THUNDER 2 - CVU FLAMES 1

The VV Thunder traveled to Sacramento to face the CVU Flames, after an interesting car-pool experience on the way up Interstate 80 that made the drivers of some of our players (specially our defensive line) get confused taking the wrong direction to the fields. However, our players showed up just on time for this game. The delay seemed to take the " wind out of the sails" for our defenders, as the game started at a rather slow pace. This game was played at 9:00am on the cold morning of Saturday, November 13, 2004. With just one game left in the Metro League, our players were determined to continue on their fifth "on a row" winning game to not only become the leaders, but the virtual champions of the Division.

Most of the action was in the middle of the field as both teams were feeling each other out. Midway through the first half, the pace to the game started to pick up with a series of attacks by the CVU team. One of the attacks started on the right field which was capitalized by a cross to the Thunder's box. Our defenders were still trying to recover from the long delayed drive when the shot reached our box, Beanie tried to block the ball and pushed it out, just to find a free opponent in front of her who with a soft kick placed the ball inside the box scoring the first goal for the CVU.

However, the Thunder's answer was fast and with the characteristic "come back attitude" equalized the game after just one minute. At midfield, Bethany fought the ball and took it away from the opponent, then sent the ball to Katie who immediately took a shot at goal. Hazel was close to the near post and tried to continue with a follow up shot, forcing a defender to bounce the ball back to the left side. Katie received the ball and took a shot that sailed on top of the goalie equalizing the game.  Then with about 5 minutes before the end of the first half, our team had the chance to increase the score. Ashley Y received a ball from Bethany near the penalty box, then faked and dribbled an opponent before she took a shot that was blocked by the CVU goalie.

Over all, it was another solid defensive effort as the CVU team seemed to dominated the major part of the game. Ashley P, Tiger, Kat, Karina and Valerie worked extra trying to contain the CVU attack. Beanie played goalie in the first half and also contributed defensively on the second half. Our midfield players tried to neutralize the opponent who exercised a well rehearsed play. A rather predictable transition and movement of the ball starting from the right field and then crossing the ball toward the middle. Melinda continued to provide leadership becoming the first defender at midfield. Erica, Lexi, Ashley Y, and Rummit also contributed to defend in this game. Hazel and Courtney continued to fight the ball up front alternating with Macy on the right channel.

The second half seemed to have the same pattern, with the CVU trying to win this home game, and the VV Thunder defending with sporadic breakaways on the left side. Even though the CVU continued to knock the door in search of the winning goal, the VV Thunder continued to answer with aggressiveness. A fast run on the left side allowed Katie to be free from her mark, sending a high ball pass across the CVU penalty area. The ball sailed on top of the CVU defenders. Macy was well positioned on the other side of the box and just pushed the ball while on the air inside the box to score the winning goal. The CVU team tried to equalize the game time after time without success, testing Ashley Y who replaced Beanie as goalie. Near the 20th minute into the second half, a fast run by a CVU player ended up on a shot at goal that luckily bounced off the post. The CVU continued to press hard until the final whistle ended this game with another victory for our team.

We are the UNDEFEATED virtual CHAMPIONS of our division, with a record of six wins, 3 ties and no losses. To date, in 9 games of division play, our team has scored 23 goals in our favor and allowed only 10 goals. Great Job VV Thunder !!!

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