Re: [MWSL Selects] Predictions, Results & Banter - Jan/Feb/March 2006
SBAA Ajax Selects 2:0 Westside Renegades
Prior to kickoff, I predicted that not only would SBAA be the toughest team Westside would meet all year, but that it would be just as true vice versa. And, boy, did both teams ever live up to it. I think it would be fair to say that after 10 games, you could split the wins right down the middle.
Each team was intensely motivated, pumped and ready to play. The first half was clearly dominated by the Renegades, however they just couldn't manage to penetrate the 18 and adequately test the Surrey keeper. Going the opposite way, SBAA managed to get a couple of balls towards the Westside goal, but only weak ones from a distance.
The second half, though, really began to open up as fatigue began to set it. You would've expected a win for either team as a result of a mistake, but it didn't happen. The win for Surrey did come, however, as a result of some amazing individual effort.
The first goal scorer was completely covered by at least two defenders at about the 20 just right of center with her back to goal. She managed about a half-step to her left and struck a gorgeous right-footed shot across the face of the goal into the top left corner. It was an incredible individual effort -- something you'd see at the pro-level. The Westside keeper had no chance as it continued to bend away from her.
The second goal, again, was a result of another great individual effort. This time at about the 75 minute mark, an easy cross came from the right wing and the Renegades keeper jumped up to collect it, but just as the ball was entering her hands, a SBAA player came from nowhere and challenged her for it a split second before and tipped it in the net.
While it was a disapointing result for Westside, the game on the whole was great to watch. Both teams worked their asses off and left everything on the field. It may as well have been the cup final.
SBAA Ajax Selects 2:0 Westside Renegades
Prior to kickoff, I predicted that not only would SBAA be the toughest team Westside would meet all year, but that it would be just as true vice versa. And, boy, did both teams ever live up to it. I think it would be fair to say that after 10 games, you could split the wins right down the middle.
Each team was intensely motivated, pumped and ready to play. The first half was clearly dominated by the Renegades, however they just couldn't manage to penetrate the 18 and adequately test the Surrey keeper. Going the opposite way, SBAA managed to get a couple of balls towards the Westside goal, but only weak ones from a distance.
The second half, though, really began to open up as fatigue began to set it. You would've expected a win for either team as a result of a mistake, but it didn't happen. The win for Surrey did come, however, as a result of some amazing individual effort.
The first goal scorer was completely covered by at least two defenders at about the 20 just right of center with her back to goal. She managed about a half-step to her left and struck a gorgeous right-footed shot across the face of the goal into the top left corner. It was an incredible individual effort -- something you'd see at the pro-level. The Westside keeper had no chance as it continued to bend away from her.
The second goal, again, was a result of another great individual effort. This time at about the 75 minute mark, an easy cross came from the right wing and the Renegades keeper jumped up to collect it, but just as the ball was entering her hands, a SBAA player came from nowhere and challenged her for it a split second before and tipped it in the net.
While it was a disapointing result for Westside, the game on the whole was great to watch. Both teams worked their asses off and left everything on the field. It may as well have been the cup final.