McLean Youth Soccer Association

McLean Fury Gold finished off the Labor Day Weekend tournament with a convincing 3-0 win over BAC Apex. With a 1-0-2 record in pool play, the ladies earned a right to play in the final midday Sunday.

In the morning game the team played BAC Apex to a 1-1 draw. Though the scoreline was not indicative of the play/possession, the game was tight thanks to BAC scoring 45 seconds into the game. The ladies didn't get down and put the pressure onto BAC resulting in a tying goal off a cross (Joy via Natalie). The buildup to goal included 4-5 passes as the ball moved from the defense through midfield out to the wing for a cross. The rest of the game was back and forth with most of the chances created but spurned by Fury.

The tie secured a place in the champtionship game vs BAC Apex! Two games in 5 hours against the same opponent, not a common occurence. The ladies were challenged to come out and blitz from the start - try to beat 45 seconds to score the first goal! They did not manage it, but I think any coach will take 1 min 15 seconds into the match for a lead!

Pressure from midfield led to a turnover, and Carolina made beautiful diagonal ball splitting the defense to Natalie who took 2 touches to cross a ball across the 18 to a wide open Erika who calmly finished with her side foot.

Fury continued the pressure through short passes and meaningful through balls always forcing the opponent to chase the ball. The second breakthrough was the result of another midfield win, this time Olivia floated a beautiful ball over BAC's left back - Joy ran onto the pass cut the ball back and struck a wonderful ball that caught the crossbar flush....Katherine was in the right place to simply knock the ball into the net with her body.

A wonderful solo effort resulted in the 3rd goal, as the girls applied pressure on the defense - Antonia intercepted a pass took 3 touches and blasted an est. 25 yard blast right under the crossbar.

Throughout the weekend, the improvement in play was evident across the team and individually. The girls earned this the right way, wtih the right attitude, and most of all as a team.

WELL DONE LADIES!