THUNDER 3 - SUNRISE 0

This was another VV Thunder TEAM EFFORT and a lucky game for the opponent where the goal post prevented an increased score. This game was played in our home field on Saturday morning, October 16, 2004. It was partially sunny but windy. The 3 - 0 does not truly reflect what happened on the game, since the VV Thunder dominated and controlled the game. It seems like the goal post had become the goalie for the Sunrise team. Overall, four different shots bounced off the goal posts and the horizontal bar.

The VV Thunder took advantage of the wind to push forward and completely dominate the first half of the game. A series of shot after shot pattern from right and left took place in the first half, with an opponent that did not know how to contain the repeated shots at goal from our girls. Luckily for them, the goal post and the need for a better aim from our players, prevented an increased score in the first half. The first goal happened at the fourth minute into the game and started when Bethany fired a shot from outside the Sunrise penalty area, the shot bounced off the left post, Hazel was positioned near the left post and anticipated two Sunrise defenders to just push the ball without any problem and score for our team. In another play, Hazel took another shot that hit the goal post. We were 1-0 and going strong. The first half ended with only one goal in our favor, but the score does not describe the complete dominance of the VV Thunder team.

Ashley Y started as a goalie and propelled the Thunder attack with her strong punt that allowed our strikers to reach the opponent's goal without any effort. Our defense was superb in this game with the first shutout of the season. Tiger faced a strong Sunrise player. This player tried hard to beat Tiger, but ended up crawling on the grass in more than one occasion. Ashley P is growing in confidence and speed as she continues to be the leader sweeping on the back. Valerie played an outstanding game. When the ball reached the VV Thunder's box, the opponent found a wall in Valerie who practically shot down the opponents attack acting fast in recovering the ball. Kat's easy approach on containing the opponent is still the trademark of the VV Thunder on the back, just wait for the opponent with the ball and close the left channel to recover the ball to send it to midfield. Beanie alternated in the defensive line, her speed and determination to get the ball assisted our team to block and destroy any advances of the opponent. Karina also played with more confidence and determination covering both sides of the field and taking the free kicks with strong shots.

Our midfield line consisted of Erica, Melinda, Rummit, Bethany, Lexi, Courtney and Macy. Our girls practically controlled the game completely not allowing the opponent to regroup or even to take possession of the ball. Erica almost scored a goal when she took a strong shot from outside the penalty area, the ball just hit the horizontal bar. In another play, Rummit took another shot at goal, this time the ball again bounced off the left post denying our team from scoring another goal. Lexi run and defended the ball with determination. Melinda kept pushing our team forward and sending the ball to the forwards, she also played a great defensive game. Courtney's tenacity to fight for the ball was again a surprise for the opponent, she is relentless and does not give up, always trying to steal the ball from the opponent.

The Sunrise players had the wind on their side during the second half , however, they were not able to capitalize it as the VV Thunder players continued to keep the ball in their possession and tried to keep the ball on the grass. The second goal started at midfield as a combination of a "give and go" between Melinda and Bethany, then Melinda sent the ball to Katie who quickly took the ball forward and with a well placed shot across the goalie scored the second goal for our team. The third goal was another great combination that started with a series of passes at midfield, then Melinda sent the ball to the left side, Katie took the ball and run forward. Katie then crossed the ball to the right channel where Macy was waiting and expecting this great pass from Katie. The ball was placed in front of Macy who did not hesitate to drive the ball in the opponent's goal with a strong shot. It was a beautiful goal with a great combination of passes among the Thunder players.

As usual, good offense cannot happen without a good defense. This was by far the best defensive collective game played by our girls. Everybody defended when needed, and everybody -even our goalies- participated in the attack. 

Good job Thunder !!!

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