Sep 5-6, 2009

GFC gu13s Win Labor Day Tournament

Devens, MA. The Grasshopper FC GU13 team started its first season playing 11v11 with a championship at the 2009 Bandits Cup. The GU13 girls spend the last two years focusing on player and skills development playing an age appropriate format of 8v8 soccer. Now, after some transitioning to the new 11v11 format the girls were looking forward to start a new phase in their soccer life and last weekend the GFC GU13 team participated in the 2009 Bandits Cup in Devens as their fall season opening event.

In our first game of the group stage the U13's faced Central MA Futbol Club and it took the girls about 5-10 minutes to seize up the competition and started taking control of the game. We generated 6-7 very good scoring opportunities in the first half, but it was the lone goal minutes before the halftime break that gave us the 1-0 lead. In the second half GFC took care of business and sealed a 3-0 win. Everyone showed some passionate performances and quality soccer. Our final game of the group stage ended with a solid 8-1 win over Abbey Villa to secure the #1 spot and to qualify the team for the semi-final to be played Sunday morning.

Sunday's semi final against Bristol Youth Soccer proved to be the toughest game our GU13 team would face the entire tournament. The team from RI played a very physical and aggressive style and made it difficult for our girls to find a rhythm. Lea kept us in the game when she saved a penalty kick, but as the game progressed we came close to scoring a goal when we had several opportunities on counter attacks and breakaways. Both teams showed some great defensive work and didn't allow many shots and when everyone was thinking about a possible penalty shootout if was the GFC that scored the game winner just 2 minutes before the end of the game. Winning the ball in our defense it was quickly passed into midfield. Maddie put the ball square to Caroline who sent Sabrina with an accurate pass into the attacking third. Sabrina's shot into the far post was barely saved by Bristol's GK but Kesha was quickly closing in and scored on the rebound. It was the best play of the weekend and a picture perfect demonstration of direct passing and combination style soccer.

In the tournament final the GU13's controlled most of the game against the NH Classics. After ten minutes of play the GU13's took the lead after a cross from the end line was volleyed into the far post corner. It was just another beautiful play that was awarded with a successful finish like we practiced in the last weeks in training. The team had to overcome some tough moments when they lost a bit concentration and gave the ball away too easily allowing the NH Classics to come dangerously close to our goal, but defensively we continued to be 'rock' solid. We made some minor adjustments in the second half and the team demonstrated its most impressive performance of the tournament playing quality and fast paced soccer in the midday heat. All players improved their passing and we started to control pace and kept possession longer. It was Brienne that was sent by a pass from Haley who took off running towards the NH Classics GK and placed the ball intelligently into the lower right corner for the 2-0 lead. This goal had a demoralizing effect to our opponent and we didn't allow them another opportunity for the rest of the game. Now the GU13's combined more easily and almost scored a third goal after another perfect cross from the right midfield position.

We've seen the team adjusting to the new conditions and coming together as a team again after a long summer break. All players improved individually from the first to the last minute. The team impressed with passionate, physical and intelligent play and we'll start our regular fall season with high confidence and motivation.

Thanks to all the parents, friends and families that supported the team during these two days at the tournament especially for the 8AM games.

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