Game 10 versus Bridgewater Spirit @ Parsippany (June 4, 2006); W 3-1
Game 10 – final game of the MID NJ season - seeded play week – 7th place Ravens vs. 8th place Bridgewater Spirit @ Parsippany’s Veterans Memorial Field. The current standings have the Ravens leading the Spirit by one point. However, the Ravens were only one point out of 6th, and could possibly drop into a tie for 9th if things didn’t work out successfully today. So, at stake was flighting, and the opportunity to make sure we didn’t expose ourselves to possible relegation in the Fall. The Ravens knew it, and Bridgewater knew it, and in no way did either team want to settle for a 0-0 draw, as they did in their first meeting just three weeks ago.
So, “we aim above the mark to hit the mark!” If the objective was a win, then our goal was to, 1) dominate the game, 2) keep the pressure on for the full 70 minutes by keeping possession of the ball, 3) light up the scoreboard, and 4) be defensively responsible and keep the ball away and out of our net! Now it was just a matter of executing the plan, and the girls seemed up to the challenge.
It didn’t take long for the Spirit to get the message that the Ravens meant business. In the 4th minute, center middie Krystal McLean distributed a beautiful pass up the left flank, that allowed outside striker Kristen Randolph to collect in full stride. One quick move to the middle just inside the 18, and the ball was in the net. The girls now understand by staying wide and spreading the defense, defenders can’t rely on each other so much, and that is exactly what happened. Making it a 1 v 1 game is a much better strategy than a striker trying to gain possession and then distribute through heavy traffic in the middle of the field. There is a time to try that, but why take on a defender and risk loss of possession when you don't need to ?
The Ravens looked to be in fine form, as the team held good structure, had a consistent rhythm, and were playing with focus and concentration. The rest of the half was clearly dominated by the Ravens, but Bridgewater’s defense kept it close, and they successfully turned back all of the Ravens' pushes to the net.
Even though the team did a great job in the first half, they were reminded that it was still only a 1-0 lead, and that Bridgewater needed only one chance to get it even. So again, the Ravens game out for the second half with some fire. In the 39th minute, and only 4 minutes in, Sarah Lipinski converted a pass from Shannon Wojcik right out in front on the net. And in the 47th minute, McLean kept control of the ball with 4-5 Spirit players surrounding her in penalty box and to the right of the goal. Using her size to her advantage, Krystal was able to shield off at least three of those defenders and managed to send a nice floater just out of the reach of the Spirit tender and into the far end of the net. 3-0 Ravens with 23 minutes to play.
Many times in soccer, 1-0 feels as if it is an insurmountable lead! A 2-0 lead is viewed as very comfortable, and is usually “game over.” But once a team gets to 3-0, it can be very dangerous, because there is a tendency to relax, sit back, lose focus and aggressiveness, and let the other team start playing. That’s exactly what happened today. Just two minutes after going up by 3, the Ravens let the Spirit come up field unchallenged. A lazy ball was sent across and into the 6, and it wasn’t collected properly by the Ravens’ defense. A Spirit striker had an easy, unmarked tap in to make the score 3-1. "Momentum can swing on the smallest of things!" This was no small thing! So now, with this quick turn of momentum, the Ravens had to recharge. Everyone needed to be reminded what we were playing for, and hopefully they got the message.
The Ravens stepped up to the challenge again, and didn’t let Bridgewater get a sniff at the Ravens' net the rest of the way, while piling up the corners and getting some beautiful chances of their own. As time ran out, the girls looked like a very confident and focused group. The team executed the game plan to perfection (one goal against notwithstanding), and are now ready to close the season with three successive weekends of tournament play. There are championships to be won, and many more memories to put in the bank!
Game 9 versus Millburn Herricanes @ Millburn (May 21, 2006); L 0-2
The Ravens traveled to Millburn on this rainy afternoon for a match with the Herricanes. The Ravens knew that they were going to have to bring their “A” game with them, since the Herricanes have put up some strong statistics. Millburn came into the tilt with a record of 6-2, with 18 goals scored while giving up only 8. Since the Ravens had gone scoreless in their last four games, it was going to be a difficult task to keep Millburn off the scoreboard, and maybe even a tougher one for the Ravens to break through themselves.
With a steady rain falling for most of the first half, both teams were challenged to keep control of the ball on the wet natural grass surface. The Ravens held firm in their efforts to keep the Millburn attack at bay, while Millburn was doing a good job as well making sure that any Ravens’ opportunities were challenged before any good shots were taken. Both goalies made some good saves, as the half rolled along with play even-up for the most part.
However, in the 27th minute, a hand foul was called on a Herricanes’ defender in the box. This resulted on the first penalty kick of the season for the Ravens. Things were now looking good for the Ravens to get over this scoreless period. The PK was a good, low and hard strike .. but right at the Millburn goalie, who managed to stop the ball and corral the rebound. 0-0 at the half.
As the second half got under way, it appeared more and more that the Ravens were on the way to another scoreless tie. Both teams were getting chances and some corners, but neither side was getting any sustained offensive action.
In the 49th minute, the Herricanes were awarded a corner kick, which when taken, didn’t appear that dangerous. The kick came out to a middie, who was well wide of the goal with at least one Ravens’ back marking her, and another is a support position. But the Herricanes’ middie made a skillful move to put the ball on her left foot, and she launched a waist high shot through traffic towards the far post. Amazingly enough, the shot went through heavy traffic, and settled in the far side of the net for a 1-0 Millburn lead.
The goal didn’t thwart the Ravens, as they know they had an excellent performance to this point in the game. Now even more determined not to let this one slip by without giving it everything they had, the Ravens pushed up their defense, and took some chances in order to try and put pressure on the Millburn midfield and defense. The girls got some chances, and couldn’t convert a great restart opportunity from about 20 yards. In the final two minutes, the Herricanes managed to take a 2-0 lead as the Ravens defense got caught trying to force some offense.
So we now head off to the Randolph Memorial Day tourney, where the goals WILL come in a fast and furious fashion. It will be an interesting two days of action, as the girls will contend for a flight championship against some familiar tournament foes.
Game 8 versus Bridgewater Spirit @ Bridgewater (May 14, 2006); T 0-0
The Ravens made the 27 mile trip to visit the Bridgewater Spirit on a beautiful Mother’s Day afternoon – a perfect day and setting for an early afternoon soccer game. The Spirit, with a record of 0-3-3, is having the same trouble that has recently plagued the Ravens – and that is putting the ball in the net. With each team having only 5 goals scored for the season, both were looking to pop in a few, without giving up anything on the defensive side. The Ravens, with only 8 goals against, and the Spirit with just 9, are familiar foes, having battled to a scoreless draw in the fall at the Mt. Olive Tournament. Again, a low scoring, exciting match was anticipated.
The Ravens dominated the entire first half with some very aggressive play from the entire team. The girls made a commitment prior to the game to be first to ball, and to challenge each and every goal kick before it took a momentum changing bounce. The plan worked tremendously well, and the Ravens were able to dictate the tempo and pace of the game. However, once it came to finishing up, the old demons still made their presence felt. The Ravens pressed the attack, and launched some good shots on net. But, they were either right at the goalie, just wide, or in a few instances the Spirit keeper made a great save.
The second half saw almost the complete opposite of the first. The Spirit came out with a renewed vigor and certainly took the play to the Ravens in the first 15 minutes. A couple of strong pushes to the Ravens’ net were overtaken by the strong and aggressive play of the Ravens’ back three, as the game took on a much more physical tone. Once the Ravens made their first offensive foray, things evened out a bit. Both teams shared some good chances, but again, both came up short in the finishing department.
The last five minutes of the game saw the Spirit really push the attack, as they tried desperately to put their first win of the season on the board. Sensing that the Ravens were tiring, probably due to their game yesterday and the fast pace of today’s match, the Spirit saw a couple of great last minute opportunities come up dry.
There are bad ties, and then there are good ties. This game, although from a Ravens’ perspective was scoreless again, is probably one of the latter. The girl’s fulfilled their commitment, and played with the kind of attitude and aggressiveness that will keep them competitive in any game, against any opponent. Overall, this was a well played match by both sides, and a tie was probably the right outcome. But .. you can only be half satisfied. After all, the name of the game is to put the ball in the net … “their net!”
Game 7 versus New Providence Blast @ Veterans, Parsippany (May 13, 2006); T 0-0
The New Providence Blast and the Ravens met on Saturday morning, May 13th, at Veterans Memorial Field in Parsippany. Both teams were looking to get back on track, as the Blast came into the clash with a record of 1-3-1 (w-l-t), while scoring only 4 goals, but letting up only 6 as well. The Ravens have gone scoreless in their last two matches, and now post a record of 2-3-1. With a lack of offense from both sides, and some pretty stingy defenses to match, it appeared that this match was going to be a low scoring affair with a lot of midfield play.
The first half saw the Blast get the much better of the play, as the Ravens couldn’t seem to match up to New Providences speed and alertness in the midfield. However, in what proved to be a very lackluster half of play, neither team had any dangerous chances on goal, and the majority of play was confined to the mid-third of the pitch.
The second half started off much of the same way as the first half, but as time went on, the girls from both sides seemed to up their work rate well knowing that one goal was going to result in a win. But again, both sides failed to put together any sustained attack, as both defenses were well equipped to handle the relatively light load they were called on to shut down today. In the last 35, the Ravens had one dangerous chance off of corner, while the Blast had one good opportunity when a striker was left alone from about 12 yards out, but pushed the shot wide of the net.
So, while the defense has done their part, the offense simply needs to find a way to breakthrough. That will only come by not getting frustrated; being creative; retaining possession of the ball and spotting options prior to being taken on by a defender; and finishing … or a least striking the ball to the far post so we can get a second chance at it … because our first chances … or lack of first chances … just isn’t getting the job done.
Game 6 versus Montgomery Magic @ Veterans, Parsippany (May 7, 2006); L 0-1
The Montgomery Magic made the 45 minute drive up to Veterans Memorial Field in Parsippany to take on the Ravens this past Sunday. The Magic, with a record of 2-1-1 (6 goals for and 7 goals against), were flight 2 participants in the fall. So, the Ravens knew from the outset they were going to be in for a tough game. The Magic offense was suspect with only 6 goals for, but their defensive stats are strong. The Ravens had plenty to be concerned about with their own game. With an offense that has recently sputtered (1 goal in the last three matches), the Ravens needed to find some offense, while still maintaining their overall excellent defensive posture.
Right from the first whistle, the Magic tried to exploit their overall size and quickness advantage. The first ten minutes were spent almost entirely in the Ravens defensive half, with Montgomery aggressively challenging for every loose ball, and coming away with it most of the time. However, the Ravens put up a solid wall just outside the 18 that the Magic failed to penetrate.
After the first ten minutes, the game settled into more of a back and forth affair, as the Ravens gained their composure and realized that they needed to step up in all areas of play. Nothing was going to come easy today, and now the Magic, as well as the Ravens knew it.
However, in the 14th minute, the Ravens were victimized by some heady and aggressive play by the Magic. Trying to work the ball out from their defensive third, a Magic striker had a pass from a Ravens’ defender come into her range of reach, and she neatly picked it off. One quick pass to the middle, and a Magic striker found an open seam straight on to the goal. The striker made an excellent run, and released the ball before oncoming goalie Pesci could make a stab at it. 1-0 Magic.
After the goal, one could feel the Magic’s confidence grow a couple of levels. However, the Ravens, much to their credit, also noticeably lifted their game another level. Both teams settled back into the back and forth affair, with both teams having only a couple of good opportunities on goal the rest of the half.
The second half saw much of the same kind of action as was witnessed in the first half. The Ravens were able to apply some offensive pressure by using some long sends from the backs, as well as making some strong rushes up the flanks. But, the Magic defense was there to stop them each and every time, and the Ravens' defense did the same to the Magic attack. Additionally, for much of the second half, the game lacked pace and flow, as the relatively hot day resulted in many substitutions. Once a team seemed to get the upper-hand or be back on their heels, play was halted for some fresh troops. Final Score: Magic 1 Ravens 0.
Even though this match might have been the Ravens’ strongest overall effort to date, a positive outcome would certainly have made it sweeter. The remedy for the Ravens is to come out from the gates in every game showing enough pace and passion for the full 70 minutes. For the first 14 minutes, the Ravens allowed the Magic to gain command and confidence, winding up with them netting the game winner. For the next 56 minutes, this was an even-up affair.
The Ravens will have the opportunity to set the course right this coming weekend with two league games. That’s 140 minutes of soccer – not 120 or 130 .. but the full 140!
