Preble Shawnee vs. Miami Valley, 0-1 L (1 OT)
Going in, we knew exactly what to expect - a physical game against a team that is very similar to us in every way. Our scouting report going in was dead on. Expect to get fouled, expect good possession from Miami Valley, expect pretty solid defense, especially out of the middle. Our two teams were very evenly matched in skill and in style of play. It was definitely an interesting game to watch despite the 0-0 regulation score. Both teams throughout had chances to score and, in my opinion, Preble Shawnee had a few more. All in all, the game was even and well played by both teams. I thought we had a more solid defensive unit than them, but I also thought they possessed the ball a little better (perhaps because of their previous experience on turf?).
After 80 minutes of scoreless soccer, we headed into Golden Goal overtime for the second consecutive tournament game. It's no surprise to anyone that this happened because of our style of play and the nature of our roster. Shortly in to the first fifteen minute overtime, Miami Valley squeaked a ball through that one of their player chased to the back post. We had a defender in the proper position and our keeper [Abbie Lynch] came out as she was supposed to. Miami Valley threw a foot at it, Abbie went down to make the save, and our defender was applying proper pressure to the ball. Somehow, the ball found a tiny hole in all of that mess and it trickled into the back post for the game winner.
After the game, there obviously and expectedly were many upset girls. I too was upset about losing. I was upset about our 2011 season coming to an end. As we quickly pointed out: sure, be upset. Be disappointed. But, don't lose pride. Be prideful of all that we have accomplished. After losing more than half of a really good team from 2010, there weren't many people that gave us a chance to be successful... or at least as successful as we were. We had opportunities, all the way up until the end to win our league. We had opportunities, for all 81 minutes to win our first sectional championship. We were so close. Better yet, we were so close with a team that returns everyone next year plus some. I know we wanted the banner this year. I know we wanted to win league this year. Sometimes the ball just doesn't bounce your way. Next year, instead of occassionally relying on the ball to bounce our way or hoping for a bit of luck here or there, we will be good enough that we won't have to hope or rely. We'll take control of a game from start to finish and we will make our own results.
At one practice this year, we posed the challening question, "What will be said about you?" Well, I know what I will say. I think I know what the parents, students, and players will say... We were the hardest working team ever at Shawnee, and even harder working when we were challenged. We didn't quit. We had huge heart. We played with pride and with class. We did this more than any other team in Shawnee history. When we carry this same mentality into next season coupled with the skill and talent we have coming back, we are in for what I anticipate being the greatest season ever at Shawnee - and that says a lot.
A lot to be proud of. A lot to look forward to. 80+.
After 80 minutes of scoreless soccer, we headed into Golden Goal overtime for the second consecutive tournament game. It's no surprise to anyone that this happened because of our style of play and the nature of our roster. Shortly in to the first fifteen minute overtime, Miami Valley squeaked a ball through that one of their player chased to the back post. We had a defender in the proper position and our keeper [Abbie Lynch] came out as she was supposed to. Miami Valley threw a foot at it, Abbie went down to make the save, and our defender was applying proper pressure to the ball. Somehow, the ball found a tiny hole in all of that mess and it trickled into the back post for the game winner.
After the game, there obviously and expectedly were many upset girls. I too was upset about losing. I was upset about our 2011 season coming to an end. As we quickly pointed out: sure, be upset. Be disappointed. But, don't lose pride. Be prideful of all that we have accomplished. After losing more than half of a really good team from 2010, there weren't many people that gave us a chance to be successful... or at least as successful as we were. We had opportunities, all the way up until the end to win our league. We had opportunities, for all 81 minutes to win our first sectional championship. We were so close. Better yet, we were so close with a team that returns everyone next year plus some. I know we wanted the banner this year. I know we wanted to win league this year. Sometimes the ball just doesn't bounce your way. Next year, instead of occassionally relying on the ball to bounce our way or hoping for a bit of luck here or there, we will be good enough that we won't have to hope or rely. We'll take control of a game from start to finish and we will make our own results.
At one practice this year, we posed the challening question, "What will be said about you?" Well, I know what I will say. I think I know what the parents, students, and players will say... We were the hardest working team ever at Shawnee, and even harder working when we were challenged. We didn't quit. We had huge heart. We played with pride and with class. We did this more than any other team in Shawnee history. When we carry this same mentality into next season coupled with the skill and talent we have coming back, we are in for what I anticipate being the greatest season ever at Shawnee - and that says a lot.
A lot to be proud of. A lot to look forward to. 80+.
Preble Shawnee vs. Dayton Christian, 3-2 W (1 OT)
Well, although the script continues to be written, it is no different than before. We got our 10th win of the season (1st in the tournament) by another one goal margin. That makes our 7th one goal victory this year. Certainly our stressful but successful motto still holds true.
This game was more stressful than any previously, however. Our season was on the verge of being lost - not once in this game, but twice. Dayton Christian got an early lead when they scored on a wind aided cross directly off of a corner kick. At halftime, the score was DC 1, PS 0. The first thing I said at halftime was 'we are going to be fine'. I believed that, as we have done so many times before, we would fight until the end, get our scoring chances, and come out on top. Shortly into the second half, Maddie Woodard cleaned up some "trash" on the back post with a header to beat the keeper near post to knot the score at 1-1. With about 17 minutes to go in the game, Dayton Christian scored again off of a corner kick. There was a mess of players inside the 18 trying to clear the ball out. We failed to get the ball out of traffic and Dayton Christian slipped one in the back post out of the scrum. The two goals they scored weren't really defensive errors... they were more like either Dayton Christian was in the right place at the right time, or Preble Shawnee simply had bad luck. Being down 2-1 with our season on the line evidently sparked a sense of urgency in us. For the remaining 17 minutes we played with intent. We played as if we didn't want the season to be over. Mackenzie Steele scored the game tying goal with about 7 minutes to go. The remainder of the half was a stalemate, most often played in the middle of the field.
Regulation ended with the score tied 2-2. In this time period, I think both teams had equal opportunities to score, Dayton Christian unable to finish off or get to a couple of crosses, Preble Shawnee unable to find the back of the net on a few breakaways or taking nice shots, but unfortunately directly at the keeper.
Between regulation and Golden Goal, all that needed to be mentioned was one thing. Our motto over the last few years has been eighty-plus, meaning we play 80 minutes plus whatever it takes to get the job done. We told the girls that it was time to play 'in the plus'. They most certainly did that. Once the first overtime period started, it was amazing and beautiful to watch Preble Shawnee dominate the way they did. We had several opportunities early, we pressured Dayton Christian, and we just looked like the team that was supposed to win. Preble Shawnee girls did not wilt, did not come out timid, under the pressure of the possibility that our season may be over any second. We simply came out and played great soccer. Five minutes into the overtime period, Mackenzie Steele received a ball from Hayley Hall. She hit a beautifully placed ball into the side netting to beat the keeper and win the game.
This game had a little of everything. We were down, we fought back. We were down again, we fought back. We had our backs against the wall, and again, we came out strong, united, and confident, to get the win. We didn't play our best soccer by any means, but we did what we do best nowadays - we gutted it out and won another close ball game against a pretty good opponent.
We will have to play better this Monday at 7:00pm versus Miami Valley. I think they are a little stronger than DC (although, not a lot). We need to execute better and win more 50/50's, but it is going to be another close and winnable game. It is our chance to win a sectional title banner in our school. Let's go out and play another 80+. Nice win, ladies!
This game was more stressful than any previously, however. Our season was on the verge of being lost - not once in this game, but twice. Dayton Christian got an early lead when they scored on a wind aided cross directly off of a corner kick. At halftime, the score was DC 1, PS 0. The first thing I said at halftime was 'we are going to be fine'. I believed that, as we have done so many times before, we would fight until the end, get our scoring chances, and come out on top. Shortly into the second half, Maddie Woodard cleaned up some "trash" on the back post with a header to beat the keeper near post to knot the score at 1-1. With about 17 minutes to go in the game, Dayton Christian scored again off of a corner kick. There was a mess of players inside the 18 trying to clear the ball out. We failed to get the ball out of traffic and Dayton Christian slipped one in the back post out of the scrum. The two goals they scored weren't really defensive errors... they were more like either Dayton Christian was in the right place at the right time, or Preble Shawnee simply had bad luck. Being down 2-1 with our season on the line evidently sparked a sense of urgency in us. For the remaining 17 minutes we played with intent. We played as if we didn't want the season to be over. Mackenzie Steele scored the game tying goal with about 7 minutes to go. The remainder of the half was a stalemate, most often played in the middle of the field.
Regulation ended with the score tied 2-2. In this time period, I think both teams had equal opportunities to score, Dayton Christian unable to finish off or get to a couple of crosses, Preble Shawnee unable to find the back of the net on a few breakaways or taking nice shots, but unfortunately directly at the keeper.
Between regulation and Golden Goal, all that needed to be mentioned was one thing. Our motto over the last few years has been eighty-plus, meaning we play 80 minutes plus whatever it takes to get the job done. We told the girls that it was time to play 'in the plus'. They most certainly did that. Once the first overtime period started, it was amazing and beautiful to watch Preble Shawnee dominate the way they did. We had several opportunities early, we pressured Dayton Christian, and we just looked like the team that was supposed to win. Preble Shawnee girls did not wilt, did not come out timid, under the pressure of the possibility that our season may be over any second. We simply came out and played great soccer. Five minutes into the overtime period, Mackenzie Steele received a ball from Hayley Hall. She hit a beautifully placed ball into the side netting to beat the keeper and win the game.
This game had a little of everything. We were down, we fought back. We were down again, we fought back. We had our backs against the wall, and again, we came out strong, united, and confident, to get the win. We didn't play our best soccer by any means, but we did what we do best nowadays - we gutted it out and won another close ball game against a pretty good opponent.
We will have to play better this Monday at 7:00pm versus Miami Valley. I think they are a little stronger than DC (although, not a lot). We need to execute better and win more 50/50's, but it is going to be another close and winnable game. It is our chance to win a sectional title banner in our school. Let's go out and play another 80+. Nice win, ladies!
Preble Shawnee vs. Milton-Union, 2-1 Win, 9-5-2 (& regular season overview)
Well, during a "remodeling" year, as I referred to this season back in August, we managed to scrape together a pretty successful season. Like last night versus Milton-Union, our season often was not pretty or overly impressive, but in the end, we usually came out with positive results. As a matter of fact, we only finished 0.5 game worse in our league results this year than we did in our "miracle season" of 2010. Also, we toughened our schedule quite a bit, too. If we played last year's schedule, we would have been 12-2-2! So, if you want to compare the best season ever at Shawnee to this season, we really aren't too far off when saying that this year was pretty darn close to what we achieved last year. It looked a lot different (6 of our 9 wins in 2011 were by 1 goal, whereas only 1 of our 11 were 1 goal wins in 2010), but the results were nearly the same. Also, we beat Madison (league champs, 2011) for the first time ever. We finally beat Carlisle in both meetings this year which we have failed to do in the past. We also tied Waynesville again this year which is only the second time we HAVEN'T lost to them. We finished the season only allowing 11 goals in league, which is tied for tops in the league. On top of all the positive results... we finished the last 12 games of the season 8-2-2!
One of my goals, at the beginning of the season was 10 wins. Technically, since a tie counts as half of a win, we met that goal! My other goal was to win our sectional, which begins this Monday.
Our game versus Milton-Union, however, was disappointing despite the win. It's hard to say a win is a disappointment, but I really want nothing more than to walk away from a game feeling we imposed our will and showed everyone that we were just better in all aspects of the game than our opponent. Granted, we outshot Milton a lot to a little and we allowed very few offensive opportunities to Milton all night, but it just didn't feel right. Our defenders, for the first time in a long time, looked more like individuals than a unit. This cannot happen with a zone-4 back because a decent team will take advantage of our disjointedness and put one in the net against us. Our offense simply didn't execute. Our first touches were horrendous. Our traps were poor, which made our second touches most often a waste. At halftime, I couldn't even discuss the opportunities to exploit Milton-Union's weakness, because we weren't putting enough passes together to see their weaknesses. It was frustrating to say the least, especially as we roll into a new season with new lofty goals, but as our season has gone, we were fighters. We did enough to win. And, when all is said and done, the "W" on the scoreboard is acceptable even if it wasn't the prettiest thing to watch.
We scored in the first 3 minutes of the ball game, which might have been part of the problem because after that, the switch went from on to off real quick. Maddie Woodard served a perfect cross in from the corner and Sidney Brown finished off the goal with a volley on what might have been one of the better finishes all season. We went into halftime in the lead 1-0. In the middle of the second half, Mackenzie Steele pressured a defender into making a turnover. She promptly beat the defender 1 v 1 and scored in the upper 90. With about 13 minutes remaining Milton-Union was given a penalty kick. The shot deflected off the top cross bar, came down and out of the goal. Abbie Lynch gathered the ball about 4 yards off the goal line, but the official decided that the ball crossed the plane of the goal on the way down from the crossbar. The PK really ended up being Milton's only dangerous scoring chance of the night.
To revisit a point made at the beginning of the season. "Stressful, but successful." It definitely was that. Congrats on finishing up a regular season in winning form. We have at least one more goal to achieve this year. It's finally time to get a banner. Let's go out and win sectionals.
80+, 1 minute at a time...
One of my goals, at the beginning of the season was 10 wins. Technically, since a tie counts as half of a win, we met that goal! My other goal was to win our sectional, which begins this Monday.
Our game versus Milton-Union, however, was disappointing despite the win. It's hard to say a win is a disappointment, but I really want nothing more than to walk away from a game feeling we imposed our will and showed everyone that we were just better in all aspects of the game than our opponent. Granted, we outshot Milton a lot to a little and we allowed very few offensive opportunities to Milton all night, but it just didn't feel right. Our defenders, for the first time in a long time, looked more like individuals than a unit. This cannot happen with a zone-4 back because a decent team will take advantage of our disjointedness and put one in the net against us. Our offense simply didn't execute. Our first touches were horrendous. Our traps were poor, which made our second touches most often a waste. At halftime, I couldn't even discuss the opportunities to exploit Milton-Union's weakness, because we weren't putting enough passes together to see their weaknesses. It was frustrating to say the least, especially as we roll into a new season with new lofty goals, but as our season has gone, we were fighters. We did enough to win. And, when all is said and done, the "W" on the scoreboard is acceptable even if it wasn't the prettiest thing to watch.
We scored in the first 3 minutes of the ball game, which might have been part of the problem because after that, the switch went from on to off real quick. Maddie Woodard served a perfect cross in from the corner and Sidney Brown finished off the goal with a volley on what might have been one of the better finishes all season. We went into halftime in the lead 1-0. In the middle of the second half, Mackenzie Steele pressured a defender into making a turnover. She promptly beat the defender 1 v 1 and scored in the upper 90. With about 13 minutes remaining Milton-Union was given a penalty kick. The shot deflected off the top cross bar, came down and out of the goal. Abbie Lynch gathered the ball about 4 yards off the goal line, but the official decided that the ball crossed the plane of the goal on the way down from the crossbar. The PK really ended up being Milton's only dangerous scoring chance of the night.
To revisit a point made at the beginning of the season. "Stressful, but successful." It definitely was that. Congrats on finishing up a regular season in winning form. We have at least one more goal to achieve this year. It's finally time to get a banner. Let's go out and win sectionals.
80+, 1 minute at a time...
Preble Shawnee vs. Waynesville, 1-1 Tie, 8-5-2
Whoa. This game had a little bit of everything. There was some beautiful soccer. There was some exciting goal scoring opportunities. There was hardwork throughout, especially in the midfield. For the most part, the defense was solid. There was some physical play. There was some dirty play. There were some upset fans, players, and coaches. This felt like a playoff atmosphere. Both Waynesville and Preble Shawnee were both playing for their league lives.
In the middle of the first half, Hayley Hall won a ball, made a move on a Waynesville defender and scored back post to put us up 1-0. Late in the first half, Waynesville scored on a shot from 30 yards out to tie the game 1-1. The "fun" really started in the second half. In the middle of the second half, Danenr (Waynesville's best player) unfortunately went down and was out for the remainder of the game. For the remainder of the second half, there was a lot of late hits, very physical borderline dirty play, questionable contact in the scrums. By far this game was as "chippy" as I've ever seen. Players were upset with each other, players and coaches were upset with the officials, and even coaches got upset with each other.... which, by the way, Waynesville has an illegal field with both teams on the same side of the pitch. I'd like to think, and I do, that we had the classier side, although we certainly were not innocent.
Aside from the intensely physical play, it was a great match to watch. Both teams looked better than the first meeting. Waynesville did a better job shooting midfielders through, which we had a little problem marking. We did a better job putting things in danger, especially on our wide angles and pulling the trigger shooting when we had a chance. All in all, it was a very fun game to take part in. I realize we walked away with a tie, but the news is good. I really don't think anyone in our tournament bracket will be as good as Waynesville so I'd like to think we have a chance of getting out of our bracket for the first time in school history. All we have to do is channel that energy when game time rolls around.
On Thursday, we have Milton-Union again. In the first meeting we tied in what boiled down to a JV vs. JV match-up. Both sides had numerous injuries. I would love nothing more than to finish the regular season on a high note so we roll into tournament time confident and eager for more wins.
We earned a 3 seed in this year's state tournament behind Springfield Catholic Central and Brookville and ahead of Miami Valley and Dayton Christian. We will play the winner of the Tri-County North vs. Dayton Christian game. If we manage to win that, we will play the winner of the Bethel vs. Miami Valley game. Our first two tournament games are certainly winnable if we show up to play our game. Both teams are solid, though, and could beat us if we aren't ready to go. Looks like we are in for a stressful but successful post-season, too.
80+
In the middle of the first half, Hayley Hall won a ball, made a move on a Waynesville defender and scored back post to put us up 1-0. Late in the first half, Waynesville scored on a shot from 30 yards out to tie the game 1-1. The "fun" really started in the second half. In the middle of the second half, Danenr (Waynesville's best player) unfortunately went down and was out for the remainder of the game. For the remainder of the second half, there was a lot of late hits, very physical borderline dirty play, questionable contact in the scrums. By far this game was as "chippy" as I've ever seen. Players were upset with each other, players and coaches were upset with the officials, and even coaches got upset with each other.... which, by the way, Waynesville has an illegal field with both teams on the same side of the pitch. I'd like to think, and I do, that we had the classier side, although we certainly were not innocent.
Aside from the intensely physical play, it was a great match to watch. Both teams looked better than the first meeting. Waynesville did a better job shooting midfielders through, which we had a little problem marking. We did a better job putting things in danger, especially on our wide angles and pulling the trigger shooting when we had a chance. All in all, it was a very fun game to take part in. I realize we walked away with a tie, but the news is good. I really don't think anyone in our tournament bracket will be as good as Waynesville so I'd like to think we have a chance of getting out of our bracket for the first time in school history. All we have to do is channel that energy when game time rolls around.
On Thursday, we have Milton-Union again. In the first meeting we tied in what boiled down to a JV vs. JV match-up. Both sides had numerous injuries. I would love nothing more than to finish the regular season on a high note so we roll into tournament time confident and eager for more wins.
We earned a 3 seed in this year's state tournament behind Springfield Catholic Central and Brookville and ahead of Miami Valley and Dayton Christian. We will play the winner of the Tri-County North vs. Dayton Christian game. If we manage to win that, we will play the winner of the Bethel vs. Miami Valley game. Our first two tournament games are certainly winnable if we show up to play our game. Both teams are solid, though, and could beat us if we aren't ready to go. Looks like we are in for a stressful but successful post-season, too.
80+
Preble Shawnee vs. Dixie, 2-1 Win, 8-5-1
Well, I was fit to be tied after the first 10 seconds to say the least. We had the kickoff, made two back passes, watched, allowed Dixie's only real skilled player to chase down the ball, steal it, shoot and score. So, we were down 1-0 early. After that goal, we came to our senses and played our soccer. We had numerous shots in the first half and just missed a few of them. Despite being down 1-0 at halftime, I was not worried. I knew we would get our chances to score and I knew Dixie wouldn't. We managed an early second half goal to make the score 1-1. Maddie Woodard cleaned up the trash on the back post to score our first. We hit the post several times and totally dominated possession. Maddie Woodard added her second goal of the night, and increased her team lead to ten goals, with about fifteen minutes left on the clock. Again, we dominated the enitre half only allowing one shot late in the 2nd half to Dixie. That shot missed wide. So, we allowed Dixie just two shots all night, one of which went in. Dixie is much improved. Their coach said that he's not sure what it is about us [Preble Shawnee], but we always bring out the best in his players. He added that he does not get that same response versus any other team. I'd like to think that good teams do that to underdogs - bring out their best. Madison and Waynesville always seem to bring out the best in us and most would consider us slight underdogs when we face them. We shall see on Thursday when we travel to Waynesville.
The entire halftime and post-game speech was directed at Waynesville on Thursday. We cannot afford a single mistake against Waynesville. If we give Waynesville a gift like we did Dixie, chances are, we will not come out with a win.
The entire halftime and post-game speech was directed at Waynesville on Thursday. We cannot afford a single mistake against Waynesville. If we give Waynesville a gift like we did Dixie, chances are, we will not come out with a win.
Preble Shawnee vs. Carlisle, 2-1 Win, 7-5-1
Carlisle is a pretty scary team. They have an excellent goal keeper and two pretty athletic forwards. So, even if you dominate a team like Carlisle, they have a chance of sneaking one in on you because of their talented forwards and they have the ability to keep you out of the net because their keeper is so good.
In the first half I was extremely worried to say the least. We got a fairly early goal on a Mackenzie Steele shot, but then the lights kind of went out. Carlisle's #42, Thomas, kind of had her run of the midfield and up front. Despite her definitely being the scoring threat for Carlisle, we almost acted like she was invisible - we didn't communicate, we didn't follow her anywhere when she made runs, we played around with a ball in the back and let her (as well as #10) pressure our defender into making mistakes they normally wouldn't make. We spent a good 20 minutes in total disarray defensively and offensively, allowing Carlisle to string together some opportunities.
In the second half, our back four made much less of a threat of #42 thankfully, and Carlisle had way fewer opportunities in the second 40. Sidney Brown earned a penalty kick with about 20 minutes left to go in the half. Mackenzie Steele stepped up and cooly knocked it down for her second goal of the match. With three and a half minutes to go in the game Carlisle got a chance on a corner, which we cleared wide back to the girl who took the corner. She dribbled inside the 18 and took a shot from the baseline. We watched her dribble and shoot and somehow the ball got into the net off the baseline - poor defense and a little bit of bad luck, I think. But, Preble Shawnee managed to get the win in an effort that showed some real signs of brilliance, but at times showed real signs of real ugly soccer. The important thing is that we got a win and we keep our league hopes alive heading into next week when we take on Waynesville and Dixie.
Oh, really, really, nice hard work, Maddie Woodard. Good game.
80+
In the first half I was extremely worried to say the least. We got a fairly early goal on a Mackenzie Steele shot, but then the lights kind of went out. Carlisle's #42, Thomas, kind of had her run of the midfield and up front. Despite her definitely being the scoring threat for Carlisle, we almost acted like she was invisible - we didn't communicate, we didn't follow her anywhere when she made runs, we played around with a ball in the back and let her (as well as #10) pressure our defender into making mistakes they normally wouldn't make. We spent a good 20 minutes in total disarray defensively and offensively, allowing Carlisle to string together some opportunities.
In the second half, our back four made much less of a threat of #42 thankfully, and Carlisle had way fewer opportunities in the second 40. Sidney Brown earned a penalty kick with about 20 minutes left to go in the half. Mackenzie Steele stepped up and cooly knocked it down for her second goal of the match. With three and a half minutes to go in the game Carlisle got a chance on a corner, which we cleared wide back to the girl who took the corner. She dribbled inside the 18 and took a shot from the baseline. We watched her dribble and shoot and somehow the ball got into the net off the baseline - poor defense and a little bit of bad luck, I think. But, Preble Shawnee managed to get the win in an effort that showed some real signs of brilliance, but at times showed real signs of real ugly soccer. The important thing is that we got a win and we keep our league hopes alive heading into next week when we take on Waynesville and Dixie.
Oh, really, really, nice hard work, Maddie Woodard. Good game.
80+
Preble Shawnee vs. National Trail, 6-0 Win, 6-5-1
If we want to be a perennial contender for league and tournament depth, we really need to start putting our stamp on every game, not just the Waynesville's and Madison's. In the first half of the Trail game I think we did just that. We came out of the gates fast. Maddie Woodard scored the fastest goal in school history with a 22 second score after a really quick and dangerous build-up of three passes. After the score got to three to zero, we knew the game was in hand. About half way through the first half I got the message out to expect Trail to do what most team's do when they realization sets in that the other team is going to have a lot of scoring opportunities. That is to settle nine to ten girls in behind the ball for fear that throwing players forward will result in more goals against. The opponent's mindset was very similar to Dixie early in the season. At Dixie, we tried forcing some early shots, our possession looked poor, and we were not playing team soccer. In this first half we focused on getting our defensive four as many offensive touches as possible. This almost forces Trail to spread out. Once we get them spread out, then we can go at goal again against fewer numbers. We did just that in the first half and quickly were in control at halftime 5-0.
In the second half we basically tried to do the same thing. Unfortunately, despite the win, I was a little disappointed in how the girls reacted to being comfortably ahead. We went to 50/50's with less emphasis and we started taking shots that really didn't involve team play. Overall, however, we did what we needed to do to secure a win. Sometimes these games are the hardest to play in because there is no 'edge' to use to motivate us after the game is secure. The only thing that worries me is that we don't play with that edge when we need to and let one slip away. If Preble Shawnee lets one slip away at this point in the season we can say goodbye to any chance we had for a league title and it will probably negatively impact us for the upcoming tournament.
Several players scored for the arrows - Maddie Woodard upped her team leading goals to 8, scoring twice. Makayla Lindon, Sidney Brown, Mackenzie Steele, and Hayley Hall each added 1 goal a piece. Hayley Hall and Makayla Lindon each helped out by picking up two assists. Hannah Hurd and Sidney Brown added one assist a piece.
In the second half we basically tried to do the same thing. Unfortunately, despite the win, I was a little disappointed in how the girls reacted to being comfortably ahead. We went to 50/50's with less emphasis and we started taking shots that really didn't involve team play. Overall, however, we did what we needed to do to secure a win. Sometimes these games are the hardest to play in because there is no 'edge' to use to motivate us after the game is secure. The only thing that worries me is that we don't play with that edge when we need to and let one slip away. If Preble Shawnee lets one slip away at this point in the season we can say goodbye to any chance we had for a league title and it will probably negatively impact us for the upcoming tournament.
Several players scored for the arrows - Maddie Woodard upped her team leading goals to 8, scoring twice. Makayla Lindon, Sidney Brown, Mackenzie Steele, and Hayley Hall each added 1 goal a piece. Hayley Hall and Makayla Lindon each helped out by picking up two assists. Hannah Hurd and Sidney Brown added one assist a piece.
Preble Shawnee vs. Madison, 1-3, Loss, 5-5-1
Well, thankfully, I am commenting on this game a couple of days after the debacle. I have submitted my letter of complaint to the state on the officiating in this game, although I am not sure it will do a lot of good. That is where we need to leave this issue. If we as Preble Shawnee soccer players and fans want to voice our displeasure in the way things are going in a game, there is a professional way to do it. Make sure we represent ourselves professionally at all times.
Regardless of what we saw from the officiating crew...
This was a strange game to say the least. I firmly believe, as did a couple of neutral scouts, as did everyone watching this game on our side (I do realize this is a biased statement based on our sample opinions), that we outshot Madison, outplayed Madison, won more 50/50 balls than Madison, and out possessed Madison. We had 8 or 9 extremely dangerous opportunities, all of which could have gone in. Two or three of those chances hit the post. Madison did play hard - so hard that it prompted their coach the following day to tell me she thought that was the best her girls have played all season. That, at least, is a little reassuring that it took Madison's best to beat us along with the huge disadvantages we had during the game. The three goals they scored were all preventable and really should not have been a danger to begin with.
We scored on a beautiful combination of DANGEROUS chances. It started with play out of the middle to the wing. Our wing player, I believe at the time was Mackenize Steele sent a beautiful ball to the back post, as we had discussed at halftime, Maddie Woodard trapped and crushed a shot toward the back post. Madison's keeper made a nice save, but Makayla Lindon was just where she needed to be to finish off the scoring opportunity.
Also, in this half we had at least three undeniable penalty kicks taken away from us, possibly a fourth if a handball would have been called in the box. This sounds really bizarre considering the final score was 1-3, but I think the way that we played tonight and with four or five critical calls made, this game could have easily been 4 or 5 to 1 in favor of Preble Shawnee. It was a tough message to get out after the game; sometimes the better team doesn't win the ball game even when both sides played their guts out.
Unfortunately, due to the rough play of the game, we got dinged up pretty good. Hopefully, all players will be healthy and ready to go when we have two early games next week - National Trail on Monday and a very tough Carlisle team on Tuesday. The best news that will come of this kind of loss is that, as Mackenzie Steele put it, "We're going to use this [tonight's game] to motivate ourselves."
That's what I love about this team. When we get pushed or slighted or our backs are in a corner, we will come out fighting harder than ever. I expect that and more come Monday and Tuesday.
80+
Regardless of what we saw from the officiating crew...
This was a strange game to say the least. I firmly believe, as did a couple of neutral scouts, as did everyone watching this game on our side (I do realize this is a biased statement based on our sample opinions), that we outshot Madison, outplayed Madison, won more 50/50 balls than Madison, and out possessed Madison. We had 8 or 9 extremely dangerous opportunities, all of which could have gone in. Two or three of those chances hit the post. Madison did play hard - so hard that it prompted their coach the following day to tell me she thought that was the best her girls have played all season. That, at least, is a little reassuring that it took Madison's best to beat us along with the huge disadvantages we had during the game. The three goals they scored were all preventable and really should not have been a danger to begin with.
We scored on a beautiful combination of DANGEROUS chances. It started with play out of the middle to the wing. Our wing player, I believe at the time was Mackenize Steele sent a beautiful ball to the back post, as we had discussed at halftime, Maddie Woodard trapped and crushed a shot toward the back post. Madison's keeper made a nice save, but Makayla Lindon was just where she needed to be to finish off the scoring opportunity.
Also, in this half we had at least three undeniable penalty kicks taken away from us, possibly a fourth if a handball would have been called in the box. This sounds really bizarre considering the final score was 1-3, but I think the way that we played tonight and with four or five critical calls made, this game could have easily been 4 or 5 to 1 in favor of Preble Shawnee. It was a tough message to get out after the game; sometimes the better team doesn't win the ball game even when both sides played their guts out.
Unfortunately, due to the rough play of the game, we got dinged up pretty good. Hopefully, all players will be healthy and ready to go when we have two early games next week - National Trail on Monday and a very tough Carlisle team on Tuesday. The best news that will come of this kind of loss is that, as Mackenzie Steele put it, "We're going to use this [tonight's game] to motivate ourselves."
That's what I love about this team. When we get pushed or slighted or our backs are in a corner, we will come out fighting harder than ever. I expect that and more come Monday and Tuesday.
80+
Preble Shawnee vs. Waynesville, 0-1, Loss, 5-4-1
Waynesville is a good team. We are a good team. Even after a loss, the good news is that I know (we know) that we can play competitively against the best teams around. I hate that consolation "prize" but at least it is something very positive to say after a tough 1-0 loss.
In the first half we played much less intelligent than we should have. It sort of reminded me of the entire game we played against them last year when we played panicked and didn't try to put passes together. The final score of that one was 5-1 Waynesville. I would be lying if that thought didn't cross my mind in the first twenty minutes of this game, too. They were awarded a penalty kick with about twenty minutes to play in the first half. Waynesville's Danner missed wide. I think this miss gave our team a little calm in what previously was a stressful game. We started following the game plan a bit better and had several quality chances in the first half. Unfortunately, we couldn't take advantage of them. Overall, in the first half Waynesville dominated possession and total shots on goal.
In the second half, possession and shots were probably equal, with Shawnee having more of the dangerous opportunities. It was an odd game that I think frustrated Waynesville. If Waynesville had 10 shots in the second half, I bet only one of them were dangerous - one which Abbie Lynch came out and made a nice save on. The other nine shots were long shots from poor angles that Abbie merely had to read, come out, and simply bend over to pick it up. On the other hand, we might have had 4 or 5 chances in the second half, but ever single opportunity was a dangerous one. So, despite being outpossessed, I felt we had more dangerous chances than Waynesville and that this game could end up 1-0 Shawnee, or at worst a 0-0 tie. Unfortunately, however, we gave away a penalty kick with 16 minutes to go in the half. Waynesville scored on their second PK attempt to go up 1-0. We had our chances after this and we fought extremely hard all night, but sometimes the ball just doesn't bounce your way.
Our defensive leader, Courtney Lakes said pre-game, "Play like you know how to play this great game. I want that "IT" inside of you to come out. Even at the end of the game if the score isn't what we wanted it to be, we will not be losers. We will never be as long as you left everything on the field and never quit."
I believe we did just that. We played even, played hard, and played to win. Tough loss, but well fought, ladies.
80+
In the first half we played much less intelligent than we should have. It sort of reminded me of the entire game we played against them last year when we played panicked and didn't try to put passes together. The final score of that one was 5-1 Waynesville. I would be lying if that thought didn't cross my mind in the first twenty minutes of this game, too. They were awarded a penalty kick with about twenty minutes to play in the first half. Waynesville's Danner missed wide. I think this miss gave our team a little calm in what previously was a stressful game. We started following the game plan a bit better and had several quality chances in the first half. Unfortunately, we couldn't take advantage of them. Overall, in the first half Waynesville dominated possession and total shots on goal.
In the second half, possession and shots were probably equal, with Shawnee having more of the dangerous opportunities. It was an odd game that I think frustrated Waynesville. If Waynesville had 10 shots in the second half, I bet only one of them were dangerous - one which Abbie Lynch came out and made a nice save on. The other nine shots were long shots from poor angles that Abbie merely had to read, come out, and simply bend over to pick it up. On the other hand, we might have had 4 or 5 chances in the second half, but ever single opportunity was a dangerous one. So, despite being outpossessed, I felt we had more dangerous chances than Waynesville and that this game could end up 1-0 Shawnee, or at worst a 0-0 tie. Unfortunately, however, we gave away a penalty kick with 16 minutes to go in the half. Waynesville scored on their second PK attempt to go up 1-0. We had our chances after this and we fought extremely hard all night, but sometimes the ball just doesn't bounce your way.
Our defensive leader, Courtney Lakes said pre-game, "Play like you know how to play this great game. I want that "IT" inside of you to come out. Even at the end of the game if the score isn't what we wanted it to be, we will not be losers. We will never be as long as you left everything on the field and never quit."
I believe we did just that. We played even, played hard, and played to win. Tough loss, but well fought, ladies.
80+
Preble Shawnee vs. Dixie, 2-1, Win, 5-3-1
Outshooting (if we want to call it that) Dixie 30-3 was not enough. Clearly, Preble Shawnee is across the board, more athletic and better fundamentally than Dixie this year, but it seems that athleticism and soccer knowledge clearly are not enough to dominate your opponent on the scoreboard. We won nearly every 50/50 ball, outshot Dixie 30-3, out possessed Dixie probably 60 minutes to 20, but the final result was a scary 2-1 win. Sidney Brown scored our first goal and Dixie tied it up on a defensive miscue on a corner kick (that never should have happened). It wasn't until about the five minute mark that Courtney Lakes scored on a header off of a restart from Sidney Brown that we scored goal number two.
In what was probably the worst performance I've seen from a Shawnee team in over a year, we still managed to get the win. In post game, I was baffled. The big post-game speech wasn't about the game itself and why we failed to bury a team. The post-game "discussion" was more of a reflection on what it took for us to get Preble Shawnee Women's Soccer where we are today. In ten short years, we have gone from being a perennial 3 or 4 win team, to a well respected, never say die program that now has finished above .500 for 5 consecutive seasons. Where is the pride that comes with that? Where is the respect we owe this game and our history? It is games like this - effortless, lack of movement, the absence of killer instinct - that trouble me the most. Hopefully, Thursday and Friday were eye openers to the second chance we have been given.
A second chance is exactly what I called the Dixie game. A tie or a loss here would certainly keep us out of the running for another program first - SWBL Buckeye Champions. After nine games, we have managed to position ourselves atop our league. With one tie, we currently are ahead of Waynesville by a half game (two ties), one full game ahead of Madison (1 loss, 1 tie), and 2 games ahead of Carlisle and Milton (2 losses, 1 tie). The formula for our success seems plenty simple, although drastically different than last year - outwork our oppoents. We definitely are not the faster or strongest, but we can play harder, play stronger, and want it more. If we can do that, I feel the rest will fall into place. We've got no time to waste, however. Waynesville comes to our place Tuesday and Madison comes to our place Thursday.
It's time to see if take a step forward and continue adding to our proud history that is Preble Shawnee soccer. Look back... but not in fear of who is behind us in the standings. 80+
In what was probably the worst performance I've seen from a Shawnee team in over a year, we still managed to get the win. In post game, I was baffled. The big post-game speech wasn't about the game itself and why we failed to bury a team. The post-game "discussion" was more of a reflection on what it took for us to get Preble Shawnee Women's Soccer where we are today. In ten short years, we have gone from being a perennial 3 or 4 win team, to a well respected, never say die program that now has finished above .500 for 5 consecutive seasons. Where is the pride that comes with that? Where is the respect we owe this game and our history? It is games like this - effortless, lack of movement, the absence of killer instinct - that trouble me the most. Hopefully, Thursday and Friday were eye openers to the second chance we have been given.
A second chance is exactly what I called the Dixie game. A tie or a loss here would certainly keep us out of the running for another program first - SWBL Buckeye Champions. After nine games, we have managed to position ourselves atop our league. With one tie, we currently are ahead of Waynesville by a half game (two ties), one full game ahead of Madison (1 loss, 1 tie), and 2 games ahead of Carlisle and Milton (2 losses, 1 tie). The formula for our success seems plenty simple, although drastically different than last year - outwork our oppoents. We definitely are not the faster or strongest, but we can play harder, play stronger, and want it more. If we can do that, I feel the rest will fall into place. We've got no time to waste, however. Waynesville comes to our place Tuesday and Madison comes to our place Thursday.
It's time to see if take a step forward and continue adding to our proud history that is Preble Shawnee soccer. Look back... but not in fear of who is behind us in the standings. 80+
Preble Shawnee vs. Carlisle, 1-0, Win, 4-3-1
We all knew from the start that this game was not going to be pretty. The conditions were poor due to weather and a game like this, with similarly matched athleticism was going to boil down to who played harder, who created the lucky opportunities, and who contained and simply played solid defense. After the match, I think Shawnee could say that they slightly outperformed Carlisle in each of those areas. Both teams had some dangerous opportunities to score, especially Preble Shawnee early in the first half and early in the second half. Carlisle was creating chances but they really only presented danger with two players - one to cross and one on the back end trying to finish. I told my team at half that if Carlisle scored against us it was going to be because one of our back four made a terrible mistake (and that wasn't going to happend because our back four have been so good) or if our outside midfielders failed to contain the ball in transition (which we failed at in the first half). In the second half we did a better job of containing and our back four performed as they have in the last four games.
I was a little concerned late in the game. Our team is not very deep and we had two very physical and very straining games this week. Our fatigue showed, but we fought through it and came up big when we needed it, especially our midfield unit. For much of the game, Carlisle's keeper really came up with some great saves to keep the score even. With 15 minutes to go in the second half, Shawnee finally broke the stalemate when Hayley Hall served in a nice cross that Mattie Shockey placed perfectly in the side netting to beat one of the best keepers in the league. Our keeper, Abbie Lynch, has really come to play lately and made some game saving saves of her own.
This tough opening schedule finally has come to an end. We get an entire week off with no games. This should give us time to recoup and load up on some much needed technical work and a little R & R. We play Dixie Thursday and they have gotten much better over the last two seasons. In the past, this has been a game we could breeze through, but they have put up some very respectable scores against some good teams. Then we turn around and face Waynesville and Madison in the following week in what may shape up to be the battle for the league title. Tough work ahead, no doubt, but it seems like Preble Shawnee has finally hit our effective stride. No better time than now to make a statement to the rest of this league that we are capable and deserving of being feared.
I was a little concerned late in the game. Our team is not very deep and we had two very physical and very straining games this week. Our fatigue showed, but we fought through it and came up big when we needed it, especially our midfield unit. For much of the game, Carlisle's keeper really came up with some great saves to keep the score even. With 15 minutes to go in the second half, Shawnee finally broke the stalemate when Hayley Hall served in a nice cross that Mattie Shockey placed perfectly in the side netting to beat one of the best keepers in the league. Our keeper, Abbie Lynch, has really come to play lately and made some game saving saves of her own.
This tough opening schedule finally has come to an end. We get an entire week off with no games. This should give us time to recoup and load up on some much needed technical work and a little R & R. We play Dixie Thursday and they have gotten much better over the last two seasons. In the past, this has been a game we could breeze through, but they have put up some very respectable scores against some good teams. Then we turn around and face Waynesville and Madison in the following week in what may shape up to be the battle for the league title. Tough work ahead, no doubt, but it seems like Preble Shawnee has finally hit our effective stride. No better time than now to make a statement to the rest of this league that we are capable and deserving of being feared.
Preble Shawnee vs. Madison, 2-1, Win, 3-3-1
I'm speaking the night of the game and it may be pure emotion here, but I'm not sure I've been more proud of a Preble Shawnee Girls soccer team than I was tonight. We had many firsts last year, but a win against the league favorite, Middletown Madison, may be the crowning achievement for our program. Not only did we play 80+ minutes with heart and determination and come out with a win, we played an even 80+ minutes with Madison. Some victories you walk away thinking 'we got away with one there', or 'whew! we'll take a tie against that team', but I really felt we were a better TEAM than Madison. They probably had more athletes across the board - a little stronger, a little faster, but we played a better game of soccer. For me, losing to Madison has always been the biggest thorn in my side because I've always felt good soccer can compete and even beat better athletes. Don't get me wrong. We have good athletes, too, but tonight, heart, soccer, and following through with the scripted game plan beat better athletes. Congrats on the win, girls!
Madison scored the first goal on what boils down to slacked marking on a player 30 yards out. She struck it perfectly and it gave our keeper no chance to make a save. We equalized with a beautiful diagonal ball from Hayley Hall to Makayla Lindon, who struck a nice ball into the side netting. At halftime we focused on getting long diangonals out of the back, releasing our outside mids on offense when we had possession, and closing space immediately on the dangerous midfielders of Madison. We did all three of those things in the second half. We had some chances. Madison had some chances, especially on corner kicks, but we defended well all night long against some of the best 50/50 winners in the league. With ten minutes to go in the game, Maddie Woodard played a nice diagonal ball through the Madison defense and Hayley Hall had a breakaway. The keeper made a nice save, but the yellow card happy ref, stopped play shortly thereafter and issued Madison's keeper a yellow card. We were awarded a kick from 19 yards out and, by rule, a yellow carded player must be removed from the game and can re-enter at the next dead ball. Sidney Brown drilled a low liner of a restart that slightly deflected off the wall, which was just enough to get the Madison keeper slightly out of position. The well struck ball hit wet grass just a yard in front of the keeper which was enough to make it hard to handle. It ended up in the back of the net. 2-1 Shawnee. Game ended with us playing a defensive alignment and holding on to the win.
I felt almost guilty that we scored on a questionable yellow card at a crucial time in the game, but I asked the officials after the game why the yellow card was issued. It turns out the keeper made the save outside of the penalty box. Any handball, even unintentional on the keepers part, on a breakaway is a yellow cardable offense. So, it was the correct call after all and it made me feel a little more content with a well deserved win. It is games like this that really make our three losses more bitter, but we need to remember what hard work and heart feel like after a match. Madison is much better than the three teams we lost to this year - they were #9 in Miami Valley before tonight and rightfully so. Put this fight into every game and we are right back on track.
Now, as you all know... the last really big game we had against Madison last year, we followed it up with lackluster tie against Carlisle. Here it is again, ladies. Carlisle comes to our place Thursday. New season... new results.
80+
Madison scored the first goal on what boils down to slacked marking on a player 30 yards out. She struck it perfectly and it gave our keeper no chance to make a save. We equalized with a beautiful diagonal ball from Hayley Hall to Makayla Lindon, who struck a nice ball into the side netting. At halftime we focused on getting long diangonals out of the back, releasing our outside mids on offense when we had possession, and closing space immediately on the dangerous midfielders of Madison. We did all three of those things in the second half. We had some chances. Madison had some chances, especially on corner kicks, but we defended well all night long against some of the best 50/50 winners in the league. With ten minutes to go in the game, Maddie Woodard played a nice diagonal ball through the Madison defense and Hayley Hall had a breakaway. The keeper made a nice save, but the yellow card happy ref, stopped play shortly thereafter and issued Madison's keeper a yellow card. We were awarded a kick from 19 yards out and, by rule, a yellow carded player must be removed from the game and can re-enter at the next dead ball. Sidney Brown drilled a low liner of a restart that slightly deflected off the wall, which was just enough to get the Madison keeper slightly out of position. The well struck ball hit wet grass just a yard in front of the keeper which was enough to make it hard to handle. It ended up in the back of the net. 2-1 Shawnee. Game ended with us playing a defensive alignment and holding on to the win.
I felt almost guilty that we scored on a questionable yellow card at a crucial time in the game, but I asked the officials after the game why the yellow card was issued. It turns out the keeper made the save outside of the penalty box. Any handball, even unintentional on the keepers part, on a breakaway is a yellow cardable offense. So, it was the correct call after all and it made me feel a little more content with a well deserved win. It is games like this that really make our three losses more bitter, but we need to remember what hard work and heart feel like after a match. Madison is much better than the three teams we lost to this year - they were #9 in Miami Valley before tonight and rightfully so. Put this fight into every game and we are right back on track.
Now, as you all know... the last really big game we had against Madison last year, we followed it up with lackluster tie against Carlisle. Here it is again, ladies. Carlisle comes to our place Thursday. New season... new results.
80+
Preble Shawnee vs. Milton-Union, 1-1, Tie, 2-3-1
Well, I need to pretend we haven't played Madison yet, so... here it goes. Sorry for the delay! =)
Tonight's game against Milton-Union was big for several reasons. We needed to continue to take steps forward. We needed to win games against decent opponents like Milton-Union if we want any shot in the world at contending for the league.
Right off the bat, it didn;t help that DJ Terry and Makayla Lindon were unable to play. Also, early in the second half, Martina Montgomery, who played a pretty good first half went off the field with a rib injury and couldn't return. On top of all that, Dayna Bennett, the player slated to start in place of our injured players didn't even get on the field at all due to a pre-game injury that ended up in a trip to the hospital. On that note, however, I need to mention that Milton was also down two of their quality players as well, and our fill-ins that night did admirably (so, Hannah hurd, Mattie Shockey, Martina Montgomery (for a half anyway), and Ellie Belvo played respectably in the absence of several starters.
In the end, Milton Union had 3 shots on goal, one of which went in. Preble Shawnee had 20 shots on goal, one of which went in. These are the tough ones to accept, because, even decimated by injuries, we left with an unacceptable result when I think we are a better team. Somehow, unfortunately, that's the way the game goes sometimes.
We lacked in our execution though our ideas and efforts were good. We challenged most 50/50s with heart, but our touches weren't good enough to secure a ball. We had chance after chance to put the ball in danger and we settled for "pretty" soccer.
Our one goal was scored by Sidney Brown on a lovely, keeper beating cross by Mackenzie Steele.
The tie tonight will make it very important for us to take advantage of our chances against Madison Tuesday and our 'albatross' Carlisle on Thursday. Big week next week.
Tonight's game against Milton-Union was big for several reasons. We needed to continue to take steps forward. We needed to win games against decent opponents like Milton-Union if we want any shot in the world at contending for the league.
Right off the bat, it didn;t help that DJ Terry and Makayla Lindon were unable to play. Also, early in the second half, Martina Montgomery, who played a pretty good first half went off the field with a rib injury and couldn't return. On top of all that, Dayna Bennett, the player slated to start in place of our injured players didn't even get on the field at all due to a pre-game injury that ended up in a trip to the hospital. On that note, however, I need to mention that Milton was also down two of their quality players as well, and our fill-ins that night did admirably (so, Hannah hurd, Mattie Shockey, Martina Montgomery (for a half anyway), and Ellie Belvo played respectably in the absence of several starters.
In the end, Milton Union had 3 shots on goal, one of which went in. Preble Shawnee had 20 shots on goal, one of which went in. These are the tough ones to accept, because, even decimated by injuries, we left with an unacceptable result when I think we are a better team. Somehow, unfortunately, that's the way the game goes sometimes.
We lacked in our execution though our ideas and efforts were good. We challenged most 50/50s with heart, but our touches weren't good enough to secure a ball. We had chance after chance to put the ball in danger and we settled for "pretty" soccer.
Our one goal was scored by Sidney Brown on a lovely, keeper beating cross by Mackenzie Steele.
The tie tonight will make it very important for us to take advantage of our chances against Madison Tuesday and our 'albatross' Carlisle on Thursday. Big week next week.
Preble Shawnee vs. Bethel, 6-2, Win, 2-3
I think the Shawnee girls felt good today. They certainly looked better than they have in the first four games. In the first week of the season, we have completed a whopping five games and we have had very little chance to correct what has been wrong or prepare for specific opponents. Part of our struggles, I feel, have been because of this. We never got a chance to properly prepare for Brookville. We had no clue what kind of team Anna was going to bring to the pitch. And, honestly, we didn't know what Bethel had to offer either other than their 1-1 record.
The difference between today and the Anna game (two very similar opponents) was two fold. First, we went harder to a ball tonight. I've said it probably a million times that making a statement and going to a ball is 90% of the battle. Who can get to the ball first and then control the second touch? In tonight's game the answer was Preble Shawnee. Maddie Woodard did a fabulous job getting to a ball and winning her share of 50/50's. Our dominance of play largely began with her efforts in the midfield.
One thing we really stressed between Anna and Bethel was that we were trying to make this game too pretty. Don't get me wrong, quick one-touch short passing is a pretty amazing thing to watch, but in the end, it doesn't win ball games all the time. We were content before tonight in passing short and playing exact. Our game plan tonight was to make a few passes to open up space and put the ball in danger. We did that and we had tons of legitimate scoring opportunities.
It was 3-0 with about 10 minutes to go in the half and the wheels fell off. Our defense either got lazy or complacent or both and Bethel had the run of play in the last ten minutes. They earned a goal with about seven minutes to go from an odd angle that hit the post and they were awarded a PK after we lunged and were forced out of position. Fortunately, Abbie Lynch came up with a big stop on the PK with four seconds to go in the half to restablish some of our momentum and maintain our 3-1 lead going in to half number two.
At halftime, I stressed that this game can be a turning point for our season. Either we can turn the corner and sprint or we can second guess our route and head back the way we came. In the first five minutes, I was a little concerned when we came out a bit flat and Bethel scored another goal on a defensive error. Fortunately, this was enough to wake us up. In the remaining 35 minutes, our girls really dominated every facet of the game. We had dangerous scoring chances all night long, as we put three more in the net and cruised to a comfortable 6-2 win.
Maddie Woodard upped her team lead to six goals scoring two on the evening. Hayley Hall came alive with two excellent strikes to score two more. Sidney Brown and Makayla Lindon also added goals. Assists went out to Maddie Woodard, Sidney Brown (2), Makayla Lindon, Hayley Hall. Defensively, and likely the key to our success this season, our back four really performed well. Courtney Lakes and Cheyanne Edwards were really impressive in the middle and the much needed success of Jordan Lovely continued. Also playing very well, Sam Began has really stepped her game up of late and will be a key contributor to our team's success.
All in all, I think this was an important game against a decent opponent. As I said before, I think we have accepted the idealogy of going out and getting what we're worth, and if we keep at it, our worth will keep going up.
80+
The difference between today and the Anna game (two very similar opponents) was two fold. First, we went harder to a ball tonight. I've said it probably a million times that making a statement and going to a ball is 90% of the battle. Who can get to the ball first and then control the second touch? In tonight's game the answer was Preble Shawnee. Maddie Woodard did a fabulous job getting to a ball and winning her share of 50/50's. Our dominance of play largely began with her efforts in the midfield.
One thing we really stressed between Anna and Bethel was that we were trying to make this game too pretty. Don't get me wrong, quick one-touch short passing is a pretty amazing thing to watch, but in the end, it doesn't win ball games all the time. We were content before tonight in passing short and playing exact. Our game plan tonight was to make a few passes to open up space and put the ball in danger. We did that and we had tons of legitimate scoring opportunities.
It was 3-0 with about 10 minutes to go in the half and the wheels fell off. Our defense either got lazy or complacent or both and Bethel had the run of play in the last ten minutes. They earned a goal with about seven minutes to go from an odd angle that hit the post and they were awarded a PK after we lunged and were forced out of position. Fortunately, Abbie Lynch came up with a big stop on the PK with four seconds to go in the half to restablish some of our momentum and maintain our 3-1 lead going in to half number two.
At halftime, I stressed that this game can be a turning point for our season. Either we can turn the corner and sprint or we can second guess our route and head back the way we came. In the first five minutes, I was a little concerned when we came out a bit flat and Bethel scored another goal on a defensive error. Fortunately, this was enough to wake us up. In the remaining 35 minutes, our girls really dominated every facet of the game. We had dangerous scoring chances all night long, as we put three more in the net and cruised to a comfortable 6-2 win.
Maddie Woodard upped her team lead to six goals scoring two on the evening. Hayley Hall came alive with two excellent strikes to score two more. Sidney Brown and Makayla Lindon also added goals. Assists went out to Maddie Woodard, Sidney Brown (2), Makayla Lindon, Hayley Hall. Defensively, and likely the key to our success this season, our back four really performed well. Courtney Lakes and Cheyanne Edwards were really impressive in the middle and the much needed success of Jordan Lovely continued. Also playing very well, Sam Began has really stepped her game up of late and will be a key contributor to our team's success.
All in all, I think this was an important game against a decent opponent. As I said before, I think we have accepted the idealogy of going out and getting what we're worth, and if we keep at it, our worth will keep going up.
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Preble Shawnee vs. Anna, 1-4, Loss, 1-3
To me, this was the biggest disappointment of the season. Anna was not nearly as strong as I anticipated them being, but we still did not play like a confident and capable team. For most of the game, I thought we looked like the better team. Our ball control was better, our speed was better, we were, in the least, equally strong. But, the first fifteen minutes, in our unexplainable and unacceptable lethargy, we quickly went down 3-0. Mackenzie Steele scored on a PK late in the 1st half to take us into halftime 3-1. Anna was average compared to the teams on our schedule. There is no doubt that we have a better group of soccer players than them, but when Team A comes out and plays hard and Team B does not, the edge will always go to team A. That was the story of Anna vs. Preble Shawnee. One of our team mottos, ladies, is no excuses. We had some very poor excuses not to win this game - all of which are as surprising to me as they are unacceptable. We cannot blame officials (although it would have been easy to do today), we cannot blame our inconvenient 5 games in August schedule, we cannot blame it on Saturday morning, and we cannot blame any individual. Blame lies squarely on the collective shoulders of this team. We, as a unit, must do our part, and ONLY our part, so that we can turn the corner and start playing like we're capable.
As I said at halftime, we can carry forward moping, going through the motions, pointing fingers, and making excuses... or we can fight back, prove our worth, play with a chip on our shoulder, and improve every day in attempt to reach our lofty goals. Our goals will not change. I'm glad I have a team that I know will thrive in the face of adversity - that moment when things are not going our way.
Our solution moving forward? Go out and get what you're worth.
As I said at halftime, we can carry forward moping, going through the motions, pointing fingers, and making excuses... or we can fight back, prove our worth, play with a chip on our shoulder, and improve every day in attempt to reach our lofty goals. Our goals will not change. I'm glad I have a team that I know will thrive in the face of adversity - that moment when things are not going our way.
Our solution moving forward? Go out and get what you're worth.
Preble Shawnee vs. Tri-County North, 6-0, Win
At least we got a win. In our first two losses, I don't think I was as upset at halftime as I was in this 4-0 half. Our players looked greedy. I bet we had 15 offsides called in the first half alone. Each offside in this game shouted 'laziness', shouted 'greed', shouted 'I'm not paying attention'. At the onset of this game, our goal was to improve our team in the areas that will help us beat our league opponents. We did not do this, especially in the first half. In the second half, my goal was to make sure we got a win and once that was assured we tried to work on individual players needs within the team's framework. We cruised to a 6-0 win but very little was accomplished in terms of better preparing us for some of the tougher teams on our schedule.
Maddie Woodard and Mackenzie Steele each scored 3 goals a piece before we started pulling starters and giving other girls an opportunity in front of the net.
After a couple of rough games, at least it was nice to pick up a win and catch our breath before we have to get right back to work on Saturday vs. Anna, then again on Monday vs. Bethel. This schedule certainly has not been favorable to us. But, I stand by the statement I made earlier: the longer this team plays together, the better we will be. I'm looking forward to watch this team unfold and realize its maximum potential. We certainly haven't gotten there yet but with each game we are getting closer.
Maddie Woodard and Mackenzie Steele each scored 3 goals a piece before we started pulling starters and giving other girls an opportunity in front of the net.
After a couple of rough games, at least it was nice to pick up a win and catch our breath before we have to get right back to work on Saturday vs. Anna, then again on Monday vs. Bethel. This schedule certainly has not been favorable to us. But, I stand by the statement I made earlier: the longer this team plays together, the better we will be. I'm looking forward to watch this team unfold and realize its maximum potential. We certainly haven't gotten there yet but with each game we are getting closer.
Preble Shawnee vs. Brookville, 0-5, Loss
At halftime I was 'okay' with being down 0-2 because I thought we had an equal number of dangerous opportunities but just failed to finish them off. It could have easily been 2-2 or even 3-2 Preble Shawnee at halftime. In the first 15 minutes of the second half, I thought we really had the run of play. We possessed a ball better and had more legitimate scoring opportunities. Brookville scored about 15 minutes into the 2nd half and you could just see the wind being blown out of our sails. Two more goals later and few attacking chances from Shawnee, Brookville wins 5-0.
I talked with a close friend and fellow coach after the game and he agreed that Preble Shawnee girls soccer is not 5-0 worse than Brookville. We look like we know how to play. And, being down 0-2 at halftime didn't seem like that big of a deal because we should have many more opoprtunities in the second half. So, the question we need to answer now is... how do we get the results that we know we can achieve? Simply put, the answer lies in maintaining the course. We knew coming in that we were remodeling... important faces gone and need replaced, a different formation that really is not the easiest to learn, and five games in August leaving very little room and time for correction. After August, I feel like we can start picking apart our small (and correctable) issues.
Individually, I think we have 8 or 9 players who are very active and pouring their hearts and soul into each and every game. The problem with this is that with only 8 or 9 consistently doing this, there is added pressure for those girls. In essence, I think our core is overplaying. We are trying to be too perfect... too pretty. I cannot blame them for this, however. We don't want to lose and sometimes we try to do too much. At some point, hopefully very soon, we learn how to relax and just play - we are much better when we stay within ourselves. Sounds simple, but 'hurry up and relax' is not a normal human response. The easiest solution will probably be for me to find the best combination of eleven to compliment each individuals talents.
I talked with a close friend and fellow coach after the game and he agreed that Preble Shawnee girls soccer is not 5-0 worse than Brookville. We look like we know how to play. And, being down 0-2 at halftime didn't seem like that big of a deal because we should have many more opoprtunities in the second half. So, the question we need to answer now is... how do we get the results that we know we can achieve? Simply put, the answer lies in maintaining the course. We knew coming in that we were remodeling... important faces gone and need replaced, a different formation that really is not the easiest to learn, and five games in August leaving very little room and time for correction. After August, I feel like we can start picking apart our small (and correctable) issues.
Individually, I think we have 8 or 9 players who are very active and pouring their hearts and soul into each and every game. The problem with this is that with only 8 or 9 consistently doing this, there is added pressure for those girls. In essence, I think our core is overplaying. We are trying to be too perfect... too pretty. I cannot blame them for this, however. We don't want to lose and sometimes we try to do too much. At some point, hopefully very soon, we learn how to relax and just play - we are much better when we stay within ourselves. Sounds simple, but 'hurry up and relax' is not a normal human response. The easiest solution will probably be for me to find the best combination of eleven to compliment each individuals talents.
Preble Shawnee vs. Eaton, 1-3, Loss
Well, I will give credit to Eaton. They played hard and looked hungrier than they did last year. I anticipate that they will put together a better season than they did last year. Their young players have brought in a new energy that will really help them out.
As for the Preble Shawnee side, our back four played well, especially in the absence of one of our better players, Sidney Brown. Having Sidney in the game would have been a big difference last night because she is one of the players who does an exceptional job bridging the gap between our defensive four and our offensive six or seven. This absence will only make the entire team stronger when she returns to the line-up.
Eaton's first goal came off of a penalty kick. Ninety-five percent of the time, that call is not made in the box, but it was too close to get upset about. Abbie Lynch, GK, guessed correctly, but really a PK is nearly impossible to save with a decent shooter on the line. Maddie Woodard responded a few minutes later beating the keeper near post to tie the game 1-1. We committed a silly foul outside of the 18 that ended up resulting in a goal that appeared to be a cross that floated to the back 90. Eaton's 3rd goal was pretty similar... an oddly angled shot that happened to float in the upper 90. Even though Eaton spent the majority of the game in our defensive 3rd of the field, I never felt like they had tons of dangerous opportunities. This means our defense did their job. We kept them away from the center of the goal for the most part and won nearly every cross or corner out of the air. Kudos to our tandem of Cheyanne Edwards and Courtney Lakes protecting the center of our defensive third. After the game, I complimented the defense, but also made sure we knew that a decent team like Eaton will score if they knock on the door enough. I expect our time of possession to increase as the season rolls along and we get used to our new responsibilities.
In our new formation, there are going to be early issues covering space. Almost all night we did not have players checking to open space to receive the ball. This makes it very difficult, if not impossible for our players who do hold a ball to make a good second pass. Most frequently, we were forced to pass a ball we normally wouldn't make. We have made adjustments in every practice and during scrimmages and games this year and I believe the team has made great strides in understanding their new roles. They also understand that the old way is not the best way. I am in no way in panic mode after tonight. Keep in mind... Eaton is pretty solid and traditional so their young players have less of a learning curve. We are changing things within our program because our personnel does not fit traditional. There will be some storms we have to weather in the early going and I think we are taking big steps forward already.
We know that this season, especially early on, will be a test of our fortitude. We have enough talent to succeed and compete with anyone on our schedule, but because of the drastic change in personnel which forces our hand into the unconventional, we will struggle at times covering gaps and choosing the right runs at the right times. There was no exception versus Eaton tonight.
I have to congratulate Hayley Hall on what is by far the best game I have seen her play. Any neutral observer would have noticed that she was far better than any other offensive player on the field that night. Also, I think it's safe to say the same on the other side of the ball about Courtney Lakes. Now, we need some of our other players, especially those who were playing in their first real varsity contest, to relax and play with confidence. The first one is over with, ladies. No more nervous edge that has to wear off. The season is underway.
All in all, it was a minor set back, but I am seeing some huge potential and we're closing the lag quickly.
Brookville will be another test. They lost little and their pre-season results have shown that. If we can think at the pace our new system requires AND work hard, we should be able to leave Wednesday night with a victory.
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As for the Preble Shawnee side, our back four played well, especially in the absence of one of our better players, Sidney Brown. Having Sidney in the game would have been a big difference last night because she is one of the players who does an exceptional job bridging the gap between our defensive four and our offensive six or seven. This absence will only make the entire team stronger when she returns to the line-up.
Eaton's first goal came off of a penalty kick. Ninety-five percent of the time, that call is not made in the box, but it was too close to get upset about. Abbie Lynch, GK, guessed correctly, but really a PK is nearly impossible to save with a decent shooter on the line. Maddie Woodard responded a few minutes later beating the keeper near post to tie the game 1-1. We committed a silly foul outside of the 18 that ended up resulting in a goal that appeared to be a cross that floated to the back 90. Eaton's 3rd goal was pretty similar... an oddly angled shot that happened to float in the upper 90. Even though Eaton spent the majority of the game in our defensive 3rd of the field, I never felt like they had tons of dangerous opportunities. This means our defense did their job. We kept them away from the center of the goal for the most part and won nearly every cross or corner out of the air. Kudos to our tandem of Cheyanne Edwards and Courtney Lakes protecting the center of our defensive third. After the game, I complimented the defense, but also made sure we knew that a decent team like Eaton will score if they knock on the door enough. I expect our time of possession to increase as the season rolls along and we get used to our new responsibilities.
In our new formation, there are going to be early issues covering space. Almost all night we did not have players checking to open space to receive the ball. This makes it very difficult, if not impossible for our players who do hold a ball to make a good second pass. Most frequently, we were forced to pass a ball we normally wouldn't make. We have made adjustments in every practice and during scrimmages and games this year and I believe the team has made great strides in understanding their new roles. They also understand that the old way is not the best way. I am in no way in panic mode after tonight. Keep in mind... Eaton is pretty solid and traditional so their young players have less of a learning curve. We are changing things within our program because our personnel does not fit traditional. There will be some storms we have to weather in the early going and I think we are taking big steps forward already.
We know that this season, especially early on, will be a test of our fortitude. We have enough talent to succeed and compete with anyone on our schedule, but because of the drastic change in personnel which forces our hand into the unconventional, we will struggle at times covering gaps and choosing the right runs at the right times. There was no exception versus Eaton tonight.
I have to congratulate Hayley Hall on what is by far the best game I have seen her play. Any neutral observer would have noticed that she was far better than any other offensive player on the field that night. Also, I think it's safe to say the same on the other side of the ball about Courtney Lakes. Now, we need some of our other players, especially those who were playing in their first real varsity contest, to relax and play with confidence. The first one is over with, ladies. No more nervous edge that has to wear off. The season is underway.
All in all, it was a minor set back, but I am seeing some huge potential and we're closing the lag quickly.
Brookville will be another test. They lost little and their pre-season results have shown that. If we can think at the pace our new system requires AND work hard, we should be able to leave Wednesday night with a victory.
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Season Preview
With all of the changes happening this year at Shawnee we have remodeled our system. This system will play to our defensive strengths and give opponents a very different look that is hard to defend. In short, I feel like another double digit win season is in the works, but it will look far different than last year. I anticipate many 1-0, 2-1, 0-0 ball games. Stressful, but successful.
Projected Starters
Abbie Lynch - sophomore, goal keeper. Abbie returns this year in the net after garnishing 2010 SWBL Newcomer of the Year award and was one of Middletown Journal's 'Players to Watch' for the 2011 season. Last season Abbie set records for shutouts in a season and fewest goals against.
The back four, (Jordan Lovely (10), Courtney Lakes (11), Cheyanne Edwards (11), and Sidney Brown(11)) will really be a menacing force in front of our net. Most likely when all is said and done, this will be the most consistently dominate defense we've ever had. Not only do I expect them, with Abbie, to produce many shutouts, but they also have the ability to attack out of the back and give us goal scoring opportunities. This is the first season where I really believe we have several defenders capable of scoring five or more goals each in the season.
The midfield this year takes on a new, exciting role. Mackenzie Steele (11), Maddie Woodard (10), Makayla Lindon (11), DJ Terry (11), Hayley Hall (10) and Dayna Bennett (9) round out the core of our midfielders. This is the group I feel will be a huge deciding force in the game, offering solid defense and running attacking angles in all different positions of the field. This group is our 'controlled chaos' on the pitch.
The most exciting things about this season is our potential to play well in the regular season, but even more so in the post-season. The longer this season gets, the better this group will become. Also, we have zero seniors, so wherever we leave off this season, we will pick up right there next season. This should be a very interesting and very successful year for Shawnee girls soccer.
Projected Starters
Abbie Lynch - sophomore, goal keeper. Abbie returns this year in the net after garnishing 2010 SWBL Newcomer of the Year award and was one of Middletown Journal's 'Players to Watch' for the 2011 season. Last season Abbie set records for shutouts in a season and fewest goals against.
The back four, (Jordan Lovely (10), Courtney Lakes (11), Cheyanne Edwards (11), and Sidney Brown(11)) will really be a menacing force in front of our net. Most likely when all is said and done, this will be the most consistently dominate defense we've ever had. Not only do I expect them, with Abbie, to produce many shutouts, but they also have the ability to attack out of the back and give us goal scoring opportunities. This is the first season where I really believe we have several defenders capable of scoring five or more goals each in the season.
The midfield this year takes on a new, exciting role. Mackenzie Steele (11), Maddie Woodard (10), Makayla Lindon (11), DJ Terry (11), Hayley Hall (10) and Dayna Bennett (9) round out the core of our midfielders. This is the group I feel will be a huge deciding force in the game, offering solid defense and running attacking angles in all different positions of the field. This group is our 'controlled chaos' on the pitch.
The most exciting things about this season is our potential to play well in the regular season, but even more so in the post-season. The longer this season gets, the better this group will become. Also, we have zero seniors, so wherever we leave off this season, we will pick up right there next season. This should be a very interesting and very successful year for Shawnee girls soccer.
Pre-Season Results
Be patient and keep the faith.
After losing seven seniors and two returning starters between seasons, I would be remiss if I didn't at least acknowledge that this was a remodeling year. Half of our expected ten field player starters are now gone. Our incoming replacements carry very different qualities than those who we lost. We lost about 53 of our 81 goals scored last year. On top of all that we currently have two current starters missing with significant injuries and we could, unfortunately, be without them for at least a couple of weeks.
Be patient and keep the faith.
After much deliberation, we have for the first time decided to change our formation to better fit our personnel. The down side is that this will be new to everyone and will take a while to perfect. We have proven that it will take a while in our first four scrimmages, as we lost to a slightly above average Newton team 0-2 (albeit about half staffed due to fair and vacations), tied a very good Division 1 CJ team 1-1 and lost to a very good Greeneview team 0-1. The two latter scrimmages were decent results, especially in the face of all the key injuries we have had, but we just didn't look fluid.
The good news is that in our final scrimmage, after about 10 minutes in the first half, we pretty much dominated all aspects of the game against an above average Springfield Northeastern and won 1-0. We also have figured out exactly where to put who in our new formation. In our first three pre-season scrimmages we were too concerned with 'where should I go?', 'who should be here?', 'what do I do?'. I think in our final scrimmage we finally convinced ourselves to just play soccer. Mackenzie Steele said, "In the last 20 minutes," (when we played our best), "I didn't even know where I was playing. I was just running around." Sound unorganized? Well, that's exactly how our formation is supposed to make our opponents feel. The beauty of what we are doing this year is that through our formation we will give five or six girls a chance to get 10-15 goals, rather than traditional formations that lean on two players to score fifty combined. Hopefully, and I am confident, that despite our changes, learning curve, and injuries we will be ready for Eaton on 8/22.
After losing seven seniors and two returning starters between seasons, I would be remiss if I didn't at least acknowledge that this was a remodeling year. Half of our expected ten field player starters are now gone. Our incoming replacements carry very different qualities than those who we lost. We lost about 53 of our 81 goals scored last year. On top of all that we currently have two current starters missing with significant injuries and we could, unfortunately, be without them for at least a couple of weeks.
Be patient and keep the faith.
After much deliberation, we have for the first time decided to change our formation to better fit our personnel. The down side is that this will be new to everyone and will take a while to perfect. We have proven that it will take a while in our first four scrimmages, as we lost to a slightly above average Newton team 0-2 (albeit about half staffed due to fair and vacations), tied a very good Division 1 CJ team 1-1 and lost to a very good Greeneview team 0-1. The two latter scrimmages were decent results, especially in the face of all the key injuries we have had, but we just didn't look fluid.
The good news is that in our final scrimmage, after about 10 minutes in the first half, we pretty much dominated all aspects of the game against an above average Springfield Northeastern and won 1-0. We also have figured out exactly where to put who in our new formation. In our first three pre-season scrimmages we were too concerned with 'where should I go?', 'who should be here?', 'what do I do?'. I think in our final scrimmage we finally convinced ourselves to just play soccer. Mackenzie Steele said, "In the last 20 minutes," (when we played our best), "I didn't even know where I was playing. I was just running around." Sound unorganized? Well, that's exactly how our formation is supposed to make our opponents feel. The beauty of what we are doing this year is that through our formation we will give five or six girls a chance to get 10-15 goals, rather than traditional formations that lean on two players to score fifty combined. Hopefully, and I am confident, that despite our changes, learning curve, and injuries we will be ready for Eaton on 8/22.