Game 5 vs. Berkeley Blast (Reynolds Field, Parsippany)  0-0 T  

 

The Ravens welcomed the Berkeley Blast to the beautiful field at Reynolds Soccer Complex on Sunday, October 23rd.   With relatively dry conditions, and a touch of fall in the air, this was a “soccer day” as it’s meant to be.  The Blast, with at least two wins under their belt this season, was going to be the stiffest test so far for the Ravens in this flight.

 

For the first 15 minutes the Ravens were on their heels, and the Blast appeared quicker, bigger, and more aggressive to the ball.  Played mostly in their defensive half, the Ravens and their entourage was wondering when the offense was going to make its appearance. 

 

As the half progressed, so did the Ravens’ march into attacking territory, and the team finally settled in and found a groove.  The girls started to connect the dots, and the pushes forward became steady, consistent and dangerous.  However, some great offensive efforts fell short, as shots were either taken too late with the defense converging, or were launched wide of the net. The Blast goalie was called on to make a few critical saves, while the Ravens defense consistently had numbers back to thwart any offensive attack.  The half was quickly paced, but produced nothing on the scoreboard.

 

At halftime, the Ravens were given specifics to focus upon in the final 35 minutes.  Well knowing that it was going to be a close, and probably a one goal game, the defensive marking was going to have to stay strong, and the midfield transition play was likely going to make the difference.  Additionally, using negative space wisely to change the point of attack, and executing unbalancing runs to create opportunities in the attacking third needed to be added to the Ravens offensive arsenal.  Now it was up to them!

 

And they listened, as the Ravens mounted consistent pressure, and created opportunity after opportunity by building through the midfield and creating on top.  With the Ravens defense holding firm, and only giving up one very close shot that just skimmed the outside of the net, it was up to the offense to get just one … just one … that was all it was going to take!

 

Alina Vitencz, Carly Stagl, Alex Seldin and Kristen Randolph each had “the game on their foot” at least two times at certain points during the second half.  But as it is some days, it just wasn’t meant to be for some reason. The Blast goalie made a few terrific saves, and earned the Blast a tie with the hard working Ravens. 

 

The Ravens defense of goalie Randi Pesci, Erin Gaven, Krystal McLean, Emily Muniz and Katie Astrella had a super game, resulting in their 3rd consecutive shutout, and 4 of 5 in league play.  The midfield of Randolph, Claudia Moreira, Jordan Valori, Amanda Fulton, Stephanie Logan and Melissa Piccoli were strong on the ball, winning most 50/50 and second balls.  The offense of Vitencz, Stagl, Seldin, Shannon Wojcik and Julie Socolow had a great day, but no doubt, some will be replaying missed opportunities in their heads … at least until dinner!  We’ll take the tie and keep pushing forward!

 

Game 4 vs. PDA Patriots (@ New Brunswick)  3-0 W 

 

On Sunday, the Ravens traveled to the urban soccer setting of New Brunswick to take on the PDA Patriots.  With the weather beating up their tournament schedule and practice regimens, the Ravens were thankful to get on any field, and especially in a game situation for the first time in two weeks. However, were they well rested and set to go, or was there a light layer of rust that would impact their game and the desired result?  The answer was soon to come.

 

As the teams lined up for the opening kickoff, there was a strong wind blowing that seemed to be shifting every few minutes. Additionally, the Ravens looked across the field at a team that was considerably larger than them.   Would they both be factors? As it turned out … NO.

 

The Ravens took immediate control of the game, and kept the offensive pressure on for the entire first half.  PDA didn’t mount any offensive pushes of significance, and goalie Pesci was awarded one casual save during the half.  But, the Ravens couldn’t find the net, even though they had numerous chances in the first 15 minutes.

 

In the 18th minute, the Ravens offense collapsed within the six yard box directly in front of the goal chasing down a lose ball.  With the girls playing and running with conviction at this point, there was no way the ball wasn’t going to wind up in the back of the net.  And it did, as Carly Stagl was able to push a left footer past the PDA defenders and goalie for a 1-0 Ravens lead.  That was the spark they needed, but was the fire to come?

 

The Ravens were awarded a direct free kick from about 30 yards out in the 20th minute.  Center back Krystal McLean was called on to take the restart, and she put a beautiful rising shot on goal that looked like it was ticketed for the upper right corner.  It fell just a bit short, but Sarah Lipinski was there to knock it home and give the Ravens a comfortable 2-0 lead that they took to halftime.

 

The second half was again controlled by the Ravens, with the girls keeping possession for a good deal of the half.  However, the PDA defense tightened up a bit and kept the Ravens offense from getting any solid shots on net.  The Ravens were only able to convert on one of their many corner kicks, as again Carly Stagl was the player in the right spot at the right time.  This goal in the 46th minute closed out the scoring for the day.  No wind ... and no size factors!  3-0 win!

 

This result gives the Ravens a 4-0 record in the flight, with 13 goals for, versus only 1 against.  Next week the Ravens will “strive for five” vs. the Berkeley Blast at Smith Field in Parsippany, where the weather is guaranteed to be sunny and balmy without a cloud in sight.  Just like in the game, you gotta believe it before you can experience it!  Right now, this club is “experiencing it!”

 

Game 3 vs. Aberdeen-Matawan Angels (Reynolds Field, Parsippany)  6-0 W 

 

The Aberdeen-Matawan Angels made the trip up to Parsippany’s Reynolds field to face the Ravens, who were defeated 0-1 on Saturday in a tough and well played State Cup match vs. highly ranked U-12 Wyckoff.  Well knowing that the Angels would probably not match the Torpedoes size, skill and speed, the Ravens needed to make sure that they played at the same high level that they did in the State Cup, and not to come out flat.  Prior to the game, the team as a group committed to do just that.  But saying and doing are two things; there was still 70 minutes of soccer to be played.

 

The Ravens took immediate command of the game.  Every first ball was challenged, and second balls were consistently won.  It didn’t take long for the Angels to realize they were dealing with a team that wanted revenge for yesterday’s defeat, and it didn’t make any difference whom it was against. Angels’ players were given no space; no time; and were clearly having trouble containing the Ravens attack.

 

First half scoring summary:

 

1.       14th minute – Alex Seldin converts with the left foot after a goal mouth scramble

2.       18th minute – Amada Fulton neatly places a hard strike off a penalty kick

3.       28th minute – Cynthia Abinader, from a center middie position, follows up the play and lofts a nice shot into the upper part of the net

 

At half-time, the coaches de-emphasized focusing on the win, and to be more concerned about keeping possession and the “process” - the why’s and how’s things happen and shape up the way they do.  If the team truly gets a grip on the process, then if the situation arises, they won’t feel helpless when they find themselves on the wrong side of a 2-3 goal differential.  The opportunity was presented to experiment with some position changes, and to find even more flexibility throughout the roster. 

 

The girls did a great job in all respects, never allowing a truly dangerous Angels’ attack, and keeping the pressure on.

 

Second half scoring summary:

 

4.       39th minute – Shannon Wojcik converts off of an excellent service on the right side by Alina Vitencz

5.       59th minute – Center Middie Sarah Lipinski delivers a well hit right footer

6.       68th minute – Vitencz and Seldin execute a well played combination up the left flank with Vitencz finishing it off with a well struck ball off the run to the short side

 

Six goals … 6-0 final … but most importantly six different goal scorers!  That’s evidence enough of flexibility, which somewhere along the line in a long season will pay dividends.


Now it’s on to the Parsippany Pride Tournament, where the Ravens intend to set their sites on a championship.  But the girls understand you play them one at a time, with the most important game being just the next game!  For the coaches, the real challenge before us might be to manage and control this new found confidence.  It’s a nice problem to have!

 

Game 2 vs. Watchung Hills Dynamite (@ Warren, NJ)  2-1 W

 

On a beautiful day for soccer, the Ravens’ made the trek down to Watchung Hills (Warren, NJ) to try and get their second league win in as many matches.  The Watchung Hills Dynamite was coming off a 1-0 win vs. Flemington, and again would have the rocky, bouncy, hard-as-nails, dusty and dry home field advantage.  The Ravens absolutely needed to adjust, having become very comfortable on their home turf field where all balls bounce true.  Today would be anything but that.

 

The first half started off with each team looking to create some energy and excitement.  While both teams were having issues trying to be clean with the ball, the Ravens were doing a better job of keeping shape and defending as a team.  When it looked like it was all coming together, it fell apart just as fast.

 

In the 21st minute, the Dynamite sent a looping ball into the Ravens’ goal area about 8-10 yards out and to the right of the goal (left of goalie Pesci).  Unfortunately, a Ravens’ defender mis-directed the collection back in front of the net to an unmarked Dynamite striker, and the result was an easy tap into the net.

 

The Ravens now needed to recognize that this was a focus moment.  Not having been down in a game in quite a while, it was going to be interesting if the team could re-group, and realize that one goal down is not an insurmountable task.  And respond they did.

 

Right away, the girls started connecting the dots, and played the ball very successfully through the midfield.  They also did a good job of playing the ball up and back and then combining through.  It was just going to be matter of time, and it wouldn’t be long.

 

In the 30th minute, the Ravens had a strong push up field along the left flank.  Sarah Lipinski managed to keep control and sent a low ball into the box.  Amanda Fulton calmly came on to ball, gained control and then netted her first goal of the season just inside the far post.  Just like in their previous game after the first goal, confidence exuded through the team and the Ravens’ faithful at that point.  The new found confidence would pay dividends quickly.

 

The Dynamite was called for a foul just outside their 18 in the 33rd minute.  Spotting that the defense did not set a wall, center middie Sarah Lipinski took charge and struck a nice ball directly into the net to give the Ravens the lead, and the eventual game winning goal. 

 

The second half saw the Ravens dictate play and field advantage, with the Dynamite creating only a handful of possible opportunities.  However, the pace was really stepped up in the last 8 minutes, with the Dynamite getting 3-4 corner kicks as they started to press for the tying goal.  The Ravens defense stood tall, and while slightly rattled, they didn’t break.  2-1 final, and the Ravens now sit atop the flight standings at 2-0.

 

Game 1 vs. Rahway Fury (Veterans Field, Parsippany)  2-0 W
 

The Ravens and Rahway Fury met Sunday at Veterans Field in a late afternoon tilt that opened the MID-NJ season for both squads.  Under a sunny sky and comfortable temperatures, each team was ready to get off to good start to the Fall 05 season.

 

The first half was uneventful.  Each team had limited opportunities outside of the mid third, with the Ravens getting a slight edge to the play.  Both teams took the half to regroup and to strategize how they were going to generate that “one goal,” because this game had all the looks of being a one goal game.

 

Early on in the second half, a Fury midfielder found a seam through the tough Ravens’ defense, sending a striker in one-on-one with Ravens’ goalie Randi Pesci.  With a Ravens’ defender one step behind, and in hot pursuit, goalie Pesci timed her challenge exactly right, making contact with the ball first and sending it off for an uneventful corner.  As it turns out, that save was the turning point of the game.

 

In the 56th minute, and after the Ravens were getting more consistent pushes into the attacking third, Kristen Randolph let go a shot that struck the crossbar and came to rest right at the feet of striker Melissa Piccoli.  Melissa pushed the ball slightly forward and then deposited the ball into the net with her right foot.  At that point, the Ravens, spectators, and most importantly the Fury could feel the burst of confidence that resulted from getting that “one goal!”

 

In the 68th minute, and with the Ravens doing a great job of keeping position and possession, a Fury defender was called for a hand foul in the box.  Emily Muniz, the Ravens’ right defender, was called on to take the PK.  Emily sent a picture perfect hard low drive to the right of the Fury tender, and that made it 2-0, and the final score.

 

The Ravens got off to the start they wanted, and now find themselves getting offense when needed, and have let up only one goal in their last six matches (includes four tournament games and one scrimmage). That’s a good combination for success; one which builds confidence, and thus accelerates skill development; and one that will always keep us in position not just to be competitive … but to WIN!  The team knows that they are going to be pushed to act in a manner that leads to success, and one that consistently reveals their winning character.  They are ready for that challenge as well!