OCEAN TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS - June 10-11, 2006

 

The Ravens made the trip down to the Ocean Township Tournament of Champions, June 10-11.  With realistic expectations set, the Ravens were ready to test their now improved game against some top flight competition.  Either way, it was going to be a weekend to remember, with a lot of learning part of the process.

 

Game 1 – vs. Toms River Asteroids (L 0-5)

 

The Ravens appeared set for the first game vs. Toms River, a National Flight 1 first place team in MOSA.  However, the Asteroids turned up the heat right away.  The Ravens couldn’t get out of their own end, and gave up three (3) very soft goals within the first thirteen minutes, and another obvious off-side call was not made on their 4th goal in the 26th minute.  Unable to shake that one off, another soft goal was surrendered in the 28th minute.  5-0 at the half, and the Ravens were shaking their heads wondering why they ever left the hotel!


But the second half was a little different story.  While still being challenged offensively, the defense tightened up, and didn’t let another tally go up on the board. The team had two hours to collect themselves.  How resilient is this team … that’s the key question to be answered later this afternoon!

 

Game 2 – vs. Colts Neck Mustangs (T 0-0)

 

This was a rematch of a 0-0 draw last year at Ocean.  Colts Neck, current playing in  MOSA National 4, and the Ravens appeared to be evenly matched on paper. And that is exactly the way it turned out.  The Ravens carried the play for most of the fist half, with the second half played almost to a stalemate.  Regardless, the full 60 minutes had only a few exciting moments where both sides anticipated a goal being scored.  But, goals appeared to be in short supply today, and both teams settled for another 0-0 draw.  All in all, a great recovery by the Ravens!

 

Game 3 – vs. Ocean Township SC Eagles (L 0-6)

 

The Eagles are currently 0-6-0 in league play, but that league is JAGS Premier 1.  In order to prepare the team for its biggest test of the season, the Ravens were set to deploy a new defensively responsible 4-4-2 formation with a pure sweeper.  It was going to be a test to see if the girls could adapt quickly, and work it out amongst themselves on the field against the powerful Eagles (3-0 winners vs. Toms River, and 6-2 winners vs. Colts Neck).

 

The girls were determined to put up a good battle, but it didn’t take long for them to realize that the Eagles’ team presented strong challenges in every aspect of the game.  Using their quickness, great technical and tactical skills, excellent communication, and playing a very physical game, the Eagles put the Ravens on their heels right from the first whistle.  The first goal in the 2nd minute was a powerful head high left footed blast that hit nothing but net.  Another goal in the 8th minute was the result of some excellent touch passes right down the heart of the Ravens defense.  Two more goals in the 21st and 24th minutes were nothing spectacular, but just the result of some great possession play by Ocean, and being aggressive and hungry around the Ravens' net.

 

4-0 at the half.  The team themselves decided to convert back to their standard formation, a 4-3-3, with a stopper ahead of the back three.  However, nothing was going to stop the Eagles today, as they took advantage in the 2nd minute of the second half with a goal that was the result of some poor communication by the Ravens’ defense.  Ocean netted another goal in the half, to make the final 0-6.  The Ravens had a couple of excellent chances, especially late in the tilt, but it was just not their day ... or weekend!

 
Ocean Tournament Home Page - For a complete rundown on the tourney, and the complete schedule.

RANDOLPH MEMORIAL DAY TOURNAMENT - May 27-28, 2006
 

Game 1 – vs. Rockaway Fusion (W 1-0)

 

The Ravens came out with some fire in their bellies in the first half, and immediately took control of the game.  There were quick dividends.  In the 5th minute, Alina Vitencz took a high shot from about 15 yards out that the Fusion goalie couldn’t handle.  The Ravens played aggressively through out the first half, and had some terrific chances but couldn’t bury another one.

 

In the second half, the girls had a noticeable letdown.  But the defense stood tall, as the Fusion offense came at them in droves.  Final score Ravens 1-0, and a good start to the tourney.

 

Game 2 – vs. Abington Fusion (W 1-0)

 

Last year at the same tourney it was Abington, PA 2 and the Ravens 0.  Abington, winners of their first game against Sachem (Long Island) 3-2, was going to be good test for the Ravens.  A slight formation was introduced to the team just before game time in an effort to contain the skilled Fusion forwards.  This was a well played game, with both teams playing tough, skilled and aggressive soccer.  0-0 at the half.

 

In the 39th minute, the Ravens were awarded  a direct restart from about 30 yards out, but directly in front of the Abington net. Krystal McLean made it count.  Krystal confidently launched a terrific shot that hit only net.  The balance of 11 minutes saw some good opportunities for the Fusion, but again, the Ravens’ defense answered the call.  Final … 1-0 Ravens, and a tie for first in the flight after day 1.

 

Game 3 – vs. Sachem (NY) Shooting Stars (L 0-1); Sunday, May 28

 

Day 2 started out with the Ravens and Larchmont both sitting on top of the flight, undefeated and with six (6) points each.  With both teams meeting up in the second game of the day, the Ravens needed this game to force Larchmont to win their final game (vs. Abington).  A Ravens' loss, in effect, would make the Ravens/Larchmont game later in the day the Championship Match for the flight ... at least for the Ravens.

 

In a game that saw the Ravens one step behind for the most part, and exhibit a noticeable lack of aggressiveness for most of the game, the outcome was decided early on due to a critical Ravens' error in the midfield.  In the sixth minute of play, the Ravens didn't challenge a punt by the Shooting Stars goalie. When the ball hit the ground, it picked up momentum and the race to the Ravens' net was on.  It was a race won by a Sachem forward, and she neatly placed a shot out of the reach of goalie Pesci for a 1-0 lead, and the only goal of the game.

 

Game 4 – vs. Larchmont, New York (W 2-0); Sunday, May 28

 

One game for the championship!  A win, and the Ravens add to their hardware collection.  A tie or loss, then most likely a third place finish, and possibly fourth place if this game gets out of hand and the goal differential becomes significant.

 

From the sidelines, these looked like two evenly matched teams.  Both sides were strong to the ball, and the tempo was upbeat and fast.  Obviously both teams knew what was at stake. With Larchmont playing their first game of the day, the concern on the Ravens' side was that they might have fresher legs.  But with seven (7) Ravens' subs, vs. three (3) for Larchmont, the plan was to play it hard, aggressive, and play with commitment and determination. 

 

Both teams had some excellent chances during the course of the first half and well into the second half.  In the 42nd minute (50 minute games), A Larchmont striker launched a high and well placed shot on the Ravens' goal. Ravens' goalie Randi Pesci, jumped up and double touched the ball, and kept control to shut down their most serious threat.  The best opportunity for the Ravens came on a direct restart that resulted in a goal mouth scramble, but no one could tap it into the net.

 

So this game had scoreless tie written all over it, and with that outcome, it would certainly place the Ravens' chances for a championship in jeopardy.  However, in the 48th minute, Ravens' right middie Kristen Randolph received a pass along the flank in the Ravens' defensive mid-third.  Kristen collected the ball, and with her speed, she immediately put the Larchmont defensive middie, and eventually their left back in trailing positions.  Taking a direct line to the Larchmont net, Kristen ended this beautiful (and timely!!) 60 yard solo run with a hard right footed shot on net, that the Larchmont keeper got a hand on, but couldn't smother as it slowly rolled across the goal line.   The celebration was on at both sides of the pitch, and by the Ravens on field contingent.  But, there was still two minutes to play.  The girls needed to stay focused, because Larchmont, with their on top speed, could easily shoot everyone forward and pop one in without needing much time on the clock.  It just takes one chance, as we have seen all weekend.

 

But pushing everyone forward didn't work.  And, in the 50th minute, Ravens' middie Amanda Fulton closed the deal for the Ravens with a high looping right footer that sailed over the outstretched hands of the Larchmont goalie.  Now the celebration could really start, as the Ravens found themselves atop the standings, with no other team statistically capable of overtaking them.

 

Randolph Soccer Club Memorial Day Tournament

 
Click here to see the U12G White FINAL STANDINGS at the 2006 Randolph Memorial Day Tourney.
 
Here are some pictures of the victorious team celebrating their Championship!
 
 
CONGRATULATIONS !!
Parsippany Ravens
2006 Randolph Memorial Day Tournament U12G Champions!!