Xtreme Notches First Win of the Regular Season

They say revenge is a dish best served cold. How about served with a side of extreme wind? On Saturday, Xtreme 98 Red took a ride to the Prince William County home of the Junior Majestics, who only a week earlier had rudely scored a goal in the last minute of play to break a hard fought 2-2 tie. Xtreme was thinking about nailing down the W, and they had a fire lit under them.

Heavy winds, blowing hard towards the Xtreme goal for the first half, added some extra danger to Majestic corners (2) and crossing shots. It also meant our defense had to tighten down on the Majestic's fastest player - #22, who liked to linger near the center line, waiting to be sprung on a breakaway.

It was just such a combination of Majestic speed, wind at their backs and an unfortunate bounce that had Xtreme knock in an own goal at the four minute mark. More damaging than the goal was that the play resulted in Erin G. "The Hammer" limping off the field with a hyper-extended knee. She would not return and would miss Xtreme's next match on Sunday.

But Xtreme – scrappy fighters that they are – don't mind clawing their way back into a game. And ten minutes later they answered the Majestics with a goal: Laura put a foot skills show on and sent a blistering cross to Emma at the far post. Emma tapped the ball home and it rolled across the line at an agonizingly slow pace.

Xtreme controlled the pace of the game, effectively moving the ball around the field to test the Majestic defense and keeper from all sides. Emma and Aiden both sent 4 shots at the goal, Madison and Audrey would each add a shot, but the player with the keeper's number was absolutely Laura. Not only did she distribute the ball nicely to her fellow forwards, she took 8 shots herself before the game was done.

Amalia played well in goal, turning away 4 quality Majestic shots and the half ended tied 1-1.

Kendall, who with partners Caitlin and Erin L "The Taxman", had built a wall in front of our goal, took the keeper's jersey for the second half. Caitlin and The Taxman were joined on defense by Elizabeth and Amalia who effectively shut down the Majestics fast-paced offense. The home team only mustered 2 shots in the second half, both of which were turned away by Kendall.

At the 46 minute mark, Xtreme put together another long passing sequence, playing keep-away from the Majestics. The sequence ended when The Taxman sent Aiden racing down the flank – she beat her players and sent a well-timed ball to Laura who was waiting in the box to blast the go-ahead goal home.

Despite great pressure from the Majestics during the final 10 minutes of the game, Xtreme was able to protect their lead, blocking shots, and pressing for a third goal themselves.

The entire squad had an impressive game, everyone contributing and playing their game. Which goes to show what the girls can do when they put their mind to it. But would they be able to keep up the intensity for a game against old WAGS rival, VYS Comets on Sunday? We shall see.