Xtreme Notches First Multi-Goal Game of the Season

Xtreme 98 Red took on PWSI Courage 98 Black on the road for the second game of the regular season, and once again, Xtreme came out strong. Xtreme controlled the pace of the game at the open, completing smart passes and applying pressure to the Courage defense and keeper almost immediately. The sides traded quality scoring opportunities through the first 18 minutes, until finally, a Courage player found the back of the net.

Four minutes later, Xtreme answered with a series of beautiful passes – from Big Foot to Sunshine to the Taxman to the back of the net.

Five minutes later, at 27 minutes, Courage would take the lead back. But the Xtreme first half keeper, Sharkey, valiantly turned away 11 shots – and got a little help from the crossbar once.

The second half saw Happy Feet in goal for Xtreme – a first. She was tested hard and early, and quickly showed that she meant business, despite her inexperience. First Aid worked with Sunshine, the Taxman, and the still nicknameless Cam to keep the pressure on, and they were finally rewarded at 55 minutes, when Space Ghost challenged and won a ball from Courage, sent it up to First Aid, who crossed it to the Taxman, who put on a footwork show, drew an extra defender to the corner and then laid a ball right in front of the charging Sunshine. Sunshine, perhaps inspired by the Marta-Puma commercial, deked the defender, faking a shot and pulling the ball across to her left, and then sliding the ball past the Courage keeper to tie it up again.

But the Courage were not done. They peppered Happy Feet with shots, and the Xtreme defenders, who were throwing their bodies in front of balls – First Aid, Big Foot, Space Ghost, and the Professor blocked 10 quality shots, began to break down. The Hammer, exhausted and under the weather, suffered what competitive eaters refer to as a "reverse swallowing" action, but then rallied and finished the game strong – closing down passing lanes, and playing her usual aggressive defense. But the Courage had a deep bench and were able to add fresh legs to the pitch. Finally, at 59 minutes, they broke the tie, going ahead 3-2.

Happy Feet kept Xtreme in the game, shutting down three breakaways that Courage parents were sure were goals. Xtreme aimed to finish strong – trying to steal the points from Courage, but in the end, fatigue took its toll, and Courage added a fourth goal at 68 minutes.

Despite the loss, Xtreme played a terrific game, with every member of the team contributing. The two goals – the first of the season – mark the first multi-goal game for Xtreme since April 17 when the squad beat the NVSC Jr. Majestics 2-1, and showed that Red can finish.

The squad looks forward to next weekend's home opener double header with games at Holmes and Sprague against McLean and DCST Metros – both of whom are 1-0-1 on the season.