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 b
all 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!
No comments:
Post a Comment