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| Coaching Article |
In their last opportunity as SRS Club players, the Shock is making one more run at a State Championship that has eluded them since their U11 days.
In the quarterfinals on Saturday, the Shock squared off against 4 time State Champion, Mustang Spirit. Long a rival of the Shock, the two had last met in the finals 3 years ago with Mustang coming away with the victory. Saturday was a different story with the Shock going up early in the 15th minute when pressure from Megan Molina in the Mustang defensive third caused a miscommunication between the defense and goal keeper. Molina beat Mustang's fullback to the ball and slotted a shot past a diving goalkeeper with what would eventually be the only goal of the game. The Shock maintained control of the game for the rest of the half having a couple of excellent scoring opportunities from Kayla Santacruz but each time were denied by Mustang's keeper.
In the second half, Mustang came out with a vengence spraying shots from all over including two near goals that had keeper, Jessica Wildeman, diving completely horizontal for a spectacular save and then leaping high to deflect a shot just over the crossbar. The game was as intense and physical as any boys game with 4 yellow cards being distributed and players going down on the field with severe muscle cramps. Tremendous team defense by the Shock held up the score and victory was theirs.
On Sunday, the Shock faced MVLA in the semi's. Still recovering from the intense battle the day before, some players gingerly took the field for what would be another epic game. In the first half Kaitlyn Fitzpatrick hit a rocket from 30 yards out that hit the crossbar. This set the tone for the first half as the Shock dominated but could not put the ball in the net. MVLA scored on a breakaway with just 5 minutes left to go up 1-0.
In the second half MVLA had an opportunity to go up 2-0 when the ball was cleared for a breakaway. Fitzpatrick, in what was the defensive play of the game raced 70 yards down field to catch and slide tackle the ball from the MVLA forward just before a shot was attempted. With 15 minutes remaining the Shock finally got on the board when Laci Schlicker flicked a centering cross from Saki Crabb on to the body of Stephanie Rapley who rode it all the way into the goal. Then with under 5 minutes remaining, Molina took a short corner kick pass from Schlicker and beat one defender on the end line before getting dragged down from behind in the penalty area. Fitzpatrick made good on the PK and the Shock held on in the last 2 minutes for the victory and a shot at the Championship.
The Championship will be at noon, this Sunday, May 2nd at the Morgan Hill Soccer Complex on the south turf field. Come by and root for the Shock as they vie for their last chance at a State Cup title.
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