Monday, December 7, 2009

Xtreme Falls to LMVSA, 6-5

Indoor Xtreme 98 headed into Sunday's game with former outdoor rival LMVSA Patriots 98 with high hopes, and although both teams delivered exciting soccer, it was LMVSA that emerged victorious.

Once again Xtreme let their opponents strike first, but the girls answered quickly with a tying tally. But the Patriots seemed to be hungrier, breaking the tie and pulling ahead - a lead they would never relinquish.

Xtreme delivered another thrilling game - applying great pressure on the Patriot keeper who made a dozen great saves in the final minutes of the game. Xtreme scored twice in the final 50 seconds to pull within one, but ran out of time before they could mount a final attack, hoping to pull out a tie.

Three games remain on the schedule. Next up, Alexandria Revolution on December 13 at 3pm.

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Xtreme Tops Team America, Improves to 2-1-0

Indoor Xtreme took on indoor rival Team America in a Thanksgiving Weekend thriller. Once again, Xtreme let their opponents jump out to an early lead, but playing from behind is becoming an Xtreme specialty.

The teams traded multiple goals during the first 25 minutes and went into half time tied at 5 goals a piece. Inconsistent was the best word to describe Xtreme in the first half.

But Xtreme made several mental adjustments during the break and came out determined to own the field. And own it they did. The offensive lines kept pressure on the TA keepers and the defensive lines offered great support at midfield to keep Xtreme on offense for most of the second half.

Multiple Xtreme players scored - and frankly it was too quick and frequent for this cub reporter to keep up. The final score was Xtreme 98 - 12, Team America 6.

Next weekend Xtreme will take on outdoor rivals from the 2007-08 season, LMVSA Patriots.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Indoor Xtreme 1-1 on the Season

After an season opening loss to Alexandria, Xtreme 98 rebounded with an unbelievably exciting come-from-behind win against the VYS Firehawks on Sunday.

After much of the team stayed up ALL NIGHT at the Red squad's end of season party and sleepover, fans were uneasy going into Sunday's game. Xtreme fell behind 2-0 in the opening minutes, but dug deep and by halftime, the game was tied. The Taxman scored on a penalty kick, a result of multiple handballs, the last one inside the box, and Meg scored a blistering goal from the right wing.

The teams took the field in the second half determined to break the tie - and VYS opened the scoring. But Xtreme wouldn't give up, and actually controlled the ball and pace of the game nicely. Xtreme communicated very well and the lines Coach Summer developed synched up beautifully, backing each other up and feeding each other to test the Firehawk keeper.

Consistent with Coach Summer's belief that everyone should get a taste of goalkeeping duties, Xtreme rotated through six keepers. This game saw Kendall, Emma, Madison, Myriam, Meg, and The Hammer in goal.

Caitlin tied the game again with a thunderous shot from twenty feet that had so much boot on it, even if the goalie had gotten her hands on it, was going to carry her into the net with it.

Once again VYS broke the tie going up 4-3, but it was all Xtreme from that point on.

Backed by a solid defense of Kendall and Space Ghost, the offensive line of Elizabeth, Sunshine, and Caitlin peppered the VYS keeper and defense with an uninterrupted 5 minutes of pressure. Xtreme took at least 15 shots during the span that were saved or went just wide or were deflected. VYS was unable to make defensive changes and finally the shell-shocked keeper was able to deflect a ball into the Xtreme half, and all players on both teams changed.

With The Hammer in goal and Madison and Meg on defense, Xtreme's offense kept the pressure on. Taxman, Reina, and Laura continued to test the keeper until Laura found the back of the net to tie the game with less than 3 minutes to play.

The Xtreme line continued to dominate the exhausted VYS squad that lost two players to injury during the match, and Meg and Reina repeatedly tested the keeper, until finally, with less than 12 seconds left in the game, Reina found the back of the net from point blank range to send Xtreme up 5-4.

It was a thrilling match, both teams played well, but apparently working on no sleep seemed to work for Xtreme. Next up, a surprise Thanksgiving weekend game against TA Freedom 98.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Xtreme Ends Regular Season with a Win


Xtreme 98 Red ended the regular season with a solid 1-0 win against Chantilly 98 Freedom. The girls played a great game - their game - and really controlled the tempo of the game. The possession game that Coach Lance has been working on with the girls, and that is going to be the future of the squad, came into focus, particularly with passes back to the keeper to facilitate field changes.

Also of note, the girls finally exceeded 100 quality passes during a game, notching a 47 pass first half and a 54 pass second half. As Lance has said to them over and over, "when you pass, you win," and that was well on display on Sunday.

A more detailed Coach's report is coming, but congratulations to the girls of Xtreme 98 Red and all the fans thank them for closing out the season in such a composed and dominant way.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

From the Bench - Coach's Report 11/9/09

Congratulations to all the players at Sundays Game against Loudon. This was another solid effort by this group of players. Here are some of the things that I saw from the bench:

(1) Annandale '98 Red girls played a composed game throughout the full 60 minutes (in an unnecesarily physical game). I think this showed a growth in self-confidence and level of maturity that was not present at the start of the Fall season.

(2) One of the skills that migrated from practice to this game was movement off the ball. There were some wonderful passing sequences that involved 3-4 players and required anticipating where to be for the next pass. (Not enough to score girls, but Rome was not built in a day either).

The first-touch was pretty good, and the use of the bottom-of-the-foot to control the ball on a bumpy surface and buy time by looking up (when one can feel the ball underfoot) was used more frequently than in past games.

(3) There was also a lot more anticipation of where the flow of the game was headed when the other team had possession. This is not a skill that we have practiced and shows how the girls have developed the confidence to adapt and learn on their own. In a recent game, they organized a wall to defend a free kick outside the penalty box. This was all on their own too.

(4) As always, tackling was solid. First-to-the-ball was consistently better in this game. The girls marked-up on their own initiative too.

In the 2nd half, the players tried poking the ball away from a player from the side, instead of facing up and trying to stop the (steamroller-type) player and the ball. Several girls tried it with good effect in the 2nd half. The girls also got to experiment with defending against elbows and pushing. (Unfortunately, this is a skill they will have to learn as they keep playing).

As always parents, thanks for your support over all the ups-and-downs of the season. The positive experience the girls have had is directly a result of your encouragement, support and trust.

Questions, comments and suggestions, plz e-mail or call or visit before/after.

Lance

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Xtreme 98 Red Finalists in VIP Tournament

Xtreme 98 Red stormed into the Fourth Annual Great Falls VIP Tournament with high expectations. And the girls delivered.

The squad overcame adversity, weather, and a rough schedule - including a pre-sunrise call for the first game of the tournament to make the Championship Game on Sunday and earn the team's first trophy.

Xtreme first took the field on Saturday against hosts Great Falls Elite for a 7:30 am game. After giving up an early goal, Xtreme settled down and took control of the game - passing and working the field nicely.

Striker Reina notched a hat trick with great support from all her teammates who were able to set her up and keep the pressure on. Erin L earned her new nickname - "The Taxman." (You can do what you want on the field, but she's going to make you pay.)

Great Falls came on strong in the closing minutes fighting hard to pull out a tie, but Amalia made several sprawling saves to help Red hold on for the win.

After a break and rain that was heavy at times, Red took on Fredericksburg (FASA) in their first game of the day. After playing powerhouse finesse teams like BRYC and SYA all year, Xtreme faced the FASA Dragons that play a different style soccer.

One win and one loss was enough for Xtreme to lock up second place in Flight A and make Sunday's playoffs where they would face the first place team from Flight B.

Xtreme took the field against the newly formed VYS Firehawks who were undefeated on Saturday.

From the beginning, Xtreme controlled the game with beautiful passing and great on-field communication. Xtreme initially had trouble finding the back of the net, sending several shots wide in the opening minutes and making the Firehawk keeper earn her stripes - which the young lady did nicely.

Kendall and Caitlin controlled the backfield, keeping Xtreme on offense for the majority of the game and skillfully directed field changes with the help of guest Carson, who returned to Xtreme 98 to assist during the tournament in goal and add some of her "no fear" offense.

Audrey showed great speed and footwork and demonstrated how she earned the nickname, "Space Ghost" (because she can go Coast-to-Coast on you if she wants). Erin G once again showed she can transfer her basketball skills to the soccer field as she "boxed out"players and made it clear she owned her piece of the field.

Laura finally opened the scoring with a blast, releasing great tension on the field and the sidelines.

VYS answered on a breakaway to tie the score at one apiece. But it wouldn't last.

Madison and Emma both demonstrated their improving ball handling skills and played up top, helping to keep the pressure on the VYS keeper.

Reina added another goal for her fourth of the tournament and then Aiden put the game away, adding another goal with some beautiful ball handling in traffic.

The 3-1 win sent Xtreme 98 Red to the Championship game where they would face the FASA team again. FASA ran up the score in their playoff game, winning 17-0. But the Red squad was undaunted.

Coach Lance and the girls made several adjustments for the championship game to better handle FASA's style, holding them scoreless for the first 15 minutes.

In the end, FASA prevailed, though the Red Squad played strong through the game and were able to break through the FASA defense with Madison and Reina surprising the FASA keeper with shots.

The girls put up a good fight and demonstrated determination, and put the skills they are learning into action.

Congratulations to Xtreme 98 Red for earning their Finalist Trophy!

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Game Against Herndon Pegasus Rained Out


The driving rain through which the girls bravely played on Saturday did not let up until well after midnight, and more than 70 area fields were closed for Sunday games. Among those closures was Congressional School, and with it went Sunday's game against Herndon Pegasus.

The game has been rescheduled for Saturday, October 17 at 3pm. The game has also been moved to Holmes MS Front.

We hope players and families enjoy the remainder of the weekend and we'll see everyone at practice this week - Tuesday and Thursday - and another double header weekend coming up.

Monday, September 14, 2009

FROM THE BENCH 9/13 - CYA: Freedom Purple

What a great start to the season. Perfect weather for soccer and an all-round good performance from the Red team.



Each of the girls played to their abilities. They showed confidence on the ball and we saw some new skills that have migrated from practice into the game. Congratulations to Audrey on her strong, every-step-a-touch, open-field run that ended with a successful shot on goal.



Team play also reflected where the team is at. The first-half was dominated by individual effort. There was a total of only 12 passes. The second half was much more of a team effort with a combination of individual effort and passing for a total of 42 passes. There were several long sequences of passes that started deep in the Red half and moved the ball well into the Purple half where the string of passes eventually petered-out. Decision-making was also much better in the 2nd half.



After playing Harry's U-11 boys team, several of the girls commented on how well the boys team played. They also verbalized that "holding the ball and looking for easy passes" is not only a fun way to play, but also very effective.


We will continue to develop the individual foot skills as the foundation. We will also continue to work on the decision-making, positioning, calling for the ball, ... And of course we will play more games (7 league + 4 tournament) and gain more confidence in a balanced individual effort/passing game.



From the chatter on the bench and the tired smiles at the end of the game we will record this as a successful outing.



TRAINING & PRACTICE PLANS FOR THE FALL SEASON


After juggling personnel availability, team constraints, and field availability, we have converged on the following Training and Practice plan for the season:



Tuesdays - Training with Coach Kephern Fuller at Chapel Square/Sprague 5:15pm - 6:45pm. Emphasis on individual skills, 1 v 1, and 2 v 2.



Thursdays - Practice at Holmes 5:15pm - 6:45pm. Emphasis on passing, team collaboration and game situations.



Coach K. is a former GMU player. After leaving college he had the opportunity to play professional soccer and coach in Holland. He is currently a head trainer at Golden Boot. He brings deep knowledge of the game and a great personality. Together, these attributes will fit nicely with this team.



JOINT PRACTICE WITH COACH GERMAIN THURSDAY SEPT 17


With no game next weekend, we will practice with Coach Germain on Thursday Sept 17 at 6:20pm at Mason District. This will give Ann a chance to get to know the girls in a practice setting.


As always, questions, suggestions, concerns, please call, e-mail, or track me down at practice or games.



Thx for all your support.



L.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Fall Schedule Changed...Already

In a move that will hopefully NOT be an indicator of the coming season, WAGS has already rescheduled one of our games.

Our second match against Chantilly Freedom 98 Purple, on November 1, has been moved from noon to 2:30pm. The field has also been changed from EDS to Franklin Middle School, field 2.

The change was actually made because of a referee conflict - not a future rain forecast. All calendars here have been edited to reflect the change, as well as the original schedule post below. Please make sure you adjust your calendars if you already entered the season into your planner.

Let's keep our fingers crossed this is the only reschedule we have this season.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Fall Schedule Announced

WAGS has released the Fall 2009 Schedule earlier than anticipated. The Red Squad will ease into the season, with 3 home games in September, and then go on the road for 4 games in October. We'll close the season in November with a road and then a home game.

The games have been added to the team's Google Calendar and will begin appearing in the column at right shortly. Each week, the team will receive game reminders, directions, and uniform information. The full schedule for the entire division is available on the WAGS Website. We are in Division L.

For your long term planning purposes, here is the schedule - (you can click on the field for location information):

Sunday, September 13
12:00 pm
vs CYA Freedom '98 Purple
Holmes MS Back

September 19-20 BYE WEEK

Saturday, September 26
3:00 pm
vs BRYC 98 Elite (a.k.a. Lightning)
Holmes MS Front

Sunday, September 27
2:00 pm
vs Herndon Pegasus
Congressional School Soccer Field

Saturday, October 3
4:30 pm
vs SYA Storm
Kincheloe #5

Sunday, October 4
12:00 pm
vs VYS Attack
Vienna Adventist Academy

October 10-11 - Columbus Day Weekend
VIP Tournament

Sunday, October 18
3:00 pm
vs VSA Heat
Long Park Turf #6A

Sunday, October 25
vs Loudon 98G White
Ray Muth Park #2

Sunday, November 1 (REVISED)
2:30 pm
vs CYA Freedom '98 Purple
Franklin MS #2

Sunday, November 8
2:00 pm
vs Loudon 98G White
Congressional School Soccer Field

Monday, August 24, 2009

Coach's Report: From The Bench 8/23/09

Red team players, great job at the BRYC tournament. You played two games with all your heart. Your parents and coach are proud of you.

First Game:

In the first half, the team played exceptionally well. You showed how well this team can play with square, back and through passing.

Everybody was on their toes and prepared to receive and pass the ball. Players were relaxed when they had the ball and made good passing and dribbling decisions.

You had several good shots on goal. The shots on goal started from passes by the defenders, then the midfielders, then the forwards.

Nice job everyone.

Second Game:

The other team played much faster in this game. This meant that you had to be faster on your feet and faster with your brain. Did you notice the difference?

Good job tackling and getting to the ball first. Good job getting open and calling for the ball.

Once again, nice job everyone.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Girls Gel in Tournament



Day One of the BRYC Fall Kick Off Tournament was rained out, which was a disappointment for all. But organizers moved the tournament to a nearby turf field and salvaged two of the planned four games.

The Xtreme 98 Red squad gelled beautifully in Game 1 against PWSI Courage 98 Gold. The first half was played almost exclusively in Courage's end with Xtreme controlling the ball and the pace of the game with spot on passing. But Courage held their own and their keeper made some excellent stops and had help from her full squad.

At half time the score was 0-0. But that wouldn't last.

Reina found the back of the net quickly in the second half with the foot pictured.

Courage fought back, finding their game and pressuring Xtreme's goal keeper, Carson, on loan from her sister's squad. But Carson, energized from the day before where she notched three shut-outs in the Frederick, MD Scrimmagefest, shut down Courage.

And Mariana, on loan from the White team, put the game away with another strike.

The game ended 2-0.



After a short rest and ice cream, Xtreme took the pitch again to face another team in the PWSI Courage system, the Black squad.

Both teams notched several great chances, but Xtreme was simply unable to find the back of the net. Something Courage Black was able to do more than once. The game ended 3-0 for Courage Black.

While the split wasn't ideal, the important thing is that the girls got out and played in real game situations, dusted off those cobwebs, and really connected as a team. The two new players, Kendall and Erin G. stepped right in and immediately began contributing, as did our two guest players from White, Mariana and Melanie, and Carson, who of course played with Xtreme 98 Red for several seasons.

All in all, a good, fun experience, despite the shortened schedule. Check out the slideshow of some photos from the day.

Thanks to everyone who came out today, beared with the ever-changing schedule, and helped cheer on Xtreme from the sidelines!

Monday, August 17, 2009

Video Lessons

Coach Lance will identify web videos from time to time to help demonstrate skills we're working on in practice and game situations. We'll post them here and the first three are below.

"Soccer Players, over the summer we have talked about the difference between playing U-10 and U-11. U-11 is faster. To play faster, everyone will need to be quick on their toes and have a good first touch on the ball.

Watch these videos, practice the skills (if you have time), and be prepared to use the skills in practice and in games. Notice how Mia Hamm is always relaxed and breathing normally when playing the ball. Enjoy."

-Coach Lance

Using the inside of the foot to play faster

Using the outside of the foot to play faster

Using the bottom of the foot to play faster

Friday, August 14, 2009

BRYC Tournament Schedule Announced


The schedule has been announced for the BRYC Fall Kick-Off Tournament and Xtreme 98 Red will be facing off against 4 new opponents - including a boys team.

You read that right. A boys team.

BRYC was sponsoring a U10 Boys Tournament the weekend after our tournament, but interest was low. So they slid the boys teams into our tournament. We'll play one game against the boys - a U10 team from BRYC. (2 of our other 3 opponents will also play the boys.)

This will be a great opportunity for the girls to see a different style of game being played, and Coach Sherry is quite confident the girls can hold their own against them. After all, "girls rule, boys drool."

All games are played at Robinson High School on the Upper Fields. The school is located at 5105 Sideburn Road, Fairfax, 22032. Here's the schedule:

Saturday, August 22

Game 1: 9:15am ABGC Xtreme 98 Red v. PWSI Courage 98 Gold - Field 2

Game 2: 12:00pm ABGC Xtreme 98 Red v. PWSI Courage 98 Black - Field 2

Sunday, August 23

Game 1: 8:00am ABGC Xtreme 98 Red v. BRYC 99 Elite Boys - Field 2

Game 2: 2:30pm ABGC Xtreme 98 Red v. ASC Xtreme - Field 3

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Welcome the two newest members of Xtreme 98 Red

Xtreme 98 Red was fortunate to have several good players work out with the team this summer and two young ladies have been added to the regular season roster. Erin comes to us from the BRYC system, and Kendall comes from the Burke club, and they have both agreed to join the Red squad. We welcome their arrival!



Kendall (#21), no stranger to the keeper’s box, will help fill Carson’s shoes (that usually came off at some point during the games). Kendall and her powerful boot are also expected to round out the defensive group.





Erin (#24) brings speed and agility to an always improving Red squad, and is expected to be a solid addition to the line-up – on both sides of the mid-field line.


More about these new players and all our players in the coming weeks as we profile them each in our Player Spotlight Article.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Pre-Season Tournament

Xtreme 98 Red has applied to play in the 2nd Annual Fall Kick-off Tournament sponsored by BRYC.

We will play four games over the weekend of August 22-23, so mark your calendars.

Once opponents and game times are announced, we'll send out an email and post the information here.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Fall Division Opponents Announced

Our Fall WAGS division has been announced and we'll be facing some now familiar opponents. Xtreme 98 Red faced at least 3 of our new division rivals this Spring, and while we may not have won those games, we had excellent showings despite our frequent lack of rested substitutions.

And the precision passing game Coach Lance has been developing with the girls managed to frustrate all of our opponents - particularly as we held almost all of them scoreless through the first halves.

As we continue to refine our game and expand our roster, we head into the Fall season confident that we will do well in the Division.

Here are our division opponents - we'll post the schedule when that becomes available.


WAGS U11 Division L

ABGC Annandale Xtreme 98 Red
BRYC 98 Elite (a.k.a. Lightning)
CYA Freedom 98 Purple
HERN Pegasus *
LOUD 98G White
SYA Storm *
VSA Heat
VYS Attack *


*Spring 2009 opponents

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Summer Practice Gets Underway

Xtreme 98 Red has taken to the pitch this summer for weekly practices.

Practices will be Tuesdays from 5:00 PM until 6:30 PM at Chapel Square field - and get used to the field - rumor has it that will be our home field for the Fall 2009 season.

Check out some pictures from tonight's practice. And if you are a girl born after August 1, 1999, love soccer and are interested in learning and competing at a high, but fun, level consider joining us for one of practices. Email Coach Sherry or Manager Michael Klein for details.






























Monday, June 15, 2009

Fall 2009 Tryouts Continue

Xtreme 98 Red is holding tryout sessions in the second half of June to expand our roster. Please consider joining us for our Fall season.

Players should bring a water bottle and wear cleats and shin guards. It is not necessary to bring a ball.

For more information, contact the team or Coach Sherry with the emails at right.

Look, we know this notice went up late. If you missed tryouts, but you're interested in joining the team and think you've got what it takes to be an Xtreme Red player, contact Coach Sherry.

REMAINING TRYOUT DATE

Tuesday, June 16 5:00 - 6:00 PM Mason District Park

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Welcome to the Online Home of Xtreme 98 Red

Welcome to Xtreme 98 Red's online home.

The team of dedicated girls was launched in the Fall of 2007 under the auspices of the Annandale Boys & Girls Club. Under the direction of original Head Coach Jay Murphree and Assistant Coach Summer Rivas the team grew in skill and confidence.

Today, the team is led by Head Coach Lance Sherry and the squad of 11 girls continues to play in the WAGS system and in tournaments throughout Northern Virginia.

The team is made up of a core group of girls who love soccer and enjoy not only learning the sport, but playing and hanging out with each other.

Since this season we will be able to carry more girls on the roster, we have a few spots available.

If you are a soccer player born on or after August 1, 1998 and you are intersted in playing at a competitive level and training with a fun and dedicated group of girls, send us an email at xtreme98red@gmail.com.