Sparta Girls 99: Welcome

The Spring PSPL League...

2/11/12 Sparta 1 - NW Premier 1

The more things change, the more they stay the same.  This score should look familar since it was the same team for the first game of the year in the Fall season - and the score was a tie as well!! This game was truely a game of 2 halves.  The kick off was typically rough and things started in the Sparta end, and stayed there for the first 16 minutes.  Thats right.  Not only did Sparta not get a shot, they did not even get over the 50 yard line until Savannahs crack shot from the right.  Unfortunately, not only did Premier dominate possesion, they also scored at the 4 minute mark when a forward cut inside of Hannah and cracked a cross in front of the goal to be slammed in by their left Mid.  Sparta struggled to control even the easiest ball and this led to many bad Sparta passes.  Defensively, Sparta had trouble locating players to cover and this made for an easy passing situation for Premier.  Although Premier did not get many shots on goal in the first half, they kept Sparta under pressure and holding on for dear life as the ball hung out at the Sparta 35.  Things got a little better after Savannahs incredible blast but it was enough that Sparta held out to the half to make some adjustments.  The good news, the adjustments worked great.  The second half was all Sparta with good control, great passing and lots of shots from all over the place.  Alexis and Morgan were dominating in the middle.  Savannah had another great shot after a perfect thru pass by Morgan.  Mia worked great with the mid-field in the second half.  This was a huge improvement.  Sparta tied the game when Mia made a good cross and Abby pounced on the close shot and knocked it off the GK and it dribbled over the line enough to tie the game.  It was a great effort by Sparta.  The Back line of Hannah, Kayla and Nay was strong as ever.  Janisia deserves a word of praise.  Holy cow, she completely control a 30 yard square area and was probably the reason that Premier was pinned down for 29 minutes of the second half.  Miranda did make a nice catch with only a minute left, but this was theonly time she touched the ball in the half.  Genivieve had a chance to score the winner when she took a shot off a 30 yard Morgan freekick from 2 yards out that was somehow saved.  The ball pinballed around a bit until finally Premier got a clear.  Sparta really had chances all over the place as Morgan, Alexis and Janisia took shots from all over the place.  Very good game for the strong Sparta girls.  Shannon had a great game and lena and Grace worked hard to fill in for the sick Abby.  After Alexis took her last shot, the ref blew the whistle and the game ended in a tie.  Sparta had enough chances to win, but over all, it was a great first game and found the girls finding their touch after a while.  Great job girls!!  Nice start.  Next practice is Monday.  I don't know when the next game is going to be, but the coaches and parents are very proud of your hard work.  

PSPL Fall League...

12/10/11 Saturday Sparta 2 - Gunners 0.  This was the last game of the year for Sparta, as well as the last overall league game in PSPL.  Nothing was on the line concerning standings except for an opportunity to work on skills and such.  The game was played on a big turf field and it was pretty darn cold out there, but there were enough collisions and running around in circles to keep everyone warm.  The Gunners played a nice game.  They worked very hard and were always in the right spot as the ball bounced around on the turf.  From the kick off, Sparta had trouble with the pressure being applied.  This forced lots of turn overs and basically led to a game of "who was going to get a break to win the game".  Morgan was covered by 2 players thru out the second half but this left lots of mid-fielders open to try and score.  In the end, it worked out.  The good news (I guess) is that Sparta got the big break about 8 minutes into the second half when the ball was bouncing around in front of the Gunners goal and it rolled right to Mia and she passed firmly into the goal.  The Gunners pushed forward and kept the ball around the Sparta defense but Hannah had a terrific game in the back and was always right there to save the day at the last minute.  In particular, she did a great stretch as a ball was slipping thru and stopped what may have been a sure shot on goal.  Although Miranda did not have any great shots to save, she did have to be on her toes and pick up some shots and thru balls. With less than 1 minute left, Mia picked up a breakaway on a throw in by Kayla and went 1 on 1 with the GK.  Mia was wonderfully composed and passed to the right of the GK to score her 2nd of the game and a nice insurance goal.  The whistle blew 30 seconds later and the game and season was over.  Other than those goals, it was kind of a raggedy game.  Not much passing or control.  Lots of throw ins and kids kicking the ball into each others shins.  Janisia, Lena and Kayla blasted some rolling balls high at the GK and Mia even cracked one off of the top bar, but I don't think more than 2 passes in a row were made by either team.  Sometimes the game is just played and we wait until the practice to work on stuff. 

The season ended with a Sparta record of 4-4-4.  A nice round number.  Sparta finished in 7th place but it all came down to a few points from 3rd to 7th.  The girls played well and did not lose in the last 7 games.  There was some very good improvement and the girls seemed to have a lot of fun.  Everthing will now shut down for about 6 weeks and we will start back up late in January (24th?).  Anyway, good game and great season girls.  Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

11/29/11 Tuesday Sparta 3 - SLMS 0.  This may have been just a practice game, but there was some very nice play on display for Sparta.  First the goals.  Mia at around 12 minutes.  Kayla at around 20 minutes on a nicely taken right corner penalty kick.  Last, Mia on a quick counter off a corner kick and a long shot from the left side.  Another very good strike.  ON to the game.  The best part of the game was the control by the defense.  Many balls were knocked back to Hannah to control and play out to the wide players.  She rushed it a bit, but still these were very nice passes.  I LOVE it when our midfielders (Morgan did this a bunch) decide to knock balls back to Hannah.  This just shows how confident they are that possession is the key to playing great soccer. Hannah also found mid-fielders like Quinn, Alexis and Morgan.  The outside defenders made some great controls and also passed to open players.  These combination plays between players in tight spaces was very cool.  The control of the ball by the center mids was really outstanding.  All three of them made wonderful spinning controls to change directions.  Janisia was a total blast to watch and many parents on the SLMS sidelines were absolutely floored by her calm control of the middle and her distribution.  I have to agree.  She was actually running and dribbling while telling mid-fielder where to go so that she could get them the ball.  It was another awesome thing to watch.  What about Nay?  She was Nay.  Tough, fast and relaxed-but SLMS gave her a few headaches and she had probably the hardest job-but still did great.  The control on the ball of Maddie, Shannon, and Savannah was great.  We love to see solid back foot control.  It would have been nice to see them attack their players a little more, but all of their control was sharp-so that was a terrific plus.  Lena was the only girl ripping up and down the outside mid.  She even rolled the ball with the bottom of her foot at speed (one time too many-but still a show stopper).  The forwards showed terrific control and Abby in particular was using running midfielders.  Grace was also in some good spaces and was inches away from picking up a great goal.  With so many SLMS defenders behind the ball in defense, it was hard for the forwards to work quickly in tight spaces.  But this is good practice.  What about Miranda?  She touched the ball a few times but was not tested.  She makes it look easy all the time, so it is sometimes hard to tell if the other team is taking good shots. 

Obviously, here is the lesson from this game:  Give good players time on the ball-they will play good soccer, look super cool and make you look not good.  If a player learns to control the ball perfectly and quickly (even under pressure)-they will do great things and make the other team look not great. 

I almost forgot-Morgan did a cool step over and the SLMS parents all ooohhhed and awwwwed.  Yes, even the little cool skill things look cool and make people scratch their heads.  As one of the SLMS girls said to me after the game, "I have never played against so many players before who made me realize that I am not very good at soccer."

11/19/11 Saturday Sparta 2 - South Hill Rev. 0.  It was supposed to be freezing rain and snow but instead it was sunny, a little chilly and absolutely wind-less.  Perfect conditions for a soccer game!!  Since the league standings are probably not going to move at this point in the season, it was time for Sparta to have players try some different positions.  Although this turned the subbing situations into a fire-drill, it was fun to watch many of the girls try out different positions.  The game started with a great chance in the first 5 minutes with a fantastic Lena cross (starting at outside right mid) right in front of the goal for Savannah 2 yards out - but no contact.  Genivieve and Morgan worked hard in the middle but it was a real battle.  Abby has been working great the last few games and she had some outstanding runs, passes and moves.  The defense was tested early and a close ball was shot by Dave (Rev mid) that Miranda had to dive on and somehow save on the goal line.  At around the 14 minute mark, Ray fought hard for a ball and played it into Mia.  Mia cut from right to left and cracked a nice left footed shot from about 8 yards out that hit the left post and rolled across into the right side netting of the goal.  GOAL - Close call though.  This was Mia's 3rd goal in as many games.  I think she must be the leading goal scorer by now.  Meanwhile, Grace did some hard work at left mid-field (not forward) and ran a whole lot!!  She looked pretty tired after about six 50 yard runs in a row.  Kayla and Janisia traded positions from stopper to right back a few times during the game.  Then it was Quinns turn to play a little stopper.  Quinn was absolutely awesome this game.  She just keeps getting quicker and more skilled.  It is no understatement that she seems to start most of the good passing sequences on Sparta thanks to her quick feet and great reads.  Of course, not everyone changed spots.  Nay was at left back going toe-to-toe against Anna W for the entire game.   Although Nay came out the winner, Anna W made some excellent crosses that Miranda had to have great hands to save.  Hannah was Hannah and strong as ever (except a few times when she was a wiennie - and she knows what I'm talking about).  Anyway, it remained a tight 1 goal game until Ray cracked a 35 yard long shot that was mis-judged by the GK and ended up in the back of the Rev net.  Perfect timing with only 1 minute left in the 1st half.  More crazy subs in the second half.  Lena went to forward, Savannah went to center mid for a while, Quinn and Mia also played a little center mid.  Grace went up to forward for spell. Mia did pretty good in mid for never really trying it before.  Even Shannon went up top to play forward for a bit.  She has not done that for at least a year.  She was very close a few times to breaking away and cracking a shot on goal.  The 2nd half started to really change when Morgan stepped up and started to put her stamp on the game.  Although a force in the first half, the second half was the next gear.  Let's just say that Morgan started to dominate the middle of the field and even 3 or 4 Rev players were unable to stop her from dribbling, passing, heading or just plain controlling the game tempo.  It was a Curly-Q fest!!  Sparta players also started passing more.  Watching the ball movement between the mids and the forwards was fun. Several times it looked like Sparta would score a third goal after making some excellent combination of 3 or more passes.  Abby, Mia, Quinn, Morgan, Shannon, Lena, Maddie, Grace and Genivieve really started looking sharp.  Maddie was ripping up and down the left sideline and this was great to see.  She can fly when she puts her mind to it.  In the end, Rev put on some good pressure but not enough to score a goal.  Sparta also had some excellent play in the final third but did not score another goal.  The final whistle blew and the game was over.  Parents and coaches were very proud of the play of the girls and it was a nice day to see the girls have a bit of fun.  We will take off 2 weeks from practice.  There will be a few practice games to be played before our LAST league game of the season against the Gunners in Issaquah in Mid December.  I look forward to seeing everyone at the SLMS Practice game on Nov. 29th.  Great game girls-another wonderful effort.

11/12/11 Saturday Sparta 1 - Northwest Premier 1.  Everyone thought the storm would come rolling in early and turn a soccer match into a Hockey game!!  The good news is that the bad weather held off and there was just a little trickle of rain for most of the 60 minutes.  As to the game, it was a lot like all of the games this year.  Lots of fighting for balls.  Lots of balls rolling out of bounds and lots of throw ins.  When either team was able to control the ball at their feet, everyone got to see a nice pass.  Most of the time, both teams kicked the ball at each other.  The first half was pretty even but Northwest had 2 decent chances that required Miranda to make nice catches.  Sparta had a few half chances but nothing that looked like it could sneak in.  The Sparta defense was strong but a little flat-but Nay, Hannah and Kayla were able to hold out.  The Sparta mid field worked hard and there were a few passes but there just wasn't more then 3 in a row.  It was ping pong on a soccer field.  Morgan made some great headers from clearances and Quinn played one of her best games so far.  Quinn was a ball magnet and made some excellent controls and passes.  Alexis worked hard in the middle and Maddie, Savannah, Shannon and Genivieve kept up the throw-ins and went toe to toe against Northwest on the outside.  Abby had a terrific game and was always on the edge of making something amazing happen.  She was darting in constantly to slip balls thru but it was difficult for players to react quick enough.  Mia was going up against the big girl in the center and was in a tough spot.  Grace made some nice passes to the mid-field support players...but the score was 0-0 at the half.  Sparta came out blazing in the second half and put on pressure from the get go. Janisia started to control the middle and put balls forward.  Finally, the ball bounced onto Mia at the top of the box and she turned and cracked a long high shot over the GK for the goal.  It was 1-0 for Sparta and only 14 minutes left.  At this point, the wheels fell off the Sparta wagon and Northwest pounded the ball at Sparta's defense. Sparta had many chances to make passes or clear but no one could put it together.  The ball bounced around a lot and with just 4 minutes left, a Northwest player picked up the ball in the Penalty area and cracked a nice shot into the far post to score the tying goal.  Suddenly, Sparta was able to win a few balls and kept the ball forward and looked like they could take back the lead but time ran out.  Overall, the score represented the equal level of the 2 teams.  Only 2 games left in the season.  Next week it is the Rev and then a 4 week wait for the final game of the season against the Gunners.  Practice on Monday.  Good job girls-it has been a great season. 

10/29/11  Saturday Sparta 2 - Wenatchee Fire 0.  Sparta worked for this one.  The game was very even with lots of athletic strength on display.  At the 5 minute mark, a high ball was attacked by Abby and headed toward the goal.  Mia was in the right spot and took a great touch and then a sweet shot that found the corner.  What a good way to start a game!!  Sparta was up 1-0.  The defense of Nay, Kayla and Hannah was tested - but not too much.  The Fire could not string much together against the strong defensive mid-field play of Morgan, Quinn, Alexis and Janisia.  Maddie, Savannah, Shannon and Genivieve fought hard on the narrow field but most balls on the outside ended up rolling out of bounds constantly.  This left the forwards of Grace, Mia and Abby to try and connect with the midfield.  Mia in particular was on "Fire" (pun intended) this game and really made it tough for the Wenatchee defense to get good clearances.  Although the ball was on the Sparta side of the field most of the game, this was mostly due to the athletic Wentchee defense winning balls and quickly playing them back at Sparta.  The score was 1-0 at the half.  The second half was much like the first.  Lots of kicking, chasing and running.  Alexis in particular started to show great skill and some wonderful touch play, but unfortunately, was unable to pass to her teammates after doing all the cool stuff.  Sparta was trying to play well, but just could not get control of the ball long enough to make the next pass.  Kudos to the Fire keeping Sparta under constant pressure.  Suddenly, Janisia controlled a ball and passed it to Quinn.  Quinn passed it to Morgan near the top of the box.  Morgan chopped her defender with her left foot, took a touch to the right and cracked a shot into the lower right corner.  Happy Birthday to MORGAN!!.  Sparta was ahead 2-0 with 25 minutes left.  Wenatchee went direct after this and the Sparta defense somehow held on..somehow.  Lena went up to forward to help take off pressure and that allowed Sparta a few touches in the Fire end.  Hannah got caught dribbling with about 5 minutes left and just before the Fire forward got her shot away toward the goal, there was a giant, full speed collision between Kayla, Nay, Hannah and the forward.  Somehow, Morgan showed up to clear the ball as all the girls lay on the ground just 12 yards from the goal.  No one was seriously hurt, but this was the best chance for Wenatchee on this day.  Sparta finally got out of their end for the final 5 minutes and had a few corners and chances, but the ref blew the whistle to end the game.  Although Sparta did not play great, they were able to win.  They have had a few games that did not go their way earlier, so sometimes things just work out for you if you keep a good atitude.  Great job girls!!  No practice on Monday because it is HALLOWEEN.  Next practice is on Wednesday. 

10/22/11 Saturday Sparta 2 - Cascade 0.  Sparta continued their string of terrific games this season with a trip up to Snoqualmie Ridge this week end.  The weather was cold, rainy and blowy (blowie?)  The field was huge but it was kind of muddy in spots.  The good news is that the Sparta girls continued their passing ways.  On the kick off, the ball was immediately sent into the Cascade end and rarely left thanks to terrific work and effort from Mia and Abby.  Mia in particular was on every ball and was working beautifully with Genivieve (left mid this game), Alexis and Morgan. At about the  10 minute mark, Morgan beat her mid-fielders and put a perfect ball thru for Genivieve.  Gen made a great first touch and crashed a 10 yard shot off of the left post that bounced in front of the goal but was cleared.  It was a power shot from Genivieve.  A few minutes later the ball was crossed into the area and Abby pounced on the loose ball and took a quick shot that was saved but bounced out towards Genevieve.  Gen took a first time ball that kind of Blooped over the GK and scored!!  Her first goal of the season (and first outside mid goal).    Alexis took a crack 1st time shot from 25 that was saved by the great, Tall Cascade GK.  That GK made some great saves in this game.  Her tallness and good hands saved them often.  Morgan got a shot from just about 8 yards out that was saved on a dive.  It was kind of crazy.  The Sparta defense never let Cascade get very far out of their half.  Hannah, Kayla and Lena were just too much for the Cascade attack. Nay was once again just a monster.  How a left back can be so tough, I don't know.  I just feel sorry for anyone playing against her.  Janisia started to work well with the Mid fielders and it was going to be a long day for Cascade.  However, the half time whistle blew and it was still 1-0.  Second half continued like the 1st.  Quinn joined in the mid-field passing and Savannah had some very cool moves in this half.  Maddie started to make some good passes up the line and Shannon returned to the field after a 1st half stomach ache.  She said she was feeling good enough to go back in and its a good thing.  With only 9 minutes left,  Morgan passed a ball out to Genivieve.  Gen beat her player on a nice chop and shot for the back post. The ball was rolling into the corner of the goal and no one knew if it would make it, but Shannon raced in and tapped it into the goal from less than 6 inches.  No stopping that shot.  It was a great show of quickness on Shannons part and a much neededx goal in these conditions.  Notic`e how I did not talk about MIranda.  Well, she never touched the ball in the 2nd half and only picked it up 2 times in the first.  Not a lot of action for Miranda today, but that will change in the coming weeks. 

Anyway, the whistle blew and Sparta held on to their 2-0 lead and got their first win of the season.  Great job girls and very well earned.  Next week we have a home game against Wenatchee and that should be an extra tough game.  Super job!!! 

10/15/11 Saturday Sparta 0 - Tynecastle 0.  Every game between Sparta and Tynecastle has been a tough, low scoring game...and this one was no different.  As usual, Tynecastle had the better part of the first 10 minutes as Sparta got used to the speed of play.  Although there were no real shots on goal by Tynecastle, there was some good passing.  Sparta passed well but struggled to connect or get into the Tynecastle end.  So the ball bounced around on the Mason field turf between the 50 and the Sparta 30.  The Sparta defense was once again tough.  Hannah was always there to stop anything dangerous.  Janisia, Nay, Kayla and Lena also seemed to be in the gaps or on players and stopped any clear chances.  In the middle Morgan slowly started to take control.  Alexis and Genivieve were also comfortable on the ball and looked very good.  Savannah had a terrific first half and was winning a lot of balls against tough players.  Maddie, Quinn and Shannon made nice passes.  The forwards were able to win balls individually, but could not quite connect up with the mid or each other.  Half-time whistle - but no goals.  Although Miranda did not have to make any great saves or dives, she was right on the spot and picking up long thru balls.  Soccer is a 60 minute game and Sparta was in control for the last 30 minutes.  Morgan, Genivieve, Alexis and Janisia all started to control the play and Tynecastle really never got into the Sparta end except for an occasional clearance and chase situation.  The Sparta forwards started to work hard and things got interesting.  Morgan and Genivieve were putting lots of thru balls behind the defense.  Abby, Mia and Grace made good runs in the final third.  Again, there was a collision on a break away with the GK but the ball bounced to Tynecastle for a clearance.  Abby made a great control and pass in front of the goal but Mia could not direct the ball in.  Quinn was doing great and looked comfortable on the ball with some good crosses.  Nay was in "Beast" mode and started to carry the ball and had a great shot from about the 23 that was heading into the goal, but was saved.  Nay was on fire and really fun to watch.  She can dominate an area.  There were a few corners, but nothing would go in.  With less than 1 minute left, a ball was rolled out to Morgan from 25 yards and she got a foot on the ball but it needed a little more power to score.  The whistle blew and the game ended 0-0 for another Miranda Shut-out.  Sparta played well enough to win but it was not to be (again).  Some great passing, control and overall great play was on display.  All 7 season games have come down to just a few chances for either team and Sparta continues to be on the cusp of winning.  No question though,the girls look great and all of them are getting better every week.  It is been a great season.  5 game left!!   Great job girls!!

PS.  Mason won their 1st game of the season 1-0 and Quinn got the assist on the winning goal.  Great job, Hannah, Savannah, Morgan, Quinn and Alexis.  Go Mason.

10/9/11 Sunday Sparta 2 - ASE Synergy 2.  As if this fall season could get any more exciting for Sparta, the second game against ASE in 3 weeks was just breathless!!  First, the game was played on the perfect Garfield grass field.  It was big, green and flat as a pool table.  There was a misty rain in the air and the field was damp but perfect for good passing.  And what a good game of passing was on display.  ASE had some good midfield play but the Sparta girls were up to the task today.  ASE drove more balls into the Sparta defense but once again, Hannah, Lena, Kayla and Nay were handling the balls and trying to build up out of the back.  Morgan, Alexis, Janisia and Genevieve had their hands full in the middle of the field but they had terrific organization and communication.  The outside mids played great and Savannah and Shannon were tough and made some great things happen in the attack.  Quinn and Maddie worked hard in defense.  The forwards had a tough time in the first half connecting up with the midfield but as each minute passed, Mia, Abby and Grace began to work things out.  Although ASE spent a good portion of the first 10 minutes in the Sparta end, thing started to turn as the midfield started finding feet.  Suddenly, after a couple of great passes on the left side, the ball was cleared out to Morgan at the 25.  Morgan took a touch and shot a low hard shot that slipped under the diving GK and scored the first goal of the game.  Very nice effort Morgan!!  Not much chance of this holding up though as the ASE midfielders attacked the Sparta defense.  ASE scored on a nice hard shot at the 29 minute mark.  Miranda made a great dive but it was just out of reach.  The second half showed a renewed Sparta attack from the start.  Sparta actually had 4 or 5 corners today (a few more than ASE) but could not convert.  Ase scored at the 8 minute mark on a hard midfield shot that was saved by Miranda but was knocked in on the rebound.  This did not discourage Sparta and they really piled on the pressure.  Finally, Kayla served a ball from the right that was cleared out to Janisia for a long shot.  The GK struggled to handle the bouncing, slippery ball and Grace was there to pounce in front of the goal and pass it into the net.  Great Job Grace.  Sparta had tied the game at 2 each but really wanted the winner and for the last 8 minutes of the game pounded at the ASE defense.  Mia missed a shot just left.  Abby was playing incredibly tough and was on the verge of beating the last defender on numerous occasions.  Genevieve made some great passes forward.  The defense started to drive balls into the ASE defense and it started to look like Sparta was going to find the winning goal.  But... In the end, the whistle was blown for full time and a tie.  Although a tie is less points than a win, as far as the parents and coaches are concerned, these last 5 weeks have been maxed out on exciting, fast and skilled soccer.  The girls are really showing incredible growth.  Although not every game is going to be as great as the last 3 weeks, these were wonderful performances and every one is very proud of you!!!  Great job girls. 

10/1/11 Saturday Sparta 0 - SSE Elite 1.  This was the first game of the season on turf and like all games this year, it was a rip roaring battle.  The Elite started tough by playing lots of balls into the attack but Hannah, Janisia and Kayla were up to the task.  Nay was beyond tough and she just gets stronger and stronger each day.  She completely shuts down that side of the field and gets the ball to her team mates fast.  Morgan came out ready to work and with some good play by Genevieve and Alexis, this was another even area.  Mia started slow and had a tough time controlling the ball because she was under such pressure but started to become comfortable and helped get the ball forward.  Abby also played well under the pressure.  Grace made some nice passes in the middle of the field.  The real battle was taking place at the outside mid-field position and this was where the game would be won or lost.  Maddie, Shannon, Savannah and Quinn did the best they could against the big, fast Elite outsides.  Neither team looked dangerous until the Elite right defender kicked a ball that somehow rolled past the forwards, midfielders and defenders only to roll into the path of the breaking left mid-fielder.  The shot from 6 yards out was impossible to stop by Miranda at the 20 minute mark.  The game went back into  tough mid-field fighting.  The second half saw a little more Sparta attack and with each passing minute the chances for both teams increased.  The Elite had a quick sharp angled shot.   Morgan had a first time shot from 12 yards directly in front that just missed.  Genevieve took a shot that slip past the GK and was rolling over the line but was just saved 6 inches short.  Mia had a breakaway that resulted in a collision and the ball was bouncing around waiting for someone to kick it in...but was cleared out.  With less than 5 minutes to play Sparta took a corner and Abby missed a 3 yard header by just a whisker!!  With only 2 minutes left, Janisia controlled a clearance at the 30 with her chest, cut between 2 defenders and cracked a shot from about 25 yards that was really moving and would have scored if hit anywhere but at the GK...but was right at the GK.  The ref blew the whistle and the scored ended with the Elite ahead by 1, but it was an outstanding game to be part of.  Just as everything went Sparta's way this summer (and last summer for that matter), every game this season has been just out of reach for the victory.  However, this does not take away from the outstanding play by the girls.  Another great game girls-keep working hard and things will work out one of these weekends.

9/24/11 Saturday Sparta 1 - ASE Synergy 3.  Tough, tough weekend on tap for the Sparta girls.  First up is the ASE Synergy.  ASE won the league last year and put a big Hurt on Sparta in Tri-Cities.  This time the game was a much more even affair.  Sparta had trouble at the start of the game keeping up with the speed of play by ASE.  In particular, the center mid was difficult for Sparta to contain.  Thou Morgan and Genevieve worked hard, the ASE midfielders were quick and played away from pressure quickly.  This caused Sparta to get caught out of shape and forced them to foul to try and make up for the mistake.  The first goal was scored within 6 minutes when ASE took a 30 yard free kick that was just over Miranda's head.  A few minutes later they put in a shot from the left side that Miranda tried to save but slipped away for a close follow up shot.  At this point, Sparta began to get more comfortable and things started to improve.  The game moved into the mid-field and Alexis started to help control the center.  Shannon made a great run at the defense and was taken down at the 25 yard line.  Morgan stepped up and cracked a nice shot over the tall ASE keeper and Sparta was within a goal.  Although Sparta was able to control some of the play, ASE was still often dangerous.  Sparta had a few close chances to tie, but with about 8 minutes to go, ASE put a cross in from the left and a 1st time ball was well-struck over Miranda for the insurance goal.  The game continued on but Sparta was not able to convert any chances.  Although Sparta was outplayed in the game, many of the players learned from the experience and hoped to use it in the next game against the Spokane Elite tomorrow.

 9/25/11 Spokane Elite 1 - Sparta 0.  This was a really fun game to watch.  Whereas Sparta struggled to combine passes against ASE, the girls passed very well in this game.  The Elite were fast but thanks to some good ball control by Sparta, Spokane had a little tougher time getting enough possession to  take advantage of their speed.  Again, Alexis had some outstanding control and distribution in this game.  I think that Alexis is starting to understand this position and if she can build up her stamina and endurance, she will be a force out there.  Janisia struggled for the first 15 minutes but after that was wonderful in her control of the center.  Nay was an absolute rock in the back and shut down the Elite attack everytime and then passed the ball perfectly to an open teammate.  Kayla, Lena and of course Hannah also were just about perfect.  They look so much better when they pass the ball than when they kick the ball away in  a panic.The game was really a mid-field battle for the first 50 minutes.  Neither team had any very dangerous chances, but the feeling that this game would be won on a great play or a single breakdown.   Abby and Mia were, of course, playing together wonderfully.  They are really learning to break down even the toughest defense.  Although things have not gone as expected goal wise, play wise, these two girls are going to be a handful in a very short time.  In the end, Spokane threw everything at Sparta and increased the pressure enough for Sparta to make a poor clear that was slipped in behind the midfield on the left and their attacking outside midfielder made a crack shot that just snuck in between the post and Miranda.  This goal took a little air out of Sparta and really gave Spokane a lift, but with only a few minutes left, the Sparta defense kept the game to only a single goal.  The parents saw 2 really well skilled teams play a very exciting game.  There were several instances when Sparta strung together 6 or 7 one touch passes while under extreme pressure.  Although Sparta has not picked up a win this season, in 4 games they have scored 1 goal and had only 5 against.  All the games have been close and sometimes things do not go your way.  Sparta plays the Elite again on the small Mason field next week.  This will be a very interesting game to watch.  Lets hope the Sparta girls are ready to play at speed again becasue Mason is a postage stamp compared to the Spokane field.   No matter the outcome, the Sparta girls have shown themselves capable with competing againt the best teams around and look forward to even more tough games.  Great job girls.

9/17/11 Saturday Sparta 0 - SHSC Rev 1.  The Sparta girls traveled over to Puyallup to face a tough Rev team without their starting mid-fielders, Morgan and Genevieve.  A daunting task, but the girls were ready to step up.  Janaisia, Nay and the outside mid-fielders had their hands full stopping speedy Karly and super tough Anna W.  The Rev came out very aggressive and caught the girls on their heals to start the game.  It was 0-0 until the 23rd minute when an unfortunate hand ball was called inside the Sparta box.  Karly buried the PK and it was 1-0.  The Rev continued to pressure the defense and almost added a few more goals before the half.  The second half saw a much better Sparta team as they pressed hard and the Rev defense started to tire...Abby had some good looks at the goal, but just couldn't slip any into the corners.  Mia created good opportunities as well, but shots were not finding the back of the net.  Lena, Quinn and Alexis played well in the middle as well as Kayla and Hannah on the defensive side...but, most of the game was won on the speed and aggressive outside play of the Rev. Savannah, Maddie and Grace gave it 100%, but in the end the Rev pulled out their first victory over Sparta.  It doesn't get any easier as Sparta heads East for a double-header in Pasco and Spokane.

9/10/11 Saturday Sparta 0 - NW Premier 0.  The girls started out their 2011 fall season with a draw. The game was played at Jane Clark where the field grass was long and wet making for tough passing and slow play. Sparta controlled this game from the get go, but just couldn't squeak one past NW Premier's awesome goalkeeper.  Even a PK in the 32!? minute wasn't getting past this keeper.  Mia, Abby and Grace worked very well up front and had many opportunities.  The mid-field play of Morgan, Genevieve and Alexis played tough against a very aggressive team and distributed the ball to the outside mids as best they could in the long straw grass.  The defense was super tough and kept the pressure on NW Premier's end of the field most of the game.  Early into the 2nd half, Morgan ripped a direct kick from 38 yards out that just missed the upper left corner by inches...so close!!!  NW Premier had a couple opportunities, but Miranda was at her best as usual blocking a shot in the 58th minute that the other team thought went in, but Miranda pulled it back in the air over her head...even I thought it was a goal. Good game girls!

Here are the results of the Puyallup Valley Kick-off over Labor Day. 

9/3/11 Saturday Sparta 5 - Revolution Red 0. 8:00am is kind of early but the girls came out and played pretty well.  The first goal was by Abby on a cross into a mess of players in front of the goal.  Abby has gotten pretty good at that "Flick" type kick.  The crossing was good in this game and Genevieve served some great balls.  Savannah was right there to pounce on one and score her 1st goal of the tournament.  The Rev. team has good size and speed in the back but once again Abby made a little flick for Mia on a thru ball and Mia just cracked a shot from just inside the area into the far post.  Nice shot.  The score was 3-0 with just under 5 minutes to go when Morgan picked up a pass from about 25 yards out and shot a hard one that swerved over the GK.  Nay, Janisia, Hannah, Lena and Kayla worked hard and this kept Rev under pressure.  With less than 30 seconds left, Mia made a nice cross and found Savannah coming in for a pounding shot.  Savannah got 2 goals today. It was a pretty good game, but the Rev are a tough team and disrupted a lot of the passing that Sparta was going for.  Maybe next game.   

9/3/11 Saturday 12:30pm Sparta 3 - Arsenal White 0.  There was a little bit of passing in this game. Sparta has been working on tight play but Arsenal was big and fast in the back and really made it tough to get anything going.  Mia scored a wonderful curly shot from the left side into the far post to start the game.  It was a great effort.  Morgan, Alexis and Genevieve were working in the middle and sending balls to either side.  The left side was doing really well and both Maddie and Quinn started to develop the attack over there.  Eventually, after a few close ones, the ball was played behind the defense and Abby took it at the GK and put in a nice shot.  With just minutes left in the game, Mia served a great ball across the middle and Quinn ripped a shot from about 15 yards that flew past the GK.  It was great.  Most of this game was hard work.  The girls are starting to look comfortable on the ball and the movement is looking sharp.  Lets hope they can keep it up.

9/4/11 Sunday    8:00am Sparta 1 - UPSC Rapids 0.  This was a tough game and could have gone either way.  The Goalkeeping on both teams was awesome.  The Rapids GK was coming out and diving on balls and Miranda had to make at least 5 great saves.  The Rapids are big and very, very fast.  Miranda has not been getting much action lately, but she sure had to be on top of her game today.  The good news for Sparta was the nice play between the forwards.  Mia found Abby breaking for the goal and slipped a nice ball to her in front of the goal and Abby poked it past the GK.  This was the only goal but both teams had great chances.  Morgan, Genevieve and Alexis had their hands full in the middle.  Quinn and Maddie continued their great play over the weekend and most of the good stuff was coming from that side.  It helps to have great passing from Nay and Lena out of the back.  Hannah had to stop at least Seven 1 on 1's and like Miranda, was pushed right to her limit all day.  In the end, the score held out for the win, but I have a feeling that this will be the 2 teams in the final.

9/4/11 Sunday  1:00pm Sparta 3 - RVS 99 White 0.  This was Sparta's best played game of the Tournament.  The Slammers are a smaller team and could not keep up with the passing.  Lena and Maddie started off making about 20 passes on the left and they looked great.  When Quinn went in we saw some great foot skills and more passing.  The ball was really moving around well.  Janisia started in the middle and she and Alexis made sure that the ball was moved to everyone.  Lena finally opened the scoring with a high shot from about 25 yards out over the GK.  Trust me, this was not a bloop shot.  It hit the top of the net with speed.  Morgan got into the act a few minutes later with a sizzling shot from the right and 22 yards out.  The GK got a hand on it but it was high and really moving.  After that, Mia slipped another quick ball into the middle and Abby flicked it past the GK for a super quick, very skillful touch.  Not much to say.  The girls are really understanding the game now.  Hats off to all the players for working so hard to learn to play well.  The second half saw Miranda out of the goal and into the attack.  She made 2 nice moves and had a shot but could not put it away.  Grace had a close-in shot that went over the bar.  In the end, the score stuck at 3-0.  It was great soccer to watch.  It looks like the final is going to be against the Rapids and it should be a barnburner.  I think this one could go to PK's.  Stay Tuned. 

Auugust 18, 2011

Sparta girls were excited to start the 4th tournament of the summer.  Kent United Green 0 - Sparta 0.  First up was probably going to be the toughest battle of this competition.  The super athletic Kent United Green.  The game went as expected with lots of tough play and girls giving 100% for every little ball.  It was tied in the first half and Miranda was required to make some good stops.  There were 2 great chances on hard shots by Kent but Miranda reached out a hand and made the saves.  On offense, Mia, Abby and Grace worked hard but could not quite get a clear shot.  As the game went on, Sparta really started to put on the pressure.  There were a few goal mouth scrambles and Savannah put one over the GK's head but it was saved. Morgan crushed some shots from distance that were drop jaw powerful.  People walking behind the goal had to duck and run for cover.  In the end, neither team was able to put the ball in the goal so it ended in a 0-0 tie.  This may sound like a set-back, but in this tournament, the 3 top teams and the next highest team go to the semis.  So, Sparta picked up 4 points, had no goals against and are still in the chase for the semis.  Great job girls. 

August 19, 2011 Sparta 3 - Seattle United Blue 0.  This score sounds like it was an easy game.  This was not the case.  It was a super tough game and Seattle United had more corners than Sparta and some excellent chances to score.  Miranda was amazing again and made some truly great saves today.  Fortunately, Sparta have a few tricks and Mia was one of them.  At about the 5 minute mark, Mia raced to a bouncing ball in the penalty area and flicked the ball over the head of the onrushing GK and the score was 1-0.  Sparta was putting some great passes together but the lead was a close affair.  Suddenly, the ball was rolled back from Mia and Morgan crushed a shot from 25 yards that just about ripped the GK's hands off and found the goal.  It was frozen rope from distance.  Although Sparta had a lead of 2, United never gave up and just pounded away at the Sparta defense.  Abby and Mia were outstanding today and it was just a matter of time for Abby to beat the defense around the goal and crack a shot from about 15 yards that no GK could stop.  Savannah, Shannon and Maddie were playing great on the outside.  Hannah, Kayla, Nay and Janisia were again able to hold up and Janisia in particular was involved in both defense and offense.  Hannah has become a wall in the back and really covers everyone well.  Hannah is one tough cookie.  A special word on Genevieve.  She is a beast.  The number of blocks, tackles and clears she made was amazing.  Alexis also made one of the best controls out the air that we have ever seen.  Controlling a ball over her head with the top of her foot - completely dead!!  Wow!! Maddie had a nice shot, but in the end, the score stuck at 3-0 with a Sparta victory.  A wonderful performance by Sparta.  Next up-Revolution Red.

August 20, 2011.  Sparta 3 - Rev. Red 0.  Sparta had to win this game 3-0 to win the bracket.  The Rev was having a tough tournament, but they showed up and played a great game.  Fortunately, Sparta passed the ball enough to find Abby near the goal and she whacked one of her incredible shots that no GK could touch.  Sparta had a nice 1-0 lead but The Rev was working hard to stop the good chances.   Sparta looked a little tired and it appeared that they were not going to be able to pick up their 3 needed goals.  Suddenly, Mia controlled a ball about 16 yards from the goal and, turning the defender, ripped a shot into the top corner.  Holy Cow-this is crazy stuff to see happen.  Top corner with great pace!!  The score was now 2-0 and Sparta had 40 minutes to pick up their final needed goal.  Sparta started to settle down and finally played with some confidence.  The ball was being moved around and parents started to see a little of what these girls are capable of.  Morgan received a ball from Maddie and set herself up perfectly for a hard low 25 yard shot to score the third goal.  The Rev tried to push forward a little, but Hannah was always right there to stop anything from starting.  I think that Hannah may be the player of the tournament up to this point!!  Anyway, the Sparta girls survived the bracket play and ended up winning it by 1 point.  This means that they play MRFC-Rink in the Semi-final.  MRFC and Sparta have played many great games and this could be another barnburner to see who goes on to the finals.  Sparta will need to play well to make that happen.  Let's hope that after 3 days sleeping in the camp ground, swimming in the river and visiting the wonderful "Port-a-Potties", the girls have enough strength to win one more game to reach another final.  Win or lose-check the site tomorrow to see what happened.

August 21, 2011 - 12:30.  Sparta 2 - MRFC Rink 0.  Looking around at the other games being played at the tournament, there was a definite sense of fatigue in the air.  Teams were mustering up just enough strength to keep the games going.  Sparta appeared to be heading in this direction.  However, Sparta came out strong and really passed well.  MRFC handled the pressure and hoped for a counter attack.  Within 10 minutes thou, a ball was served in front of the goal and Mia controlled and drove a shot toward the far post.  The coaches had a perfect angle on this and the ball would have gone in.  Unfortunately for Mia, the ball was blocked by a defender and it bounced toward the goal.  Fortunately for Sparta, Abby was on the ball in a flash and crushed a volley from about 6 yards that blew back the net and gave Sparta a deserved 1-0 lead.  Sparta continued to attempt to pass and move, but the legs started to vanish under them and MRFC started to counter.  MRFC had the game tying goal right on a plate for them in front of the goal but it was rocketed over the top.  Close-call!!  A minute later, they got their second great chance but it was saved by Miranda.  Things were getting close and no one knew if Sparta could hold up.  Abby had a terrific game.  The play between the forwards and the midfielders is starting to look like real soccer.  Also, Janisia, Kayla, Hannah, Lena and Nay are just getting tighter and tighter with each passing game.  They really don't give the opponents much of a chance.  In fact, most of the oppositions chances come when the Sparta defense is passing to themselves and there is a miss-trap.  The game looked to be headed to a 1-0 final...But then, Mia picked up a ball on the left side of the MRFC goal and tried to make a left footed cross.  The ball somehow slipped between the keeper and the post and in for the insurance goal.  Just what the doctor ordered.  The whistle blew a few minutes later and Sparta was in their 9th consecutive final.  The WSA Rapids defeated the Kent United team in the other semi game-so up next it is Sparta V. WSA Rapids in the championship game.