Labor Day Tournament 2021

 

Sept. 4, 2021 | Devens, MA

Day 1- Game v Juventus Academy

Lady Gunners started off the game slowly with limited control in the middle of the park.  Though possession was prevalent at times, the consistency clearly was not present long enough. 

After a brief discussion at the half regarding the importance of improving ball movement, the Lady Gunners turned the game into their favor.  In the end, they were surgical with passing, clinical with finishing, and classy about Not Running the Score, without the coaching staff's intervention.  7-2 final score was a convincing win, and solid start of the tournament. Outstanding Performers were Alyssa and Hope for their solid defensive play. 

Day 1- Game v Westford Knights

Another shocking start against a team the Gunners very well. The Lady Gunners were down 1-0 early on. Though resilient, and never panicking, this is becoming a dangerous habit.  Focus became a must, as the Westford Knight grew more confident as the game progressed.

Second half begun with more of the same, to the point where the Gunners found themselves in a 3-0 deficit. True to the Lady Gunners' character, they scored a goal to give themselves life, and may save face.  Momentum started swinging, when they made the score a 3-2. With just under 10 minutes, the Lady Gunners found the equalizer to make it a 3-3 final.  It was a remarkable, exciting comeback! Outstanding Performers were Emma on defense and Ryan for their scoring. 

Day 2- Game v N.E. Turf

The Lady Gunners were facing a formidable opponent. They were organized defensively, pressured ball well, possessed consistently, and had a clinical player up top that finished chances. It was awesome to see another team challenge the Gunners in such a manner. 

At the half, the adjustment necessary was better ball pressure, and improve possession again. The execution of these plans proved the point that most teams panic under pressure. In the end, it was a 2-0 lost, deserving of the Turf who took their chances well.  Outstanding Performers were Aubrey and Lilly; taking care of business on both sides of the ball.  

Day 2- Final v N.E. Turf

The challenge was set for the Gunners to figure out how to close the gap against a team they played well in the first game.  The game plan involved ball pressure, possession, and limiting touches from Turf's dangerous forward. Turf came out, took a very early lead. They were once again clinical at finishing their chances. By halftime, they were up 3-0.  

Strangely, watching the game from the sidelines, one would think the score line was much closer. In fact, the Lady seemed hungry, while the Turf wanted nothing to do with closing out the game. In the end, the Turf deservingly won 4-1. Outstanding performers were Gabby and Lydia for their relentless work on all over the field.

Congrats to the entire Lady Gunners team for an outstanding tournament.