), including the fact that once we finally scored (only 4 minutes left in the game), the girls never let the opponents have even a chance to score. We continued to pressure, keeping the ball in our offensive end and nearly scoring again.
Coach Corner worked with Alicia and Kelly during the week, asking Kelly to pass to Alicia and then run, looking for a return pass. Well, Alicia responded with 3(that I counted) quality passes back to Kelly, and Kelly finished with 3 shots on goal, with one going in.
I told the girls that I would be keeping track of quality passes, total shots (even if not on goal), and "nice moves" that ended up beating a defender. Alex registered several times in all three categories, Blair made a nice move to beat a defender, Rebecca made a very nice cross in front of goal after taking the ball wide to the corner, Sara had a nice shot that was wide of goal, and Alicia made a very athletic play in the first half when she volleyed a ball toward the goal that was just wide.
I also give Kiera credit for some good moves in bringing the ball forward on several occasions and keeping us on the attack. Also, I can't forget Emilie who made a terrific save in goal to keep the game scoreless in the middle of the second half.
Two things to continue to work on: advancing the ball on the wings and not trying to force it down the middle of the field where all the other team's players are, and winning "50-50" balls (parents, if you aren't sure what that means, ask your daughter to fill you in).
Anyway, I had a lot of fun. See you at practice.
Gene Paulo