State Cup - October 13, 2007 vs. Randolph Storm @ Randolph - (L 1-3)
The Ravens and Randolph Storm were set to meet in the second round of the State Cup today, at Brundage Field in Randolph. The two teams have a limited history, with their only meeting being at the Randolph Memorial Day tournament this past May. In that contest, the Storm prevailed 2-0.
 
The Storm, currently playing in MID NJ Flight 1, is certainly a formidable opponent for the Ravens. However, we had the benefit of seeing them play in last week’s Pride Tournament, so we had a good handle on some of their tendencies … strengths … and weaknesses. What we did know is that they were athletic, physical, and played direct. The Ravens were going to have to match their enthusiasm and energy, which is sometimes a challenge for us, especially in the early parts of games. In the State Cup, we can’t afford to make that mistake, especially since we are 100% in control of it!
 
Unfortunately, Randolph was well prepared as well, as the first ten minutes of the game saw the field slanted towards the Ravens’ goal, and the Storm kept the pressure on. The Ravens were doing a good job keeping the Storm away from the goal, but were giving up a bevy of corner kicks, and Randolph was doing a good job of turning those chances into good opportunities, as their kicks were consistently settling in the box. 
 
In the 11th minute, one of those corners cost the Ravens. The kick was taken, and the ball just didn’t seem to find the foot of a defender who could clear the zone. Instead, after about 10 seconds or so, the ball trickled off an attacker’s foot, and tucked just inside the upright for a 1-0 Storm lead. The girls needed to regroup quickly and not hang their heads, because there was a long way to go. We just needed to find our legs, create some enthusiasm, and lift up our aggressiveness up a notch or two. 
 
The play evened out over the next 15 minutes, and the tilted field started leveling off. The girls seemed to get comfortable, and got some confidence during the run of the play when they realized they could not only compete with Randolph, but could take advantage of their high line defense and create some chances of their own. We did get some chances, and squandered some as well as Randolph did a good job of deploying their offside trap vs. the Ravens front runners.
 
But in the 27th minute, the Ravens got the equalizer in a not so familiar manner. Striker Kristen Randolph took a corner kick, and sent a nice ball to just in front of the near post. Middie Katie Astrella had advanced into the box, and had the presence of mind to take the ball on the head, and flicked it just under the crossbar inside the upright. A beautiful goal and one for the record books, because to our recollection, that is the “first” head ball goal that the Ravens have ever scored! It was later confirmed by the Elias Sports Bureau and the Ravens Archive Librarian that “Yes” … that is the first head ball goal in Ravens history! More importantly, the game was now deadlocked at 1-1, and the Ravens were playing with some emotion and fire! The teams went to the half tied up, and at that point, the outcome of the game was a tossup – it could go either way – especially if it went to overtime – or PK’s.
 
At half, the Ravens were cautioned about a few things. We needed to challenge more on corner kicks, both offensively and on defense. Additionally, we couldn’t give up too many easy corners in the first place – we needed to make Randolph earn them. Try and drive the ball over the touch line vs. the goal line if at all possible. Don’t just settle for a corner! Thirdly, be aware of Randolph’s offside trap. We can’t afford to lose any good chances to make a run on the ball because we were either lazy getting back on, or because we didn’t have the awareness of our positioning vs. their back line. Lastly, we need our outside mids and strikers to stay wide, and to spot opportunities to send the ball through the seam, to which Randolph is very vulnerable. 35 minutes to go, and it was there for the Ravens to steal a great victory.
 
The second half was well played. Both teams were going for it, as the intensity level on the field, and from the large parent contingent took the game to another level. Both teams got some excellent chances. The Storm created most of their chances by controlling the midfield while the Ravens tried to transition to offense. The Ravens got some chances by playing outside-in, and by taking advantage of Randolph’s outside backs that played even with the sweeper. Again, a large number of corner kicks was awarded to both teams, and it seemed like the outcome of the game was going to be settled in that manner. And it was!
 
In the 58th minute, with just 12 minutes to go, the Storm got another corner opportunity – and this time they nailed it. A perfect header that hit the ground first before settling just inside the near side upright! The Ravens’ defense was doing a great job to that point, but to a girl, they knew they had to compete harder on those resets. When the ball is in the air, especially inside the box, we can’t be tentative. We need to be complete soccer players, and that means using your noggin when the time calls for it. And, as we saw with the Storm’s first goal, if the ball lands in the box in a crowd, usually bad things happen if you are defending that goal. We just need to compete harder on corners.
 
In the 61st minute, the Storm took advantage of a communication blunder by the Ravens defense, and they put away the insurance goal. Now down 1-3 with only 9 minutes to play, the Ravens needed to take some chances, and hope that Randolph would let down a little bit thinking the game was won. We created a couple of good opportunities, but the best was a great solo run up the left flank by middie Amanda Fulton. Fulton breezed by a Storm middie and defender, and suddenly found herself in the box and to the left of the goal, but with only the Storm keeper in front of her. With 5 minutes to go, a goal here would have made it a very interesting ending. However, the shot was up, and the Storm keeper was able to grab it and hold on.
 
The final score – Randolph Storm 3 Ravens 1. Overall, the girls battled well. A couple of little mistakes changed the feel of the game, and certainly a short lack of focus on defense in a couple of spots decided the game, especially on Randolph’s first and second goal. There are takeaways from every game … win or lose. This game presented a few of them. One – we can compete at the high level … if we want to and if we come prepared to play! Two – there are some technical and tactical improvements we can easily deploy into our game – but the willingness and dedication to do it in the game situation must be there. Three – focus, focus, focus … we can’t afford to take any plays off, especially against a strong opponent. Lastly, always force the opponent to beat you - let’s not beat ourselves by doing, or not doing 1-3 above. Fortunately, all very correctable and fixable, and can be done quickly … like starting tomorrow as we get back to league action!
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RAVENS Parsippany Pride 07 Preview & Results
- 19th Annual Pride Oct. 5-7 AND Check out the results for all PSC teams participating this weekend ... quick links to all PSC results!! -
The Ravens participated in the 2007 Parsippany Pride Tournament on October 7-8. The team made a gallant attempt to make their last Pride tourney as a team a remarkable one.  Check out he results below, and the accompanying Recap article!! Also, check out the results for all other PSC full-sided teams.

Parsippany Pride Tournament Home Page 
U14 G Orange Flight Standings and Schedules 
Ravens Schedule and Results  
 
Game 1: vs. Northern Valley Vipers (Sat. 11:30 AM @ Morris Catholic Upper - Turf)
-         RESULT - WIN 2-0  - read about it in Ravens Pride 07 Recap article below

Game 2: vs. Middletown PowHer (Sat. 5:45 PM @ Jannarone - Turf) 
-       MOSA National 2; currently 1st place (4-0, 8 GF 2 GA) 
-       Recently lost to Highpoint Bombers (1-3) in
       NJYS National Championship Round 1 (State Cup);
-      RESULT - DRAW 0-0 - read about it in Ravens Pride 07 Recap article below

Game 3: vs. West Morris PFC Solo (Sun. 11:30 AM @ Smith #4 -Turf) 
-         currently 0-2-2 in Flight 1 Morris County YSA
-      RESULT - DRAW 1-1 - read about it in the Ravens Pride 07 article below
Parsippany Ravens Pride Tournament Recap –
 
Game 1 vs. Northern Valley Vipers (Old Tappan) @ Morris Catholic – (W 2-0)
Saturday, October 06, 2007
 
The first half lacked intensity, but was a well played 30 minutes by the Ravens. There weren’t that many good chances, but the Ravens did manage to control play, and were doing a great job of taking care of the ball on defense. From the Ravens lens, it was just a matter of time.
 
In the second half, that time came in the 37th minute. The Viper center back and goalie made a glaring communication error determining who was going to play a rolling ball back towards their net. The Ravens pressured the two Vipers into making a costly mistake, as a late and errant attempt to clear the ball failed, and Kristen Randolph was able to punch in the goal that gave the Ravens the lead.
 
Just two minutes later, a Raven was taken down in the box, and Sarah Lipinski easily converted the PK for a commanding 2-0 lead. The Ravens were successful in managing the game for the last 21 minutes, and took care of shutting down any Viper advances into the offensive third.
 
Game 2 vs. Middletown PowHer @ Jannarone – (T 0-0)
Saturday, October 06, 2007
 
The Ravens probably played their most aggressive and intense game of the season in their second match of the day. The game started out at high tempo, and remained that way for the full 60 minutes. Both teams varied their attack greatly during the game, resorting to short passes through the middle at times; strong runs up the flank; and a lot of long balls that were meant to be tracked down by running strikers. Both teams matched enthusiasm and energy, with the overall edge in play tilted towards the Ravens. 
 
The second half provided the best chances for both teams. In the 38th minute, striker Shannon Wojick made a great run through the PowHer offensive third, and darted by two defenders. She got a good left foot on the ball from within the box, but the attempt went right into the keeper’s hands. In the 43rd minute, striker Kristen Randolph launched a shot from just inside the 18 that rang off the crossbar and out of bounds. And later in the half, a PowHer left striker beat a Ravens defender along the left side, and put a good left foot on the ball that was tagged for the near side upper corner. But, keeper Cynthia Abinader made a great stretched out save to keep the PowHer off the score sheet.  The game ended in a scoreless draw, but an extremely exciting game on all fronts. Additionally, it was the Ravens’ 4th straight shutout! 
 
Game 3 vs. West Morris @ Smith – (T 1-1)
Sunday, October 7, 2007

The formula for Sunday’s game was simple - get one more goal than West Morris, and earn a spot in the U14G Orange Flight Championship game.  A tie will not do it, as West Morris was 2-0 coming into the game, while the Ravens are 1-0-1, and both at the top of the pack in the orange "b" bracket.  A tie would leave West Morris with one more point (2 pts win; 1 pt for tie).  But a Ravens win, and with the first tie breaker being wins (2 each), and with the second tie breaker head-to-head competition, and the Ravens would be in.  The girls certainly knew what they were playing for, and needed no more incentive that what was shared with all prior to the game.

West Morris appeared to be a big team, but as we’ve seen many times before, it’s the size of the commitment, heart and dedication that matters most.  However, with all that said and understood, it didn’t start out well for the girls, as they were punished for some sloppy defending clearing the ball from in front of the net in just the 3rd minute.  The day had the potential of going south very quickly, but to their credit, the girls immediately lifted their game and intensity, and were able to effectively manage the flow and energy of the game.  But they would later learn how important it is not to give up anything easy, especially in tournament play.

Just after the half, and in the 32nd minute, the Ravens were able to take advantage during a focus moment of the game.  The Ravens put together some nice passwork from the right flank to the front of the net.  Krystina Hay to Shannon Wojcik to Amanda Fulton to Kristen Randolph, who put a low ground hugging shot just inside the far side goalpost from about 10 yards out.  Now it was 28 minutes to go, and the Ravens needed to take care of the ball in their own end, and find the back of the West Morris net just one time to earn that finals slot.

The intensity and excitement was building with every passing minute.  Both teams were determined to get the next, and potentially game deciding goal. West Morris had a few good chances on some runs to the net, but the Ravens’ defense and/or keeper Cynthia Abinader prevailed.  The Ravens got some good runs and chances as well, but just didn’t get enough numbers in the box when it counted. 
With about 5 minutes to go, and the Ravens needing a goal, knowing that a tie was not good enough, the push was made to bring on another middie from the stopper position.  Another striker was to stay all the way on top, and the other strikers needed to be ready to make strong runs to the net.  All we were looking for was that one good chance .. and to bury it!!

In the 57th minute, the ball was sent out to the left of the West Morris net on a play that seemed to evolve out of nothing.  Eventually, Amanda Fulton, playing in a striker position, sent a shot on net that rang off the crossbar, and off to the far side of the box and out of trouble.  That’s the second crossbar in a pressure situation the last two days. The home crowd was stunned, and they were going to be stunned again!

In the 59th minute, the Ravens were awarded a direct free kick about 25 yards directly in front of the West Morris net.  Defender Emily Muniz confidently sized up the situation, and put a beautiful shot to the net.  It looked good, and the Ravens were getting ready to celebrate.  However, the crossbar again would be the Ravens’ nemesis, as the ball hit it and didn’t even provide the Ravens a rebound opportunity.  The Ravens to a girl, coaching staff, and SRO crowd were in stunned disbelief, as the game closed out with the Ravens knocking on the door, and definitely getting the better of play in the second half.

So, for the weekend - one win; two draws; three goals for; and only one goal against! Not too many teams will not make a tourney final giving up only one goal, and going undefeated in three games.  However, it’s a lesson learned that sometimes we need to be reminded of, but hopefully not too often; "Never under estimate the value of just one goal in tournament play!"  However, the Ravens played spirited games and definitely took a couple of big steps in their development.  The goals are coming, and let’s hope that we can bury more than just a couple in next week’s State Cup game!  Great job girls ... and congrats on a great tournament!!
 
 
Essex County TuneUp - September 8th and 9th

The Ravens kicked-off the Fall 07 season Saturday at the Essex County Tuneup in Livingston.  Here are the results for the tournament:

Saturday - vs. Hanover Huskies (currently flight 2 in MCYSA)

Result:  (Draw 0-0) W 1-0 in shootout (5-4)
The Ravens came into the game with just 11 players, and less our regular goalie.  The game plan was simple - to play smart, help each other out, and keep the ball out of the defensive third.  Both teams had only a handful of chances.  The Ravens had some good runs to the net but put the ball wide, and usually to the short side.  The Huskies, playing with 4 subs, took advantage of some lackadasical play on the Ravens’ part, especially on corners where they got a couple of good opportunities, but couldn’t get the final touch.  0-0 was the final, and we went to penalty kicks to determine the winner.

The Huskies netted their first opportunity, while the Ravens attempt went into the goalie’s arms.  But, the Huskies missed their fourth attempt, while the Ravens neatly finished their final four kicks.  On the first sudden death round, the Huskies shot first, and goalie Krystal McLean was able to make the save.  The Ravens’ Krystina Hay then stepped up, and calmly placed a perfect shot in the bottom right corner.  The Ravens survived a tough game, and were able to put a 1-0 victory on the board.

The final assessment on their first outing of the season is that the Ravens looked a bit ragged, and their lack of fitness is some areas was very apparent.  But, they managed to do what they needed to do to gain the victory.  However, with a possible three (3) games to be played tomorrow, the girls will need to dig deep for some energy in order to bring their game up to the level they are accustomed to playing.  We’ll have some reinforcements on Sunday, and we’ll need them!  Good job girls!

Sunday - Monclair Mystique (currently flight 3 in MID NJ)
- competed in same flight (3) as Ravens in Spring 07
- record of 0-9-1; Ravens defeated 2x

Result:  (Draw 1-1) Loss 1 - 2 in shootout (2-0)
The Ravens gave up a partial breakaway goal in the first minute of the second half, after an evenly played first 25 minutes.  However, with only 90 seconds to go in the game, Kristen Randolph found herself the beneficiary of through ball up the middle, and put home a low shot to the right of the Mystique tender.   Another 50 minute tie, and we went to a shootout again.  However today, the Ravens failed to find the net in four (4) attempts, while Montclair put two of their five attempts in back of the net.

Sunday - West Orange Storm (currently flight 2 in MID NJ)
- competing in the same MID NJ flight as Ravens
- Spring 07; Flight 4 in MID NJ with a record of 8-2-0 (w-l-t)

Result: Loss 0-3
A "bumped and bruised" Ravens team just didn’t have it in this game, as they gave up three (3) first half goals to West Orange.  The girls definitely had some issues playing on a rock hard bumpy pitch, after all their outings this year have been on turf.  But, the Storm seemed to handle it just fine.  We’ll get them again later in the season with our full squad, so it gives us something to shoot for.