THUNDER 1 - GREENHAVEN COUGARS 1

The VV Thunder traveled to Sacramento to take on the division leader Greenhaven Cougars. This game was played at Reichmuth Park on October 02, 2004, against this returning Metro team that displayed an unorganized but aggressive and faster style of play. The competition level was definitely much higher in this game than in previous division games; however, the Thunder players proved worthy of the task at hand, to come back and equalize near the end of the second half. This felt like another "well deserved tie with a taste of victory".

Although the pace of the game was quick early on, the Thunder only managed 5 shots in the first half. The first ten minutes of the game was very fast paced as the Greenhaven Cougars kept the ball in their offensive zone early on, firing quick shots that fortunately went wide. "Beanie", our goalie, was the target of the Cougars constant attack, but she rose to the occasion stopping and containing the shots that came from the right and left channels. Early in the first half, as a result of a foul by the opponent (rough play), Kat took an impressive free kick near the Thunder midfield and sent the ball to the middle of the Cougars box. Valerie sprinted to get the ball and was short of scoring for our team, in the Thunder's first offensive attempt trying to maintain the equilibrium in the game.

It was Lexi's best game to date. She not only made the brave effort to try to score from a header after Bethany's free kick from the right side of the field, but Lexi was also instrumental in the assist for the Thunder's equalizing goal. This game was another solid defensive effort from Tiger, Kat, Karina, Ashley P, and Valerie. Melinda, Erica, Macy, Beth, Rummit, Ashley Yoell and Courtney also contributed defensively. It was great to see Macy fight for the ball and push the team forward in spite of the recent lost of her "Grandaddy". Beanie played the first half in goal and did awesome, with 6 great saves and some nice "talking" to her defenders. The Cougars pressing paid off when a fast run by the right wing took our defenders by surprise, resulting on a breakaway. It appeared that the Cougar's player was in an off-side position when her teammate made the pass; however, the Assistant referee did not see it that way and allowed the play to go on. Then the Cougar player on a fast breakaway just kicked and placed the ball on the left side of our goalie, scoring the first goal of the match.

The second half was hard fought and evenly matched. The Thunder never gave up in the second half. As the second half continued, the opponent became over confident since they were leading the score. However, to their surprise, our Thunder girls came back determined to score and equalize the game. Ashley P continued to play aggressively sweeping with several saves across the Thunder's box. Our new goalie, Ashley Yoell made several nice saves as the Cougars substitution pattern kept fresh players rotating into the front line. Moreover, Ashley Y strong punt gave our team the aggressive edge to go forward and capitalize in several front runs by our strikers. As a matter of fact, with about 5 minutes left, the equalizing goal started from our new goalie's strong punt, which crossed the midfield line. After a quick trap and a series of passes and rebounds, Bethany sent the ball to Katie, the pass resulted on a bouncing ball that fooled the Cougar's defender. Katie controlled the ball and quickly, made a short pass to Lexi who in turn, one touched a beautiful cross right in front of the goal toward Hazel. Hazel  waited anxiously for the pass and kicked the ball with a first touch and hammered it to placed it inside the Greenhaven Cougars box, scoring the equalizing goal ... GOOOOOOAAAAAALLLLL !!!

What a relief !!! It was near the end of the game. All we heard was the Thunder's players and followers in a cheering ovation. Overall, the goal in this game was a result of combination passing with the ball touching 4 players before the shot! AWESOME PLAY !!!!

This was a great game against a much tougher opponent. The whistle blew with the game as a draw 1-1. More importantly, the Thunder is still undefeated in league play.

Good job Thunder !!!

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