Game 10 (Nov. 19) – vs.  Hopewell Valley Storm @ Hopewell Valley (W 2-1)

New coaching philosophy – when you travel 50+ miles in the middle of a Sunday afternoon to coach a game of soccer, you better make sure that your team is ready to play!  Knowing that the better part of the afternoon is going to be spent traveling to; warming up; playing; and then traveling back … it’s best to make it a “feel good” day!  If there ever was a time to be ready, today was the day.  This is the last game of the fall season, and the Ravens were desperately seeking a win and some goals to position themselves for the spring, while the Hopewell Valley Storm would present a strong challenge, as they are still seeking their first win of the season.  Why not get it on the last day of the season!  Going into the game, the Ravens were well aware of the importance of this match, and the effort they could expect from Hopewell . 

The first five (5) minutes of the game, it appeared that Hopewell brought their “A” game, and had their game faces  on, because the Ravens failed to get the ball into Hopewell half.  If this was going to be one of those lackadaisical starts, the girls were going to have to work themselves out of it quickly!  Some strong leadership by Emily Muniz and Katie Astrella, and strong vocal support from the sub-lined bench woke the team up in about the sixth minute.   Now we were ready to play … and fortunate the score was still 0-0.  And right away, once we got our minds in the game, and pressured up, the game took a turn. 

In the 17th minute, right middie Alina Vitencz advanced the ball up the right flank.  With no other options available to her, Alina put up a short service into the box that took one bounce and glanced off of a defender and into the net.  Technically it’s an “own” goal, but Alina gets the credit for “making a play,” versus just settling to get rid of the ball. 

The exuberant Ravens needed to keep the pressure on.  However, it was Hopewell that got a lift out of the goal, as they quickly advanced and held the ball in the Ravens defensive half.  In the 19th minute, the alternate referee called a pushing off foul in the box against one of the Ravens’ defenders.  It was definitely a ‘soft’ call, as the defender got all ball, and the Hopewell striker fell as a result of the tackle.  The soccer gods must have felt the same way, as the PK was put right in the mitts of goalie Randi Pesci. 

Or maybe those soccer gods were having some fun with us in the last game of the season.  For in the 27th minute, another penalty kick was called, but this time against Hopewell for an intentional hand ball in the box.  All seemed right for the Ravens to take a commanding 2-0 lead.  However, the kick sailed high and over the crossbar to the left of the Hopewell netminder.  And those guys up there weren’t through with us yet … but they were for the half. 

At halftime, no secrets were shared.  It just came down to good soccer execution, keeping the pressure on, and to shoot … shoot … and keep shooting!  40 minutes to go in the season – hold nothing back! 

And wouldn’t you know it.  At the 1:10 point in the second half (42nd minute), a volley misplay by the defense gave Hopewell an opportunity they weren’t going to miss.  A Storm striker quickly collected the mis-kick, and calmly launched a left-footed shot from about 10 yards out over the outstretched hands of goalie Pesci.  So with 38 minutes to go, it appeared that this was going to be another tight contest, and the team with the greater determination and mental mindset was going to have the upper hand, because the soccer side of things was fairly even.

But the Ravens took care of that, as they clearly stepped up their game after being reminded what they were playing for.  In the 48th minute, Krystina Hay made a gallant run up the right flank, but quickly found herself locked in the corner.  She was able to make a quick touch, which gave her just enough room to get a service out in front of the goal.  The ball eventually came to the feet of middie Katie Astrella, who settled it up, and then put a nicely placed ground hugging shot into the lower left corner of the goal.  Now that they had the lead back, the Ravens needed to build upon it, because Hopewell was still playing well. 

Remember that soccer god guy ? Well, he was still planning some fun for us as the game went on.  In the 52nd  minute, Hopewell was awarded another penalty kick, as one of their forwards was inadvertently brought down in the box while trying to collect a rolling ball.  It was the right call.  So, as the crowd hushed, and the players took their positions along the outside of the box and arc, the Hopewell kicker set up for the third PK of the day.  And fortunately for the Ravens, we got the hat trick, as this kick was a soft grounder that was easily gathered up by goalie Pesci. 

That balance of the game had its exciting moments, as both teams had some excellent opportunities.  The Ravens played some smart soccer, and protected the slimmest of leads while Hopewell stayed in their same formation and didn’t push anyone else up to the top.  That allowed the Ravens to keep their own structure, and to think defense first as the last few minutes ran off the clock.   Final score – Ravens 2  Storm 1.
 

And now for that “feel good” ride home.  And, thanks Mr. Soccer God, but you didn’t need to make it that exciting!

 Game 9 (Nov. 12) – vs.  Berkeley Hgts. Blue Hill United @ Jannarone (T 0-0)  

The Berkeley Heights Blue Hill United came away with a 2-0 victory in the first match earlier this season at Berkeley .  In the game that saw the Ravens play well, and get the better of play, the Ravens were victimized by losing concentration for just a few minutes, and letting their foot off the pedal.  It doesn’t take much in this game – a short lull or loss of concentration can cost the game.  And, the Ravens have had their share of those episodes this season.  Today, the team committed to play the full eighty at high tempo, and to set two goals;  1) to keep the ball out of our net, and 2) score goals! 

Both teams had some excellent chances during the game, and both defenses were brilliant.  The offenses just couldn’t muster up any consistency, and the game played back and forth.  The number of scoring opportunities was limited, and both teams seemed frustrated with their lack of dangerous chances.  Restarts were taken well, especially corners, but we just couldn’t penetrate or get off a clean shot.  Defenders clearly locked into their responsibilities on set pieces.  Same for Berkeley . 

We accomplished one goal, but came up short on the other.  Some 0-0 ties are exciting and a fair result.  This one just didn’t feel that good … not at all.  We should have had it! 

Game 8 (Nov. 5) – vs.  Flemington Jaguars @ Veterans (L 1-2)  

The Jaguars and Ravens got some rest, and then met for the second time in 24 hours.  Ready to avenge a 1-0 defeat in Flemington, the Ravens were ready to take advantage of the home turf at Veterans.  The team as a whole knew that they had a poor start in yesterday’s game, and were determined to play the entire 80 minutes at a high tempo.   

The Ravens came out hard, and immediately put the pressure on Flemington.  Clearly dominating play in the early minutes, the team looked determined as ever to set the record straight. 

In the 8th minute, a Ravens’ corner kick was cleared by the Jaguars’ defense.  However, the ball landed about 35 yards out, and directly in the center of the field, and on the feet of center back Emily Muniz.  Emily sent up a deep service that just kept on going … and going … and right into the back of the net.  A nice goal, and the Ravens will take them any way we can! Yesterday Flemington goes up early.  Today, it’s the Ravens turn! 

Flemington, no doubt, was caught off guard, and after the goal, they started to come on.  In the 28th minute, they executed a nice soccer play from the left flank.  Three quick passes, and then a redirect shot into the net tied the score at 1-1, and that’s how the half ended. 

The game settled into a good match, with both teams getting a few good chances, and a number of half chances.  It was going to a chess match to see who would make the critical mistake, or who would make the play and would decide the game. 

In the 49th minute, Flemington came down the left flank on what appeared to be a restrained attack.  The ball came to one of their forwards who was wide of the net and out about 20 yards.  She put up a looked like a harmless lofting service into the box.  But it was on net, and managed to avoid everyone, and somehow found the far corner of the goal.  So much for the chess match or the great play.  The Ravens now needed to press forward and maintain pressure in the final 3rd for the last 30 minutes. 

The Ravens managed to put many balls in the danger area, but the Flemington defense was able to absorb the pressure.  In the last 2 minutes, the Ravens had the ball in the box for about 90 seconds, but still couldn’t get off a clean shot.  The best chance came with about 5 seconds to go, but the Flemington goalie smothered the ball, and the Ravens’ hopes to get even. 

Game 7 (Nov. 4) – vs.  Flemington Jaguars @ Flemington (L 0-1)  

The Ravens and Flemington Jaguars met it in the first half of a home-and-home this weekend, which was the result of makeup game scheduling.  For the first game on Saturday, the Ravens traveled down to Lenape Complex in Flemington.  The field would be challenge for both teams, as the wet fall has definitely left its mark.  The ruts and patches meant that players needed to anticipate bad bounces and poor collections.  Hopefully, neither of those would determine the outcome of the game.  
 

The Ravens were again guilty of a “casual” start to the game, regardless of all the positive talk and commitments made prior to the kick-off.  Only one minute and forty seconds in, the entire team watched Flemington gain control and forcefully bring the ball right down the center of the field and into the goal mouth, where a short tip in finish was all that was required.    The girls needed to be reminded that they traveled the 45 miles to play soccer, not watch the other team do whatever they wanted for 80 minutes.  The message was clear and simple, but was it received, and did it register?   
 

The next 15-18 minutes the girls tried to get their collective juices flowing, and get into the game.  But for some pre-teen mysterious reason, it was slow in coming today.  While some took the leadership position by trying to inspire and support from the bench and on the field, the entire group was not in sync.  Fortunately, Flemington did not take advantage of this lull, and the Ravens lack of cohesion.  
 

After the twenty minute mark, there was a significant lift in the Ravens’ game. Things started to come together, and the girls were playing some strong, aggressive soccer.  To their credit, they turned it around, and had a goal called off due to a close offside infraction.  Additionally, late in the half, the Flemington goalie committed a “send-off” red card penalty by intentionally tripping a Ravens striker when she had a clear line to the net.  The goalie took a swipe at the ball while prone on the field, but caught all feet.  The referee called, “play on.”  
 

The Ravens continued their good play into and throughout the second half, getting a clear advantage on possession, corner kicks, and good opportunities from within the dangerous areas.   As it would happen, the lack of finishing showed its ugly head again.  We just make the opposing goalie’s job too easy!  We’re getting the shots! 
 

It would turn out that the first two minutes of the game determined the outcome. The Ravens wasted a good 60 minute effort by not being ready from the start.  It’s a recurring theme that is getting played too often this season.  Fortunately, it “should” be a weakness that can be easily overcome, but we haven’t found the magical ingredient yet … or maybe haven’t developed the on field leaders who will step up and take command when it’s required.  Also, we get the benefit of having this fresh in our mind for the home version of this 2 game weekend.  Team Issue - Do leaders evolve overnight?  Soccer Issue - Do finishers evolve overnight ? Is Tylenol OK for frustration – that’s a personal issue!

Game 6 (Oct. 29) – vs.  Somerset Hills Firecrackers @ Somerset Hills (L 0-2)  

The Ravens traveled down to Somerset Hills (actually Basking Ridge HS) today to face the Somerset Hills Firecrackers for the second time this season.  In the first tilt, the Firecrackers were unable to hold on to a 1-0 with about 12 minutes to go, and allowed the Ravens to get a well earned tie.  However, we are sure that Somerset, currently 3-0-2 for the season, felt like they let one get away from them, and would be ready to make up for it today.  The Ravens knew they had to be prepared, and not give up an early tally like they did in the first match, when they let an uncontested shot find the net only 4 minutes in. 

There was going to be one other critical factor at play today, and that was the gusting north/south wind.  Today, strategy started with the coin toss.  Our captains were instructed, if they won the toss, to elect to go with the wind at our backs for the first half.  For one, if you build up a lead with help from the wind, it gives you confidence, and the other team will need to catch up before they can go ahead.  Additionally, you just never know what the wind is going to do; will it die, will it change direction, or will it become even more of a factor?  “Take the wind!”  However, the toss didn’t go our way, and we started defending into the wind. 

So strategy change #1 for the day!  For the first 40 minutes we just hold them, don’t rush, and keep the ball low and outside. And the girls did a fantastic job, at least up until the 36th minute.  A Firecracker corner resulted in the first goal, due to the Ravens inability to get a clean clear out of the six.  A shot from about 8 yards found its way through a maze of players.  Again, this has been an issue this season, and one the coaching staff has duly noted, and so have the girls.  However, with the gales a blowing the way they were, a 1-0 deficit at the half was actually a strong result.  But now we needed to catch up!

Even though Somerset came out a determined group in the second half, after a couple of minutes, the Ravens started exerting pressure on their defense.  However, as luck would have it, the wind did not participate.  Even though there were some wind aided clears and sends, the powerful gusts that defined the first half did not show up in the second half.  Because of that, Somerset was able to even out the play, got some pushes up field, and they developed some good opportunities.

In the 64th minute, another failed clearing out of the six gave the Firecrackers the two goal margin that seemed insurmountable on a day like today … wind or no wind.  The Ravens had their chances, but couldn’t get off the clean shot.  To their credit, the Somerset defense closed fast, and made the Ravens either make a rushed pass, or take a hurried shot without a clean set. 

All in all, the girls challenged well today, and this was a very competitive game against a strong opponent.  However, the same issues keep creeping into the Ravens game after we’ve all thought they have been exorcised.  We’ve said it time and time again … “the difference is the little things!”  It’s a saying that is so trite, but so true: “The really good teams do the little things a little bit better most of the time!  The great teams to the little things a lot better all of the time!”  It comes down to execution and accountability … “of the little things!”