The Ravens traveled up to Wyckoff on beautiful fall soccer Saturday morning to take on the 13th ranked (NJ) Wyckoff Torpedoes Red, and Fall 2004 State Cup runner-up, in the second round of the National Youth Championship Series. In what amounted to a rematch from last year’s second round (4-0 Wyckoff win), the Ravens brought their high tempo game with them, and were determined to leave with a different result.
The first half saw both teams make adjustments early on. The Ravens needed to compensate for some strong speed along the WTR flanks, and especially on the left winger. WTR had to adjust to the extremely close marking of their top players. As the game evolved and settled, both teams put on offensive spurts, with WTR perhaps getting the edge in overall possession play, but the best chance of the half belonged to the Ravens.
In one of their strong pushes to the net in the 19th minute, the ball was progressed up the left flank and made its way into the penalty area directly in front of the goal. The WTR defense had some trouble getting a lane to make a clear, and the ball bounced off a few players and then glanced off right goal post. The WTR goalie, facing into the goal, appeared to quickly swipe the ball out of the net before it could meet the ground. The Ravens’ forwards were calling for the goal, but the linesman and referee let play continue on. Was it in? Was it out? Only the soccer gods know for sure! Halftime … 0-0, and very well played! The Ravens were sitting in a great position to make a “huge statement!”
The second half produced more of the same back and forth action that we saw in the first half, with the overall play very balanced. The game also took on a more physical tone, with both teams called for a number of aggressive fouls. As the game progressed deep into the second half, both teams displayed strong skills and determination. The Ravens elevated their game and were competing at a very high level; WTR knew this was a different team than the one they saw last year, and they knew they were going to have a lot of trouble finishing this one off.
In the 51st minute, WTR made what appeared to be a harmless advance up the left flank. The Ravens defense was well positioned, as they had been all day. But suddenly, the ball carrier made a quick cut inside and let loose a shot from just inside the 18. The Ravens defenders were just one stride off the ball, which was enough for her to get off the shot. The ball wasn’t struck with much authority, but it was extremely well placed, and it settled just inside the left post on the fly.
Now down 0-1 with less than 10 minutes to play, the Ravens needed something positive to happen, and to get the break that eluded them in the first half. The girls made a gallant effort, applying a high line of confrontation, and pressuring up the WTR backs, but they couldn’t get off that one good shot from close in for the tying goal.
At the end of the game, both teams knew this game was a special one. WTR came away with a lot of respect for PSC Ravens, perhaps not anticipating such a tightly contested match. The Ravens brought their “A” game, but came up just short against a powerful opponent, as shown by their past success and current ranking. The Ravens now need to level off at this plateau, and commit to do what it takes to reach even a higher level. But all in all, as we’ve said a number of times, the difference in tiers isn’t all that dramatic. “It’s just doing the little things, a little bit better, most of the time!” Today, we matched up in the “little things”... the difference was just one shot … and perhaps one non-call! Great Game!
