We're a little different than last year, as is very typical of young ladies soccer teams as they advance thru the high school years.   But, the girls are eager and the schedule is going to be challenging.  Are we ready?  You bet!

 Tournaments will take us to Atlanta and Washington.   League play will again take us all over the state as we test our improving skills against the best the region has to offer.

Watch for more news as work to replace Larry, our wonderful dad that got this site moving way back in 2004, but is finally moving on himself.  Thanks, Larry. 

 Go Flames!!!

The U16 Girls from the Quay made a statement when they played CASL Elite in the first round of the 2007 State Cup. After a crushing defeat in the first game against TFC Navy, the Flames dug deep and played superbly. In the closing 2 games of regular season and the match against TFC the Flames struggled to find their offense. About mid-way through the first period against Elite things came together. Jules found Alana down the side deep in CASL territory and launched a cross to Eli who headed the ball in. Wow, Flames go up 1-nil. Play through the end of the period was physical but evenly matched.

The second half found the Flames playing mostly defense as CASL through everything they had at the Flames. Kate was tested relentlessly with corner kick after corner kick. With approximately 10 minutes left, Elite finally broke through with a header off of a corner kick. The game wound down and the Flames earned a very respectable 1 - 1 tie, against one of the top teams in the state. Way to go Ladies!

The Flames participated in the Columbus Day Tournament in Virginia Beach and recorded 2 victories and a loss for a 3rd place finish overall in the Premier bracket. The competition was very balanced across all teams with fast paced and physical play. The Flames encountered a relentless, and skilled and eventual champion Burlington team in the semi-final loss.

Match 1 - Richmond Mystx

The first match was against a physical Richmond team coupled with a center referee who was consistently whistle challenged. The Flames kept to their game and dominated play in the first half. Jesse opened the attack on a pass from Shannon, with a streak down the side and drew a foul resulting in Julie launching a nice free kick keeping Richmond on their heels right from the start. Mel, Lexi and Jesse had great field chemistry with lots of give and goes. Kimberly and Alana were a wall banging around in midfield distributing the ball to Jules and Eli. The Flames defense centered by Price and Christina with Lauren and Julie on the wings played as one and were determined to keep Kate out of the game. At 29:53 in Lexi served up a corner kick that ricocheted right back to her for a re-serve to Jules and then knocked in by Eli on the header. Aubrey and Cuccaro joined the fray in the midfield to disrupt attacks and keep the pressure on Richmond as the half closed with the Flames having advantage 1-0.

The second half found the Flames with an initial deep drive started by Collins finding Jules in the corner for another nice cross. Richmond fought back hard with waves of attacks that were physically diffused by Christina and Price. Mel and Alana provided multiple intercepts in the midfield but the Flames really struggled to put together any offensive momentum and found themselves playing a lot of defense. Outside defenders, Julie, Lauren and Erin were tested again and again. Fortunately, Richmond could not put any of their corner kicks in-bounds. The Flames had moments of inspiration with Pilo distributing the ball to Shannon and Cuccaro and Mel but quality looks were elusive. Kate was tested a few times but did not yield, securing a victory of 1-0.

Match 2 - Phoenix Sport Tigers

The game got off to a tentative start by both teams. Mel finally got a drive started on a deep angle pass to Jesse who quickly dished it off to Shannon and then on to Eli. As Eli picked her way through traffic she passed to Kimberly in a crowd, taking a shot. Shannon's crashing the net, left her with a soft tap in for the first and only goal of the entire match. A close battle ensued for much of the first half with tough midfield scrums by Aubrey, Alana, Kimberly and Cuccaro. The Flames had waves of breakaways with Lexi, Pilo and Mel but timing was just off and a solid shot could not be found. Price and Lauren were frequent contributors starting the long drives. Jules cracked a power shot on net that went just high on the far post as the half concluded with the Flames up 1-0.

The second half opened with the Sun beaming and humidity rising. Once again the Flames defensive backs kept the ball away from Kate. She did get an occasional roll through ball but always cleared it past midfield. Lauren and Kimberly had several give and go exchanges with feeds to Erin and Lexi but offense formation was lacking. Most of the second half was fought by the midfielders with Alana doing most of the inside banging. Phoenix put together a couple of drives late in the period but never got a quality look thanks to the hustle of Julie and Lauren. As the period wore down, Eli started a drive with tic-tac-toe passes down the field to Lexi and Jesse. Shots were taken and Shannon's hustle nearly beat the goalie to the ball several times. Flames win 1-0 and advance to semi-finals.

Match 3 - Burlington Cardinals

Pinpoint one touch passes by the Flames started immediately and kept the Burlington defenders under pressure for the first 12 minutes of play. Solid shots on goal were absent but the goalie had her hands full in traffic much of that time. Burlington did not cross midfield until half way through the period. They also had a speedster threat that Julie kept closely marked and effectively never allowed her to mount a scoring threat. Price and Christina pinched up and started several drives with great one touch passes between Mel, Shannon and Jesse earning 2 consecutive corner kicks by Lexi. The serves were well executed and defended by both teams respectively. The Flames dominated but could not find the net. The half concluded 0-0.

Burlington came out a different team and caught the Flames off guard. The one touch accuracy and first to ball hustle exhibited by the Flames in the first half disappeared. On their heels, a defensive communication breakdown cost the Flames a goal at 13:20 in. Burlington kept the pressure on but could not get any offense deep offensive surges started. Defense was put to the test time after time but did not buckle. The Flames did muster several late drives deep but could not put any shots on goal. Erin had a couple of deep corner dribbles but found herself double teamed as did most other Flames attackers. Ouch, Burlington wanted the win more than the Flames and got it winning 1-0.

The Flames opened the tip off with a drive deep into CASL territory with a pass from Shannon finding a seam to Eli who took a shot on goal to set the tone of play. On a steamy Saturday morning, in sleepy Fuquay Varina, the Flames came to play. It had been over a year since these two teams last played and this match up was much anticipated, especially by the girls who share friendships outside of soccer. The level of play was skilled and fast paced but the Flames came out the victor winning 2-0.

Much of the first period was a battle of mid-fields with each team developing break away opportunities. Kimberly and Alana anchored center mid and frustrated the CASL attackers.  Julie and Lauren were frequently found pinching up as defenders, deftly intercepting CASL passes.  The Flames displayed multiple possesion drives with tic-tac-toe passes from Melanie to Shannon to Eli and Kimberly finishing with shots on goal. At 12 minutes in, the Flames were pouring on the pressure and peppering the CASL goalie with shots.  CASL was not able to cross mid-field as a result of Price and Christina stepping into the attack. Then at the 16th minute Lexi broke loose on a pass from Cuccaro punching in the first goal of the season and game for the Flames to go up 1-0. CASL rallied with several drives but never seriously testing Kate.  Lauren had some great steps that shutdown play development to keep the Flames on the offensive. At the 36th minute Pilo found Jules to feed Shannon for the second score to go up 2-nil.  Outside mid-fielders Aubrey and Erin played scrappy against an increasingly physical CASL attack and did not yield.  As the half wound down the Flames earned a free kick with Alana lofting a floater to be headed just over the top post by Eli.

With the humidity soaring, the second half got underway with the Flames offense getting assistance by defenders Price and Christina. Despite the heat, the tempo of the game was up a notch from the first half. CASL opened with several drives but the defense was up to the task and most importantly so was Kate, as she was tested frequently.  Midway through the period CASL put together a break away that went past the defenders and Kate.  In desperation and out of nowhere, Christina raced back to the mouth of the goal for a last second save to clear the ball from a certain score.  CASL feeling the game slipping away from them kept pouring on the attack. Kate made a spectacular save on dangerous shot from way outside the box to send the ball off her finger tips just over the top of the goal. Jesse and Lexi kept the offensive threat alive for the Flames coming in waves of end to end runs.  Quality looks were few but the Flames kept possesion time in their favor.  Collins recovering from several weeks of injury jumped into the fray and got a nice shot off within the first 30 seconds of being on the field. Eli closed out the game with a powerful punch just wide. Flames record a solid win of 2-0 over CASL Premier.

The Flames are currently in 3rd place in the division. Go Team!

The Flames were blanked in both games down in Charlotte falling 2-0 against Charlotte United Gold and again 2-0 against SCSA. Both games were tighter than the shutouts indicated with the Flames making adjustments to keep the games competitive. The Flames had the clear advantage against Charlotte United for most of the first period but gave up a goal after having trouble getting organized after substitutions. The Flames did not give up and had several drives deep with Lexi and Shannon going to the net. A stiff defense by United kept quality shots to a minimum. The second United goal was in heavy traffic that bounced funny off the post just slipping by Kate's well played positioning. Final score 2-0.

The SCSA game got off to a tough start with the Flames finding themselves down 2-0 in the first 7 minutes. Courageously, the Flames did not give up and fought through the remainder of the first period with threatening shots from Eli and Jules. The second was very well played with the edge going to the Flames. Kimberly and Price were a wall at center mid. Alana was brilliant with 3 terrific shots on goal, that had the planets been aligned differently, would have gone in. SCSA mounted threats but solid D by Lauren, Christina, Erin and Cuccaro kept the attackers at bay. A tough loss but offense is emerging.

The ladies are starting to play as a unit and beginning to anticipate each others passes which is needed in the Premier division. Building trust and chemistry takes time. It's tough taking these losses but they are just part of the journey to State Cup. Encountering either of these teams in the State Cup later in the season will surely be an opportunity to show that the Flames have game.

Moving up to the premier division is a double edged sword offering prestige and stiff competition but the 91 Flames very ready for the challenge.  The Lady Twins White were a fast and athletic squad with the opening tip being an immediate drive deep to the corner.  Julia broke up the play and started the counter attack. The Flames charged right back with Eli and Melanie driving into the Twins box. Much of the period was battled in the mid-fields with Alana, Jules and Cuccaro making dashes down the sides. The Twins focused on long kicks to the corners with their swift forwards chasing the ball.  This tactic put Erin and Lauren on guard at all times with Christina and Kimberly often providing support.  Lexi and Jules both had rocket shots from just outside the box that were well defended.  Additionally, Eli got off a towering shot that sailed just high due to the wind. Kate was tested several times and showed excellent communication and decision making of when to come out of the goal. Jesse, Aubrey and Pilo provided solid relief as the period wore on and temperature rised.  The first half was fast paced and both teams had even scoring opportunities but remained tied at 0-0.

The Lady Twins came out to play a much more physical game in the second half and the Flames followed their lead.  The advantage was clearly with the Twins but close officiating kept the game in check.  Price and Christina did their best to ward off the attack with Kimberly, Erin and Lauren protecting the outside.  Kate did a fabulous job defending in close quarters with relentless assaults coming in from long throw ins or corner kicks.  Attacks were tough to come by but were mounted by Shannon and Mel who also provided back pressure to harass the attacking Twins.  As the period wound down the Flames recovered some of their confidence and mounted a final drive deep into the Twins box but could not pull the trigger on a shot.  The match ended in a tie of 0-0.  Next up are games in Charlotte on Saturday and Sunday.

Beach FC Tournament

The preseason Beach FC Sun Cup Tournament offered glimpses of great potential and lackluster desire for the 91 Flames recording a victory and 2 losses. Preseason play allows the coaches to sort out player positions, identify team strengths and weaknesses and to see how well together the individuals play as a unit. Compunding this task of putting a "team" on the field were injured or sick players and the task of integrating 3 new talented players to the team. The coaches and fans got to see a little bit of everything, ranging from spirited to uninspired play.

The first match came up against nationally 5th ranked Vista Shockwave of Virginia that got the early jump on the Flames. The first half found the Flames on their heels giving the defense a good work out with few offensive opportunities. The second half was a different story with the Flames not backing down and winning 50-50 balls. The Flames gave up a goal but showed that they can play with anybody when they want to. Final score 4-0.

Play in the second match was inspired out of the gates. Every Flame was first to the ball against a physical New York team. The Flames dominated play the entire first half putting up more than a dozen quality shots. Hustle was the word and the Flames made New York play their game and were not dragged into a physical battle. No shots found the net in the first half ending at 0-0. More of the same ensued in the second period with the Flames driving deep and shooting. Finally, Lexi fired a laser shot with 4 minutes left to play for the go ahead goal and victory. Great match Ladies!

Perhaps the Flames are not a "morning" team because their collective performance exempting a few players was anemic. Play was uninspired and offensive pressure was only a flicker against a solid Canadian Cougar squad. Both teams seemed evenly matched and the Flames were by no means dominated but the Cougars had the edge finding a shot in traffic in the first half to go up 1-0. Second half play was similar with the Flames generating a little more offense but finding it difficult to break through the Cougar defense. Most play was fought at mid-field with the edge going to the Cougars. With only a few minutes left to play the Cougars broke loose to seal their victory at 2-0. Following the game, Coach Leigh said the girls all know they need conditioning and will work hard over the next 2 weeks in anticipation to the season opener on Sunday, September 9, 12:00 PM at Fleming Loop fields against Winston-Salem.

91 Flames Spring 2006 Statistics

Game captains Eli and Price won the toss and elected to have the Jamestown Jammers kick off.  A missed Jammer pass had the Flames drive immediately to net to set the tempo of the match.  The Jammers hammered back with a rapid break away that tested Rachel early on.  EmilyR and Britny drove down the left side crossing to Eli and then to Hannah but shots on goal were elusive. 

Fuquay kept the ball down in the Jamestown zone and served up crosses by Christina and Eli.  In an increasingly physical match, the officiating team let players escalate their bumping.  The Flames blanketed the Jammers zone with sendins by EmilyD, Jules and Brenae as they came off the bench to spark a flurry of shots. Jamestown and Fuquay split end to end breakaways but neither team could put up a quality shot.

At this point the aggressive Jammers had the advantage on 50-50s'.  Ally and Lauren were stepping to the ball on defense to keep the Jammers off balance.  Near the end of first half play, the physical nature of play ratcheted up a notch and was encouraged by the officiating as evidenced by their lack of calls on breaches of both teams.

In a Jammer breakaway, Price showed she could shift gears and run down any threat.  Ashley and Christina drove down deep left crossing to Brenae and Eli.  Erin played tightly against a slippery #21 Jammer.  The Flames mounted a threat with pinpoint passes from Price to Christina to Jules setting up a corner opportunity.   The Jammers raced back firing away with a save by Rachel to end the half scoreless.

Jamestown opened the half with a drive to the Flames box into a thrashing mass of players.  The confusing ping pong match ended when the Jammers popped a shot in to go up 1 to nil.  The Flames charged back with crosses by EmilyD and Pilo.  Two corner kicks ensued and shots by Price and Jules just missed.  Dominating the next 10 minutes of play, the Flames could not muster a cohesive attack.  Gritty play by Erin and Brenae kept the Jammers in check.

The Flames pounded away with shots by Britny, Price and Jules.  Increasingly tough play by the Jammers kept Fuquay from getting off quality shots inside.  Despite 4 well placed corners, and many potent follow on shots, nothing could find the net.  Following a broken up Jamestown drive the Flames set forth a rapid thrust into Jammer territory with Britny feeding Jules for a score.  Game tied at 1-1.
 
The Jammers responded with a breakaway that was cleanly broken up by Jules.  Play continued for at least 20 seconds past midfield when the referee stopped play due to a downed Jammer player.  Happily, she walked off the field.  Surprisingly, the referee called a PK against the Flames.  Rachel fielded the ball handily and a rifle shot on goal was denied.  The Flames continued their attack deep into Jamestown territory. 

Per timers kept on the sideline, the game extended well past regulation.  On a breakaway, the Jammers pushed deep into the Flames box and scrambled multiple shots against a downed goalie.  Despite, a linesman signaling off sides, a goal was tallied by the Jammers and officially recorded.  Time continued.  Mounting a final stand the Flames threatened in heavy traffic but were called offside as time ran out.  Final score Jamestown 2, Flames 1.

Editorial Comment:  The officials must limit the aggressiveness of play and call fouls early on.  Without early intervention to keep play consistent to the rules of the game, players are highly at risk to serious injury. As evidenced by the Flames game against TFC the previous week, two TFC players suffered significant injuries that could have been averted if the referees had acted early to set the tone of the game. The FVAA office will be alerted to this potentially dangerous situation.

Please direct your comments to: larry@cromwell5.com

Remember: Communication is Key to Teamwork.

Remember: Teamwork Is The Key To Success

Our first tournament is scheduled for August 28th and 29th.  Karen Mangum and Lois Cromwell will administrative issues and get the team checked in, the PM of the 27th. 

The tournament website is www.psastars.com but has been having "difficulties"(aka slow as molasses).  We will post more information(directions and game times) on our website once details become available.  In the meantime check your email for breaking news.

Lois Cromwell is coordinating the tournament and accomodations so email her directly with your questions at yoga@cromwell5.com .