Saturday, January 31, 2009

Cyclones End Season On A High Note

The Cyclones finished off the 16 game indoor season with a 2 game sweep of the HBC Fury Saturday afternoon at Coindre Hall. Rachel T playing her 2nd full game in goal remained unbeaten and picked up her first shutout in a 4-0 win in the first game. Offensively the Cyclones were led by Jordan who supported her friend in goal by scoring her first 2 goals of the indoor season. The Cyclones also received a goal each from the Xrossfire Connection of Emily & Lauren to complete the victory.

Game 2 saw the unlikely tandem of Anna & Ravid split the goaltending duties in a 5-1 win. Before going in goal Ravid began the scoring, then Marissa scored twice in a game for the first time in her Cyclone career, Deniz scored her 3rd goal of the season on a great pass from Emily and Emily reached double figures when she scored her 10th goal.

The Cyclones came within 1 goal of qualifying for the playoffs after tying Syosset 1-1 the week before. With no subs the girls had built a 1-0 lead on a goal by Lauren S. But the shorthanded Cyclones couldn't hold on to the lead as they tired in the second half settling for a 1-1 tie when they needed a win.

All in all a fun and competitive indoor season. The Cyclones finished with a 7-8-1 record. Included in the 7 wins were big victories over the eventual champ Elwood Spirit 4-1 and eventual 2nd place finisher South Huntington 2-1, both U-14 teams.
The team got great performances on all sides of the ball from longtime Cyclones Ariel, Deniz, Ravid, Marissa, Anna, Jordan, Lisa & Rachel. The team benifitted greatly during the winter break getting outstanding efforst in cameo appearances from Dana, Jenna & Alexa.
Enough cannot be said about the contributions recieved from 4 members or the POB Xrossfiire. Gabby B & Rachel S came by 1 time each to not only help the Cyclones avoid a forfeit, but to help lead the team to victory.
A major contributor from the Xrossfire was Lauren S. Lauren bailed the Cyclones out week in and week out by not only playing a superb defense, but by scoring some big goals as well. Finally, thanks to Emily who had asked to play with the Cyclones for the winter and was among the league leaders in goals scored througout the season. Emily not only found the net 10 times, but set up her teammates a bunch of times as well.

Thanks to all the parents for a great season and workig together to get the girls to and from the games!

Saturday, January 03, 2009

Cyclones Kick Off New Year With A Bang

The Cyclones swept their first two games of the year for the second year in a row beating the HBC Fury & Elwood Spirit 6-0 & 4-1.
Game one featured a dominant performance by the Cyclones who went into possession mode midway through the second half. The game featured 3 exciting firsts. Ravid who plays an outstanding midfield and stopper outdoors opened the scoring with her first indoor goal, her first goal since returning to the team and her first Cyclones goal since October 14, 2006.
Then it was Emily's turn to take over the game scoring 2 goals to end the first half giving the Cyclones a 3-0 halftime lead. Emily then completed her first Cyclone hat-trick with a goal to open up a 4-0 lead.
Finally, it was Deniz's turn. Deniz who has played in over 50 games mostly on defense, midfield and most recently in goal scored not just her first goal, but her first 2 goals to help clinch the 6-0 win in game one.
Once again the Cyclones benefitted from their relationship with the Xrossfire. This time it was Gabby B who stepped in and had 2 huge games. The defense of Gabby, Jordan, Ariel & Lisa was airtight and flawless.

Game 2 was a rematch between the Cyclones and the Elwood Spirit who had shutout the Cyclones back in week one. There would be no shut out in this game. The Spirit came out strong, but it was the Cyclones day. It was 1-1 at halftime with Dana scoring the Cyclones goal. Late in the first half Deniz made a great save...with her face. She was willing to stay in, but with the blood starting to flow she had to replaced by Lisa who shutout the Spirit the rest of the way. Meanwhile Deniz fully recovered and out on the floor set up Emily with a beautiful pass to give the Cyclones a 3-1 lead. Then it was Dana's turn. Hobbled by a toe injury Dana scored the final goal of the game icing the 4-1 win. It was only the Spirits second loss of the season.
Dana's final goal was her 60th a tremendous accomplishment. It was her 5th career hat-trick and the 13th time she has scored 2 or more goals in a game.

The Cyclones have won 3 of their last 4 game and are an even 4 and 4 on the season.

Click here for the updated standingsupdated on Monday: http://www.coindrehallsoccer.com/Coindre_Hall_Indoor_Soccer_League/Tables.html

Click here for the league leaders updated on Monday:
http://www.coindrehallsoccer.com/Coindre_Hall_Indoor_Soccer_League/Golden_Boot.html