PREDATORS 6 - SIERRA STORM 1

The Predators kept their win-streak alive on a muggy Sunday afternoon in Fair Oaks, dominating the Sierra Storm 6-1. This game was played on September 23, 2001. After an interesting Car-pool experience on the way up Interstate 80 that resembled the Movie "The Great Race," we all made it safely to the "field ????". I guess that's what they called it. Lets just say that the field conditions were less than ideal for soccer, but the Predator players did not let it bother them. In fact, they used the "dirt" and other obstacles to their advantage, showing off their superior speed and ball handling skills. In addition, this game was played without substitutes. We missed Andrea, Melissa and Sarah.

Katrina started off the scoring about two minutes into the match with a nice aggressive follow-up in front of the goal, making it 1-0. About a minute later, Kelsey showed some nice ball work, juking the goalie out of position and scoring the second goal. Meanwhile, the defenders- Kristina, Ally, Yolanda and Kylie were doing a great job defending on the dirt side of the field, where trapping and ball control were very difficult. Coach Juan moved Kelsey back to sweeper and Kristina up to forward and a minute later, Kristina capitalized breaking away from the Storm defenders and scoring her third goal of the weekend! Late in the first half, the Storm managed to score a goal on deflection of clearing kick by Kelsey. But a minute later, Katrina scored for a second time as Amy controlled a nice corner kick from Angel and pushed it in front for Katrina to hammer into the goal. The whistle blew, making it 4-1 at halftime. 

In the second half, the Midfielders Ericka, Sabi, and Angel took over pushing through-ball after though-ball into the dirt area for the forwards to hammer shots. Kylie had several nice shots from left wing early in the second half to set the tone for the Predators. The Predators definitely have developed a "killer instinct" in front of the goal the last few games, following up every shot and keeping the pressure on! Midway through the half, Ericka crossed one to Ally, who was in position on right wing, and hammered it in making the score 5-1. A few minutes later Amy took a nice shot from the left side that looked to be finished off by Ally, they both did a great job with the shot and the follow up, making it 6-1. 

The Predators out-shot the Storm 23-3 in this game! Ericka took several nice shots with her left foot in the second half. With all the scoring the last few games, it is also important to note that the defenders and goalies are just as important in these wins. 

Good offense cannot happen without good defense and midfield play. The Predators have only allowed one goal in the last four games. That is just as important to the TEAM as scoring goals!

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