Lady Gunners v. RI Surf 5/22/22

Sunday May 22nd, 2022 | Princeton, MA

The entire, Gunners have yet to play with their full squad... why break the streak today? Two players short, but once again, no excuses made. After another great week of preparation, the Ladies were ready to face the top team in the league

1st Half

The possession game is the foundation these Gunners are built upon and today, the goal was to rely heavily on that base. The Ladies did not disappoint, playing well out of the midfield position, controlling play by consistently connecting passing throughout the half. Though a few chances were created, the only conversion was by Gabby for a 1-0 lead at the half for the Gunners.

Half-Time Adjustments

The triangle in the middle was doing an ok job with their passing but was too congested when in possession of the ball when in transition to offense from defensive plays. Therefore, a quicker switch to create space was important to improve their dominance. 

2nd Half- Final Result

True to their identity, and focused on their plan, the ladies performed well as a unit throughout the half. The team pressure executed their pressing well, suffocating their opponent in their attempt to generate offense. Once in possession of the ball, the Lady Gunners created long stretches of consecutive passing to limit the Surf's ability to establish any control or threat on offense.  A 1-0 final was an excellent result for the Gunners, against a tough opponent. 

Player of the Match

Maggie- tough games present the opportunity for players to shine, respond to challenges, and make a significant contribution to their side. Though the entire team played a stellar game, where every player performed well in their respective roles, the outstanding performer was Maggie!  Her poise on the ball to distribute was sharp, defensive anticipation stealth-like, speed to recover impressive, and of course those long throw-ins, served as a weapon. 

Congrats Maggie on a well-deserved Players of the Match Award!!

GAME VIDEO

GAMES SCHEDULE LINK 

Lady Gunners v. Scorpions Metro 5/15/22

Sunday May 15th, 2022 | Medway, MA

Another warm day game on turf, with several key players missing for a variety of reasons, means no subs, and the group gathered would have to pick up the slack.  Things such as life happen, therefore we must learn to adjust, carry forward, and conquer. 

1st Half

Alright, the last time this scenario presented itself, where the Lady Gunners had to perform on a drastically warm day on turf, a loss was the result.  However, today's performance proved the maturity this group has acquired from that experience. The possession game was prevalent, the triangle in the center dictated the pace, which gave the Gunners the ability to control the tempo; 0-0 at the break. 

Half-Time Adjustments

The only time the Ladies had difficulties, was when they got away from possession. Otherwise, things were kept under control. Therefore, the adjustment was clear; spend all energy keeping possession of the ball. 

2nd Half- Final Result

The game plan was executed well, and the Lady Gunners kept a high percentage of the ball. This strategy helps limit the Scorpion's ability to establish a rhythm on offense, build momentum or build confidence. Without subs, it certainly kept the Lady Gunners from consistent defensive duties, which can be exhausted mentally and of course physically. A 0-0 final was actually a fair result. 

Player of the Match

Gabby- For the second game in a row, Gabby was a bright spot for her team. Posing as a constant offensive threat to the opponent's defense, she was a handful this game. Although she did not convert her chances, she was constantly outstanding in her movement, sharp turns on defenders, and her progression towards the goal!  

Alyssa- the strong-quiet leader was back in the center of defense, and her presence provided depth, stability, and balance in front of the Gunners' goal. Without saying much, she covered well by reading the game intelligently; sensing the danger before it happened. Once Alyssa wins the ball, she has developed the ability to distribute out of the back with poise and vision. Nice to have her back! 

Congrats Gabby & Alyssa on a well-deserved Players of the Match Award!!

GAME VIDEO

GAMES SCHEDULE LINK 

Lady Gunners v. Scorpions Central

 

Sunday May 8th, 2022 | Princeton, MA

Today's game really needed to be a rebound game for the Gunners, who had a rough spell the previous with their performance. With a few more players returning, and a sound week of training, the focus has been injected back into the group. The performance is expected to reflect this. 

1st Half

From the start of the game, the Lady Gunners played with the purpose to control ball movement, being patient, and taking opportunities as they present themselves. Though this was encouraging, there were still tendencies to rush things in the final offensive 3rd. At the half, the Lady Gunners had 2-1 lead.  

Half-Time Adjustments

The most concerning challenges involved the patience that had to be executed around the Scorpion's box. Having such patience not only produce more scoring opportunities but also allows you to keep the ball longer, far away from your own goal. 

2nd Half- Final Result

With a great level of maturity, the Lady Gunners displayed their ability to improve their performance.  In the final offensive 3rd, they were definitely more patient and allowed plays to develop with more fluidity. As expected, more chances to score presented themselves, and the Ladies converted enough for a 4-1 final score.

Player of the Match

Gabby- had a phenomenal match overall. Her first touch was sharp, her ability to turn on defenders on a dime was excellent, decision making to either pass or take players on hard to defend. By far, Gabby was the most dominant, influential player on the pitch! 

Lydia- perfected the role of defensive mid. Scorpion's most dangerous player always needed to be double-teamed, which Lydia provided with great anticipation.  Furthermore, she consistently launched transitions to the offense with poise on the ball, sound decisions, and stability out of the defensive end. 

Congrats Gabby & Lydia on a well-deserved Players of the Match Award!!

GAMES SCHEDULE LINK 

Lady Gunners v. NEFC Metro West 5/1/22

 

Sunday May 1st, 2022 | Mendon, MA

The Lady Gunners had to play another game without subs, on a hot day, that happens to be on a turf field. No excuses; players need to face tough situations to develop mental toughness. This was a great opportunity to accomplish that. 

1st Half

The start of the game seemed to be an even match-up between a couple of sound teams, searching for dominance. However, once NEFC was able to score, the Lady Gunners' confidence seemed to dwindle. Defensively, the Lady Gunners lost their discipline, shape, and desire to execute with intelligence. 

Half-Time Adjustments

Lots of concerns to address, but priority involved discipline to work as a unit on both sides of the ball. Offensively, there was a clear tendency to kick and chase; a style too direct for what the Gunners ordinarily like to execute. 

2nd Half- Final Result

With all the challenges, the Lady Gunners were still a goal away from getting something out of the game. The NEFC goalie must be credited with three goal-saving goals to keep her team ahead.  Clearly not one of the Lady Gunners' best games, which the 3-0 loss fairly reflected. After this one, it is time to regroup, get some players back, and rebound!  

Player of the Match

Lexa- played with great energy throughout the entire game.  The energizer for her group, a no-quit attitude, with the determination unmatched to do better.  On a day when things simply, things did not seem to go well for her group; you would not know it by watching her performance. 

Congrats Lexa on a well-deserved Players of the Match Award!!

GAMES SCHEDULE LINK 

Lady Gunners v. Franklin 4/24/22

 

Sunday April 24, 2022 | Princeton, MA

The Lady Gunners were defeated by Franklin 3-0 last season. The unsettling factor about it was the fact that Franklin played with 10 players that game. With a reminder of that result, the Lady Gunners had a statement to make about it.

1st Half

 Motivated by the loss last season, the Lady did a remarkable job pressuring the ball in midfield, while limiting their opponent's ability to get anything going offensively.  This facilitated the Gunners' ability to quickly transition to possession, and create scoring opportunities, which they converted for a 2-0 lead at the intermission. 

Half-Time Adjustments

At halftime, it was important to point out that the triangle in the middle really needed to remain organized. The only time Franklin showed signs of life, was when the unit was flat. Besides that, the Gunners needed to be clinical at finishing their opportunities. 

2nd Half- Final Result

The Lady Gunners came out ready to put the game away, based on the sharp possession, and determination to inject their pressure into their opponent's attack, causing paralysis to any threatening move Franklin attempted. In the end, it was a 3-1 final, with lots of credit going to their second-half goalie, who made numerous saves to keep things close.

Players of the Match

Saidi- had her breakout game today, showing signs of her consistent improvement.  Out on the wing, she was fluid with movement off the ball, sharp with her control, and sound with her decision-making.  Her memorable header saved by the keeper was exemplary of her performance today! 

Alexa- has continued to show her ability to improve when she receives the ball, with soft first touch, and patience while looking for her next option. Always aggressive and hungry, she found her first goal this season, off a set-piece. Great job from the youngster today! 

Aubrey- controlled the center of the park with her poised distribution and intelligent reading of the opponent's tendencies. When things were disorganized in the middle, it was her presence that stabilized the chaos. Capped off by her beautiful upper 90 shot, to put the game to bed for her team, Aubrey was phenomenal.

Congrats to all the Outstanding Performers Today! 

GAMES SCHEDULE LINK 

Lady Gunners v Juventus- 4/10/22

 

Sunday April 10th, 2022 | South Walpole, MA

The Lady Gunners are a depleted team, with lots of injuries to deal with. The Central Midfield was a hurting unit with Lydia's absence, Lexi's playing with a broken tibia, and Maddie playing at 70% with a leg injury of her own. 

1st Half

 As usual, no excuses were ever made, the healthy players simply had to step up to face the challenge. The game started off with Juventus doing well possessing, controlling play. The Gunners could not match the quality on that front. At the intermission, the Gunners had a 1-0 lead but were far from convincing in terms of performance level.

Half-Time Adjustments

At halftime, the plan was for the Gunners to actually improve their defensive discipline.  Juventus was actually picking the Ladies apart with triangle passing, give-n-goes, and sharp passing all over the pitch. 

2nd Half- Final Result

The second half was more of the same for the Lady Gunners. Much credit goes to Juventus, a team that has improved tremendously over the past year.  They were clinical with their passes, possession, patience, and creating scoring opportunities. In the end, it was a 1-1 final score, when Juventus finally converted a free-kick, from outside of the box. 

Players of the Match

Lilly- was pivotal in her role to help stabilize the Lady Gunners.  Moving her up to the center midfield proved to close lots of gaps in the middle of the pitch, especially in the absence of the usually reliable midfield trio.  

Bayley- for the second week in a row, Bayley was an outstanding performer for her side. She had to play in the center of defense to allow Lilly to step to midfield. As usual, Bayley played with controlled aggression, consistent key defensively plays and was a reliable source for her team.

Congrats to you both on a well-deserved Players of the Match Award!!

GAMES SCHEDULE LINK 

Lady Gunners v. Surf

Sunday April 3, 2022 | Fitchburg, MA

Season Opener

Always exciting to start the outdoor seasons after long winters. Sure, the indoor games help bridge that gap, but there is nothing like being on a full field with an opportunity to play. With just one training session outside and a couple of pre-season games, the Lady Gunners were hoping to come out sharp for this battle. 

Opening 

The game started off intense, physical, and aggressive on both sides. Since the referee seem to allow it, both teams found comfort in the physical nature of the match.  The Lady Gunners did well with possession at stretches of time but seemed to always to rush that final pass a bit too much. A couple of defensive mistakes allowed Surf to score their first goal. Shortly after, the Gunners equalized for a 1-1 score at the end of the first. 

Half-Time Adjustments

At halftime, we discussed improving the possession game, by not rushing the final passes. The Lady Gunners uncharacteristically got lost in a direct style of play, which favored their opponent.  

2nd Half- Final Result

Unfortunately, the plan to better execute the possession game never materialized. Although the Lady Gunners were able to control play in their own half, that quality never carried to the offensive third.  Consequently, very few corners, crosses, and shots were created.  With a couple of penalties called against the Lady Gunners, Surf was able to secure a 3-1 win. 

Players of the Match

Bayley- as the game progressed, Bayley seemed to generate more energy! Defensively, she continued to be aggressive, stepping up to close down players, and shutting down any dangerous penetration on her side. Late in the second half, she consistently made plays offensively, turning into a wing-back. Outstanding performance.  

Lilly- had a strong game overall in central defense. With her athleticism, Lilly was able to cover a lot of ground. Offensively, her ball control to transition into offense was pivotal for her squad. Awesome job.

Congrats to you both on a well-deserved Players of the Match Award!!