PREDATORS 4 - DEVIL DOGS 0

Fall was in the air at Octo on Saturday October 20th as the Predators took on the Devil Dogs from Sacramento. The Devil Dogs brought their full contingent including 16 players and a large noisy group of onlookers. But it was the Predators who would rise to the challenge with a convincing 4-0 victory.

The morning dew made for a "greasy pitch" early on and the Predators took advantage of the slippery conditions as Kelsey fired a shot from waaaaayyyyyy out by the corner of the penalty area that slipped through the out-stretched hands of the goalie, making it 1-0. Forwards Kylie, Andrea, Amy and Erica kept the pressure on throughout the first half with some good passing and ball work. Midfielders Sabi, Sara, Ericka and Angel were beating the Devil Dogs to the ball and taking control of the game. Kelsey, Melissa, Yolanda and Ally were defenders to start the game. It was nice to see the nice teamwork on defense. Katrina had a relatively easy day in goal in the first half, only touching the ball a few times thanks to the great defense. 

In the second half, coach Juan brought in his secret weapon Kristina, who just got back from Hawaii. I guess all that beach time paid off because she was ready to play, showing off some nice ball control and passing. Meanwhile, the Predators were gaining more and more momentum in the game. Kelsey kicked in the second goal of the game early in the second half capitalizing on a beautiful pass from Angel. A few minutes later, Angel put one in the back of the net making the score 3-0. Erica was now in the goal and Katrina was doing great up in front as forward. Almost the entire second half was played in the Predators offensive zone as the midfielders were continuing to beat the Devil Dogs to the ball. In fact, the Predators had 38 intercepts and 13 steals in this game. That is the by far the best defensive statistic in a single game so far this year. With about 10 minutes left in the match things were looking good. In fact, Mr. Nielson was so confident that he was passing the time by throwing his child up in the air on the sidelines. 

Then came the prettiest play of the year. Ericka took a pass from Katrina's short corner kick and crossed it right in front of the goal to Kristina, who vollied it in for the score! That is the kind of thing you see on the highlight films on television. That is the type of play that makes all the hard work and practice worth it, not only for the players, but for the coaches and parents as well. To see our young ladies playing at such a high level of skill after just a few months together is a tribute to their hard work and dedication!

The Predators Parents showing some TEAMWORK !!!

The game ended with the score 4-0. The Predators out-shot the Devil Dogs 13-2, picked off 38 passes and made 13 steals. Our young ladies celebrated with a well rounded post game snack consisting of Tang and Butterfingers! UMM UMM GOOD!

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