NWCL Weekend Scouting Report

This weekend looks like some pretty good soccer for the ladies of Sodium. The U17 South group consists of Sodium, FC Portland, EMFC and OSSA Blue. All the old favorites from years past. Being very familiar with all the Oregon teams, let's take a look at the Washington teams we will face.

THUSC Sodium - Ranked 1st in Oregon, 27th in Region IV, 84th Nationally.

12/15 at 11:00am.
Coquitlam Metro Ford. I can not find anything on this team. I believe it is a combined team from the 2 U17G teams. Other than that, nothing.

12/15 at 5:00pm
Crossfire Premier 95 ECNL - Ranked 4th in Washington, 71st in Region IV, 233rd Nationally

12/16 at 12:30pm
Soccer Edge Academy G95 Black - Ranked 3rd in Washington, 43rd in Region IV, 138 Nationally

NOTES:
Looks like the competition level will rise with every match. Although the teams we played at Final 4 were collectively ranked higher at #15(IV) & #40, #31(IV) & #88 and #75(IV) & 264. So I believe Sodium will hold their own and should come away with a pretty clean slate this weekend if they can play close to where they were in San Diego.

GO SODIUM!!!

Sodium Impact Palyers

Congratulations to the following Sodium players for outstanding performances in 2012.

Julianna Hairston
1st Team All State, 1st Team All-City League, All-City League Player of the Year

Taylor Coon
1st Team All State, 1st Team All Metro League, Metro League Player of the Year

Sydney Van Steenberg
1st Team Spec District III All League, Spec District III Player of the Year

Jadyn McMillan
1st Team All Metro League

Easton Kawawaki
3A (WA) 1st Team All Greater St. Helens League (and State Champion!)

Taylor Luty
2nd Team All Metro League

Kelly Priest
2nd Team All Metro League

Madison Hairston
1st Team All-City League
(I know Maddie isn't on the permanent roster but thought this was noteworthy since she is a freshman)

Proudly your followers scream:  GO SODIUM!!


*It seems like it's been so long since I've watched the girls play, can't wait for this weekend!!
**If I missed anybody or anything, please shoot me an email and I will update.

Final 4 Roundup

vs Valley United Sc (CAS)

Elianna Beard started things off with the opening goal at about the 20 minute mark. Eli's score was followed by Laura Camp who rocketed a feed from Julianna Hairston from the 30 yards to make it 2-0. Taylor Coon got a little over aggressive and Valley United was awarded a PK which brought the tally to 2-1 at half.
Midway through the second Valley found the net again which knotted the game at 2, which would inevitably be the final.

vs Albuquerque United FC (NM)

After a scoreless first half the girls came alive against New Mexico. Easton Kawawaki to a feed from Taylor Coon and worked her magic up the middle finding the upper corner of the frame for a 1-0 Sodium advantage. Julianna Hairston followed suit to give Sodium a 2-0 lead. NM answered with a goal of their own to bring them to within 1. Dani Brown would have none of it as she beats the NM keeper for a 3-1 lead. Were they happy with a 3-1 lead? Heck no! Easton Kawawaki finds newcomer Sydney Van Steenberge for her inaugural Sodium goal to cap the 4-1 Showcase win. The win put the girls on top of their perspective bracket.


Next Up: Northwest Champions League in Seattle 12/15 - 12/16

12/15
11:00am vs Coquitlain Metro Ford
5:00pm vs Crossfire Premier ECNL

12/16
12:30pm vs Soccer Edge Academy Black

From under umbrella's with Starbucks in hand the Sodium faithful yell: GO SODIUM!!    

vs Laguna Hills Eclipse East 95/96 (CAS)

Sodium took it to the team from CAS this morning handing them a 2-1 loss in regulation. The scoreless match was broken open in the second half when newcomer Sydney Van Steenberge found Mac Kearney in the box for the finish. The score was answered immediately by Eclipse to knot the match at one.
Later Dani Brown was fouled in the box resulting in a PK. She confidently found the back of the net to give Sodium the lead for good.

Next Up:
Valley United SC (CAS) @ 9:45am.

Stay tuned for updates!

GO SODIUM!!!

Final Four Showcase Schedule

Good afternoon Sodium faithful. After quite a long hiatus I am back. Even though HS season is full speed into the playoffs I was informed by our very own Manager, Paul Luty, that the Final Four schedule has been posted. And thus, here we are again!

11/29/12
THUSC Sodium vs Laguna Hills Eclipse East 95/96 (CAS)
Arco Field #1 @ 11:30am

11/30/12
THUSC Sodium vs Valley United SC DON (CAS)
Arco Field #1 @ 9:45am

12/1/12
THUSC Sodium vs Albuquerque United FC Barcelona (NM)
Arco Field #3 @ 9:45am

NOTES:
Laguna Hills Eclipse - CAS #10, Region IV #15, National #40 [nothing like the toughest game right out of the box!]
THUSC Sodium - OR #1, Region IV #26, National #73
Vallet United SC - CAS #12, Region IV #31, National #88
A U FC Barcelona - NM #2, Region IV #75, National #264

I will post more as information becomes available. Welcome back loyal fans!!

GO SODIUM!!

San Diego Surf Cup Schedule

7/28/12
12:00pm Sodium vs Weston FC '95 Premier Black (FL)

7/29/12
9:40am Sodium vs Loudoun Soccer 95G Red (VA)
5:40pm Sodium vs West Coast FC United (CAS)

7/30/12
10:30am Semi Finals
3:30pm Finals

Ranking Breakdown:


Weston FC '95 Premier Black (FL) - State: 3, Reg III: 7, Nat'l: 40
Loudoun Soccer 95G Red (VA) - State: 6, Reg I: 31, Nat'l: 78
West Coast FC United (CAS) - CAS: 10, Reg IV: 21, Nat'l: 56
THUSC Sodium (OR) - State: 2, Reg IV: 19, Nat'l: 53

From the sun soaked fields in San Diego your fans will scream: GO SODIUM!!!

Sodium Advances to Semi's! [Revised]

Sodium advanced to US Club Regionals Semi Finals with a decisive victory over Davis Legacy 2-0. Scoring started within the first 2 minutes of the game as center defender Kelly Priest found the net from midfield! Juli Hairston sealed the deal with a second half feed from Emmy Owens.

OK, it seems the original pairings were incorrect. So, below is the correct pairing for today.

Sodium faces United 95 in the Semi Final match at 1:45pm today.

How they got there:


Sodium
vs De Anza Force 3-0
vs California Odyssey 3-1
vs Davis Legacy 2-0

United 95 (Lamorinda Soccer Club)
vs Inter Rage 2-2
vs Ajax United 3-1
vs Cal Northstars 9-1

Ranking: CAN: 4  Reg IV: 19  Nat'l: 52

From the Sidelines
I wouldn't put too much emphasis on the scoring of United. The team they beat decisively gave up a total of 11 goals in 3 games and is in last place. The only real contest United had ended in a tie. If Sodium continues to play their game, they should stay to play another day.

GO SODIUM!!!

US Club Regionals in Modesto, CA

In U16G Super Group action Sodium defeated De Anza Force 3-0 with goals coming from Dani Brown (2) and Emmy Owens.

The second brought a victory over California Odyssey 3-1 with scores from Dani Brown and Juli Haiston (2).

This mornings match pits Sodium against Davis Legacy. Will update upon completion.

Semi final action gets underway tonight with finals on Tuesday.

GO SODIUM!!

Recap of current tournaments

Sorry it has been awhile.

Showcase of Champions
Sodium played with only 9 players and had to call up several Onyx to help. Finished 4th in Group.

Northwest Champions League
Sodium defeats Spokane to take home the hardware and win the league!

United Cup
Sodium remains on top winning the 2012 United Cup!

More to come.....

GO SODIUM!!

chilling out

Sodium relaxes before their final match with Pacific NW 95.

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

Update from Redmond

After a disappointing loss to OSSA in the OPL State Cup the lady warriors brushed themselves off and hit the pitch at the Showcase of Champions in Redmond Washington.
Although Sodium was only able to field 9 players on Friday, they called on the few of their 'little sisters' to step up and face the challenge. Maddie, Bree and Payton from Iridium (U14) jumped in to bring the total to 12 players.
The Friday after game pitted Sodium against WPFC '95 ECNL. Play started of with a bang as Elly Williams drove the ball from her left outside defender position clear into the 18 yard box and her shot was just wide. This single breathed life into a Sodium squad that was a little deflated due to only 4 players playing their normal position. Sodium held off a few WPFC attacks and mounted several of their own as Dani Brown, Maddie Hairston, Eli Beard and Payton lead the charge. Just before half WPFC found the net as Sodium's defense was still sorting out their communication.

The second half was more of the same. Kylee Coon did a great job in goal as she made several saves to keep the score close. Midway through defender Taylor Coon brought the ball up to the midfield stripe, saw the WPFC keeper pulled to the top of the box and let rip a long range shot that the keeper got just enough finger tips on to deflect it off the bottom of the cross bar. New life again for the Sodium squad. Late in the contest a ball came high into the box where Kylee lept up and punched out. A whistle blew and the WPFC player was given a PK. No explanation was given as both sets of bleachers looked on stunned. Despite Kylee's great effort the PK was successful and the score remained 2-0 until the final whistle.

Next Up:
12:30pm Sodium vs FC Nova Super Nova (ID)
8:00pm Sodium vs Boise Nationals Premier (ID)

GO SODIUM!!

OPL State Cup

The girls have really had a great run this season thus far. Winning Surf Cup, winning the Vegas Invitational, placing high in both leagues. Saturday they play for the OPL State Cup Championship at 2pm at THPRD Field #2. The stage is set for them OSSA Blue, a team we have met often and match up well with. It will be a battle for sure. Field #2 is where OSSA took the trophy from your grasp your U15 season. time for a little payback.

To win would mean Sodium's fourth state Championship trophy. This amazing feat has only been accomplished by a small elite group of teams in Oregon.

We wish them all the luck we can muster as they take the field Saturday.

We are so proud of you Sodium.

Let's take it all on Saturday. Team on 3...

Between margarita's on Cinco de Mayo your fans will scream; GO SODIUM!!!

Great Twitter Post

Saw this on Twitter;

GO SODIUM!!

Players Showcase

Below is the link to Players College Showcase in Vegas this weekend. OSSA Blue is in Monte Carlo group and FC Portland Navy is in Paris if you would like to follow their progress.

CLICK HERE

Have a fun and safe spring break everyone!

GO SODIUM!!!

This is awesome.

GO SODIUM!!

OPL Action Recap

Since Vegas Sodium has had only 3 matches. Below are the recaps;

March 4th vs ESUFC Arsenal - 1-1 tie
The only blemish on Sodium's bid for OPL League Champion came against Arsenal. Emmy Owens put a great move on the ESUFC keeper to open the match. Before half Arsenal scored a rare goal again the sure fire Sodium defense to even the match. Sodium was unable to capitalize on numerous second half attempts and score stood at 1 apiece.

March 10th vs OSSA White - 9-0 win
The onslaught started just after the opening whistle as Julie Hairston drove down the left side and ripped a cross to Aliyah Chance for the finish. Next up Aliyah Chance dish to Jadyn McMillan, 2-0. On a corner kick midway through the first Aliyah Chance tapped to Jadyn McMillan who drove towards goal and ripped a shot passed Taylor Coon who was screening the defense. The shot hit the net inside the far post for a 3-0 lead. Aliyah Chance again fed a charging Dani Brown who sliced the keeper and found the net for a 4-0 tally. Just before half, defender Taylor Coon powered a long lead ball upfield to Julie Hairston who faked the keeper and brought the halftime score to 5-0.
The second half opened with Easton Kawawaki's long lead pass down the left side that found Dani Brown streaking to goal. Dani finished in the upper corner for a 6-0 tally. Next, McKayla Creamer charged into the 6 yard box and pounded a shot off the keeper where an alert Mac Kearney was there for the finish a 7-0 lead. Late in the second Aliyah Chance found herself in the 18 where she found an attacking Willy Williamson open and ready to finish. 8-0. And lastly, Dani Brown took another perfect pass from fellow forward Julie Hairston and sliced into goal for the 9th and final score.

March 11th vs RVSC Power Strikers - 4-0 win
Welcome to the Dani Brown show! Within the first 15 minutes of the contest Dani had taken perfectly placed passes from Julie Hairston and Emmy Owens and made them count as she rattled off 3 consecutive goals! The 3-0 halftime score was shattered late in the match when, on a great corner kick from Aliyah Chance, a crashing Taylor Luty (what?) directed an exquisit header past the diving RVSC keeper!! The wet and frozen crowed erupted as fist pumping on the field and high fives in the stands spread like wild fire! Scored ended 4-0.

The team is really playing well and will need to bring their "A" game for sure on Sunday, March 17th. as they face the top of the bracket OSSA 95 Blue at 2:30pm at Lake Oswego High School. Come out and enjoy the action!

GO SODIUM!!

Rankings Available

With Sodiums win in Las Vegas their new ranking is;

Oregon: #1

Region IV: #21

National Rank: #66


GO SODIUM!!

Pretty Cool

A Tweet from a soccer player I know captioned this photo;

"I'm pretty sure this is what heaven looks like."




God I love this game. :)

Vegas Showcase Results

If you hadn't already heard, Sodium wins the Vegas Invitational College Showcase!


The lady warriors represented Oregon in style as they walked away with the hardware in Vegas! Beautiful weather awaited Sodium as they took the field at the Bettye Wilson soccer complex.


For game recaps, see below;


There were so many goals this weekend that I am just going to list the specifics.


Game 1 - Sodium 2 vs 2 Heat FC 96 ECNL (NV)
The ladies showed real poise as they came from a 2-0 deficit. Mac Kearney drills the first of the comeback followed by Dani Brown's goal in the second half. Sodium had huge pushes late in both halves. They never gave up, never backed down, never lost faith.


Game 2 - Sodium 2 vs 0 Placer United Elite (CAN)
In a very workman like fashion Sodium took the field and methodically played their game. Control of the ball and tempo was the game plan. Payton Sonnen found a streaking Dani Brown to open things up. Just before half center defender Taylor Coon lead Dani Brown into the 18 yard box and she proceeded to find the net for what would prove the winner.

Game 3 - Sodium 5 vs 3 Boise Nationals BNSC Premier (ID)
In what would prove to be the worst officiated game we have seen in years, the lady warriors held on for victory. Numerous yellow cards for both teams. Phantom calls, no explanations and a center ref totally full of himself proved to be almost a comedy show, not a College Showcase match. Both teams left shaking their heads. Elly Williamson started off the contest when she took the cross from Aliyah Chance and headed a beautiful goal. Sodium and Boise would trade goals by Dani Brown and Jadyn McMillan. Jadyn McMillan hit on another patented penalty kick to give Sodium a 4-3 lead and Elly Williamson took the cross and ripped the net for the 5th and final. Sighs of relief came along with the final whistle.

Game 4 - Sodium 5 vs 0 Gilbert Arsenal 96 Premier (AZ)
Serenaded by the trophy tent DJ the lady warriors rocked the team from Arizona. Aliyah Chance fed a pretty lead pass to Dani Brown to start the flood. McKayla Creamer took matters into her own hands as she bullied her way deep down the left side, cut back and then bent a beautiful ball into the upper corner of the far post. The crowd went nuts for the outstanding shot. After the break Laura Camp lofted a corner kick to Juliana Hairston at the back post to deflect into the net. Minutes later there was scuffle in front of the net and a battling Emmy Owens ripped the ball into the net for a 4 goal advantage. As some of the players delighted the fans with their rendition of the Village Peoples Y-M-C-A, Jadyn McMillan punched in a 22 yard free kick to end the match 5-0 and give Sodium the hardware for first place.

From the sidelines
Kudos to Mel Langley on her coaching debut. Mel is Sodium's new assistant and comes to us from Portland State University and Oregon ODP. She did a fantastic job with the ladies who have grown to admire and respect her. (And the parents too!)

The Heat FC team was outstanding. Their overall team speed was incredible. They pushed/attacked from every position and were unbelievably disciplined in their passing creating opportunities. Hats off to them, they were by far the best we faced.

Soccer Night in Las Vegas

20 minutes before first game kickoff!

Go Sodium!!!

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

Vegas Showcase Schedule & Scouting Report

2/24/12

6:20pm - Heat FC 96 ECNL (NV) vs THUSC Sodium @ Bettye Wilson #10

2/25/12

10:30am - Placer United Elite 96G (CAN) vs THUSC Sodium - Bettye Wilson #9

3:30pm - Boise Nationals BNSC Premier vs THUSC Sodium - Bettye Wilson #5

2/26/12

12:10pm - Gilbert Arsenal 96 Premier (AZ) vs THUSC Sodium - Bettye Wilson #5

Scouting Report

Heat FC - Nevada Rank #1. Region IV Rank #13. National Rank #34

Placer United - CAN Rank #11. Region IV Rank #38. National rank #112

Boise Nationals - Utah Rank #1. Region IV Rank #53. National Rank #161

Gilbert Arsenal - Arizona Rank #8. Region IV Rank #14. National Rank #362

Sodium - Oregon Rank #3. Region IV Rank #30. National Rank #86

From the sidelines

If Sodium can continue down the road they're on they should fare near the top of their bracket. The only true obstacle will be the host, Heat FC. If they remain healthy and playing as a squad, they could walk away winning the whole enchilada.

Pain is only temporary but victory is forever.

GO SODIUM!!

OPL Action Week Four

Saturday Sodium faced WSM Elite at PCC Rock Creek. We had anticipated a physical battle and WSM did not disappoint.
After a slow start where Sodium tested the water of just how play was to flow, Dani Brown broke loose around 19 yards out and ripped the far post to give Sodium a 1-0 lead. Minutes later Julie Hairston dropped a perfect lead pass to a charging Dani Brown who again ripped the net for a 2-0 Sodium lead. Was Mrs. Brown done? Oh I think not! Just before half Sodium was awarded a free kick around the 25 yard mark. Dani Brown, noticing the WSM keeper was lining the defenders up to her left but was leaving the right side post unattended, Fired a beauty just under the cross bar for a hat-trick and a 3-0 Sodium advantage.
After the break the girls kept up the relentless pressure. The WSM keeper made several outstanding plays to keep her team in the hunt. With 10 minutes left in the match Aliyah Chance drove the ball hard to goal where she was fouled in the WSM box. The resulting PK was eyeballed by a confident Jadyn McMillan who found the right corner of the net for the fourth and final goal.

Sunday’s match pitted Sodium against PCU Impact Red.
I had documented all the action throughout the game but unfortunately the app froze and I couldn’t recover it. So, with the help of Keith, Molly and Ryan, here’s the highlights;

Julie Hairston starts the game off to make it 1-0. This was followed by Dani Brown to make it 2-0. Easton Kawawaki drove the ball deep down the left side and found Mac Kearney in the box to make it 3-0. After the half it was Dani Brown again for a 4-0 advantage. Late in the game the sisters, Maddie and Julie Hairston teamed for the final goal to make it 5-0. I remember them all being so exciting but since I lost it all, you’ll have to settle for this.

Stay tuned for Vegas updates!

GO SODIUM!!

OPL Action Week Three

In the only game of the weekend Sodium took on Pacific FC Avalanche 95.

Sodium had a little trouble starting the engine this morning. The first was almost over before Aliyah Chance unleashed one of her rockets from about 20yards that gave Sodium a 1-0 lead at half.
The second half found Elly 'Willy' Williamson back from a concussion feeding a streaking Emmy Owens who pounded the net for a 2-0 lead. Moments later midfielder Kerri Cook drove the left side and left footed a beautiful ball over the outstretched keeper into the upper net for a 3-0 advantage. With about 10 minutes left Sodium was awarded a corner. Jadyn McMillan sent a perfect ball to awaiting Juli Hairston who flicked it into the net making it 4-0. Then, just for bragging rights, Kerri Cook unloaded from 35 yards out just under the cross bar for a 5-0 final.

Sodium is playing well as they prep for Vegas later in the month. With the possibility of an ECNL bid, they couldn't have picked a better time to peak.

From the sun drenched field of rec #2 the Sodium faithful cheer; GO SODIUM!!

OPL Action Week Two

In the second week of OPL action Sodium took on BSC Portland 95 Black on Saturday.
Play was controlled and calculated. Aliyah Chance's right to left cross was met by a charging Eli Beard who found the net to open the flood gates and make it 1-0 Sodium. Minutes later Ellie Williamson repeated with a right to left cross of her own to Emmy Owens who beat 3 defenders to make it 2-0 advantage. Right before half Julie Hairston's rocket deflected off the BSC keeper to an alert Mac Kearney who finished it in a flurry to bring the first half tally to 3-0. Just after the break Julie Hairston stormed the box and got mugged and awarded a PK. Julie lined it up, ripped it off the keepers chest and took the deflection to the house for a 4-0 lead. Were they finished? Yeah, right. Aliyah Chance too the rock just outside the 18y box and let fly a major league shot that punished the net for a 5-0 score. Just before the closing whistle Maddie Hairston popped a left to right cross to a storming McKayla Creamer to bring the final to 6-0. The ladies are starting to gel and most importantly, finish.

Sundays game found Sodium traveling to Eugen to take on EMFC Magic. These two teams and played each other since U11 and have developed quite a bond. They players and parents are a quality program.

The scoring began with Aliyah Chance lining up the corner kick. She lets it fly into the box where awaiting defenseman, Taylor Coon, found the back of the net to lead it off 1-0. Before half Aliyah Chance again found herself eyeing a corner kick. This time she found a crashing Emmy Owens for the header and a 2-0 advantage!
Nearing the end of regulation Sodium was awarded a free kick from near midfield. Aliyah Chance lined it up and drove a perfect pass to Taylor Coon who pushed a lead pass to Juli Hairston who's shot found the inside of the far to bring the final score to 3-0.
All the girls met at midfield to exchange hugs high fives.

From the sideline
It was nice to see Sodium scoring from set pieces in the second game, something we haven't seen in awhile.

Next up:
2/4/12 vs Pacific FC Avalanche at REC #2 at 11:00am.


GO SODIUM!!

OPL Winter League Begins

Scrape the frost off your car and come watch the lady warriors take on BSC Portland 95 Black in OPL League action this morning. 11:00am kickoff at REC #1.

BE THERE!

GO SODIUM!!

REMEMBER to please get me your updated player profile with headshots for the Vegas College Showcase! I would like to have everything finalized the week of February 13th. Thank you.

'96 & '95 ODP and FC Portland College Showcase Results

ODP Regional Championship Results

'95 Oregon are Region IV Finalists
Taylor Coon, Juli Hairston, Laura Camp

'96 Oregon finishes third overall
Jadyn McMillan, Eli Beard, Aliyah Chance, Dani Brown

FC Portland Winter College Showcase

U17 Ireland finished with 1 win, 2 ties and a loss.
Kaylee Coon, Taylor Luty, Emmy Owens, Kelly Priest, Kerri Cook, Payten Sonnen, McKayla Creamer, Easton Kawawaki


Great job ladies!

Next Up
1/28/12 is the first OPL League game against BSC Portland 95 Black.

GO SODIUM!!

OPL Winter League Schedule Posted

Paul forwarded Sodium's OPL Winter League schedule but in case you missed it;

SAT - 1/28/12
11:00am vs BSC Portland 95G Black @ Rec #1
SUN - 1/29/12
1:00pm vs EMFC 95 Magic Blus @ Lane Comm Col Soccer Field (Eugene)

SAT - 2/4/12
11:00pm vs Pacific FC Avalanche 95 @ Rec #2

SAT - 2/11/12
1:00pm vs WSM Elite @ PCC Rock Creek
SUN - 2/12/12
11:00pm vs PCU Impact Red @ Rec #1

SUN - 3/4/12
9:00am vs ESUFC Arsenal @ Sunset HS

SAT - 3/10/12
1:00pm vs OSSA 95 White @ Rec #1
SUN - 3/11/12
2:00pm vs RVSC Power Strikers @ US Cellular Comm Sports Park #12 (Medford)

SUN - 3/18/12
12:00pm vs OSSA 95 Blue @ Lake Oswego HS

SAT - 4/7/12
2:00pm vs FC Portland Academy 95G Navy @ Liberty HS

*** '95 & '96 ODP and FC Portland Winter College Showcase Updates Coming Soon!***

GO SODIUM!!

NWCL Weekend Recap [2] & FC Showcase

The late game Saturday was a little more of a physical affair. The South Fraser team was big but Sodium is playing at an entirely different level than this time last year so it really didn't seem to phase them.

Scoring started off after Fraser committed a handball in the box and Jadyn McMillan confidently strode to the spot and ripped in the PK. Just before the intermission Laura Camp lined up a free kick and found Maddie Hairston dashing in from the far post to make it a 2-0 Sodium lead.

The second half was more of a UFC title match than a soccer game. The Fraser girls were swearing like drunken sailors and playing like them too. I guess when you've determined you can't beat a team because you're not as skilled enough, you have to turn to trying to injure or intimidate them. Neither of which worked to their advantage. They did manage to squeak one in late but too little too late as Sodium walked away with the 2-1 victory. A pretty classless effort by the British Columbia squad.

Sunday vs River City G95 Black
We thought we had seen the end of physical play with the beating of the BC team, boy were we wrong. I don't remember the River City team being that dirty but its been awhile since we played them. Sodium again didn't let it bother them as they controlled play all through the scoreless first half. Midway through the second Eli Beard lofted a perfect cross to a breaking Kerri Cook who, not surprisingly, was pulled down from behind in the box. The resulting PK was blasted in by none other than Jadyn McMillan to give Sodium the 1-0 advantage. Nearing the end Sodium was attacking once again, the resulting corner kick was deflected by Dani Brown to Emmy Owens who rocked the net for the second and final goal of the match resulting in a 2-0 Sodium victory.

Up Next:
FC Portland Winter College Showcase

1/13/12
5:00pm vs VUSA Columbia Timers @ Hare Field #7

1/14/12
8:00am vs Snohomish United G94 Black @ Hare Field #7

1/15/12
12:40pm vs Westsound FC '94 Red @ Liberty HS #4
8:20pm vs FC Nova Supernova Elite @ 53rd Ave Field #2

Notes:
This is a U17 tournament that we will be combining forces with Ireland for. Get plenty of rest this week because I have a feeling everyone will be getting plenty of playing time. I will also be putting together an abbreviated team profile to hand out to prospective coaches. Good luck ladies!

Don't forget Futsol games tonight!

GO SODIUM!!

NWCL Early Recap

The Sodium delivered a solid performance against Greater Renton in the first game of the Saturday double header. Despite missing a few starters due to injury and other obligations and Payten Sonnen's questionable red card to start the second half, the lady's played solid in the 4-2 victory.

First half action found Emmy Owens driving the ball deep down the left side. A strong cross was flicked by McKayla Creamer to a waiting Dani Brown who's solid left foot found the far side net to give Sodium the opener. Midway through Aliyah Chance found herself one-on-one against a the Greater Renton defender. She faked left, went right and lofted a perfect shot just over the outstretched glove of the Renton keeper and off the crossbar and in. Sodium up 2-0. Since the girls are shuffling positions until they get a full roster healthy they often find players in positions they are unfamiliar with. Such was the case today when defensive communication broke down allowing Greater Renton to score late in the first half bringing the tally to 2-1. Right before the whistle Sodium had yet another deep penetration into the offensive third. Jadyn McMillan's cross to a wide open Aliyah Chance at the top of the 18-yard box found it's way to the back of the net with authority making it a 3-1 Sodium advantage at the break.

The beginning of the second half found a bizarre twist as Payten Sonnen, Taylor Coon and a Greater renton forward were battling just inside the 18-yard box. Payten and the renton forward went down and Taylor broke for the ball. The whistle blew and Payten was issued a card. No one around the field area we were at could explain to me exactly what happened. Greater Renton scored on the PK bringing the score to 3-2 Sodium. As play resumed a calm Sodium team kept their cool and possession of the ball. Every player knew what they had to do with a player down. Midway through the second Eli Beard put a move on a Renton defender and drove hard left. She played a perfect cross to an awaiting Emmy Owens who ripped the net with the 4th and final goal. The whistle blew, game, set, match. A 4-2 Sodium victory.

5:00pm vs South Fraser FC @ PCC Rock Creek

The late game pits Sodium against South Fraser from Canada. South has faced EUFC Arsenal (won 1-0), OSSA 95 Blue (tied 0-0), Magnuson Ford Mariners FC (won 4-0) and this morning Mountain United (lost 3-1). If Sodium can maintain the level of play we have seen from them the last several games, they should be a formidable foe for South Fraser.

From under stadium blankets and on top of frozen metal bleachers the Sodium faithful yell; GO SODIUM!!

NWCL gets back underway

After the Holiday break (with ODP and indoor tournaments thrown in) the girls are back to work in NWCL action.

1/7/12
11:00am vs Greater Renton FC 95 Blue (Renton, WA) @ Rec #2
5:00pm vs South Fraser FC G16 (British Columbia, CAN) @ PCC Rock Creek #2

1/8/12
10:30am vs River City G95 Black (Spokane, WA) @ Liberty HS Stadium Field.

Opponents Standing Points/Games Played/W/T/L/GD - Gotsoccer Ranking - National Soccer Ranking (DNR=Did not rank)
Greater Renton - 4/3/1/1/1/0 - Nat'l 133, Region VI 44, WA 3 - DNR, DNR, DNR
South Fraser - 7/3/2/1/0/5 - No listing - No listing
River City - 7/3/2/1/0/5 - Nat'l 450, Reg IV 144, WA 14 - DNR, DNR, DNR

THUSC Sodium - 7/3/2/1/0/3 - Nat'l 83, Reg IV 29, OR 3 - Nat'l 41, Reg IV 10, OR 1

Notes from the sidelines
Greater Renton has the fewest points of the opponents Sodium will face this weekend. River City has always been tough and I really don't know much about the Canadian team except they are tied with Sodium in points after the first weekend and have yet to give up a goal (like RC). Sodium will need to keep the momentum and hopefully this weeks practices will help trim some of the Holiday cheer and get them game ready. See you on the pitch.

** Also, I have only received 1 updated player profile with picture. Please remember to send them to me so I can put together the team/individual marketing pieces for Vegas Showcase. Thanks.

GO SODIUM!!