Lady Gunners vs Juventus

 

Sunday Nov. 7th, 2021 | South Walpole, MA

Season Ending Game

A beautiful warm November morning is bonus-weather in the North East region, and a perfect day to get an early game in! The Lady Gunners had this opportunity, though without any substitutes, with a few players missing due to injuries. No excuses made, the 11 who are challenged with the task must deliver. 

Opening 

The original plan was for the Lady Gunners to control the tempo from the start, and make the ball do most of the work, in order to sustain and manage playing without substitutes. What actually got executed was a slow, lethargic play, with many players stagnant all around. As the first half progressed, the performance improved, but never really launched into dominance.  Despite a sub-par performance, the Ladies were able to establish a 3-1 lead at the half.

Half-Time Adjustments

At halftime, we discussed tightening up the defensive work in central midfield.  Juventus is a much-improved team, with the ability to move the ball. That can be dangerous if not dealt with properly, by disrupting their combination and their flow through the middle of the park. 

2nd Half- Final Result

The second half was actually better managed by the Lady Gunners, by disrupting any type of rhythm Juventus attempted to generate, especially through midfield.  With such sound work from the Lady Gunners, it deflated their opponents' ability to close the gap. In the end, the Lady Gunners closed out the season with a 6-1 win. A gutsy performance with all 11 players running for the full 80 minutes! 

Players of the Match
Aurore- was phenomenal in goal, especially for her full outstretched penalty save she pushed away, got up, and recovered. This was during a pivotal point of the match when Juventus could have gained momentum and made things difficult.  

Maddie- from start to end, consistently provided composed ball distribution, poise tempo control, and kept everyone involved.  On a day when the entire unit was not clicking as well, her outstanding performance made up for any lacking chemistry.

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

GAME HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

Lady Gunners vs Scorpions FC

 

Sunday Oct. 31, 2021 | Princeton, MA

Happy Holloween

Rain has been pouring down as if it's late Spring this past week, putting our game at risk of not being played due to field conditions. With an early morning field check, a determined manager with a leaf blower backpack drying out certain areas, all agreed to make it happen! 

Opening 

Playing on a very narrow field, the Lady Gunners were suffocating the opposition with pressure all over the field.  Once they won the ball, the Ladies attacked with purpose.  Several opportunities were created with quality shots taken.  At halftime, a commanding 4-0 lead was reflective of their overall performance.

2nd Half- Final Result

At halftime, our discussion addressed the success from the hard work of the center mids, which disrupted most potential build-ups from the Scorpions. However, a bit of concern for silly mistakes out of the back needed to be cleaned up. 

The second half actually was more challenging than the first, with the Scorpions' determination to be more physical, and apply more pressure on the ball.  As usual, the Lady Gunners being a resilient bunch, responded well with equal intensity and physicality.  In the end, it was a 7-0 victory for the Lady Gunners, which honestly did not feel that way, because the Scorpions were way more competitive than the score showed...(to their defense, they played without a goalie). 

Players of the Match
Our first outstanding performer has no statistics to measure her effort, simply our recognition for their tireless contribution.  Aubrey- limitless resilience, effective wing play, and consistency on both ends of the ball earn her the honors this game!  Courtney- who has worked so hard to improve her play, asked inquiring questions, then executed her far post-run as instructed, and was rewarded with a goal.    

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

GAME HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

Lady Gunners vs MA Rush

 Sunday Oct. 24, 2021 | Newbury, MA

Opening 

A far drive on an early Sunday morning game showed serious commitment from all involved here. Let's face it, that's a tough ride out to almost New Hampshire. The Lady Gunners were definitely up to the task as they jumped out to an early 2-0 lead.  Surprisingly, the Gunners were never playing up to their potential. At the half, it was a 3-1 which did not feel like a lead based on the Ladies' lethargic performance. 

2nd Half- Final Result

At halftime, the coaching staff had a concern about the Lady Gunners' lack of intensity. Though leading 3-1, there was definitely a lack of desire to outwork their opponent, especially in the center of the park.  

The entire second proved to be a struggle for the Gunners. Though they had moments of brilliance, they never established consistent control of the game. Ultimately, MA Rush outplayed them on all facets of the game, specifically in the center midfield. In the end, the Lady Gunners walked away with a 3-3, which honestly was a generous result based on performance. 

Players of the Match
Without questions, the two outstanding players were the most lively one who matched the opposition intensity from the start.  Lydia- was a live wire, with relentless energy in midfield, which honestly managed MA Rush's potential damage. Gabby- scored 2 goals, early on to help cushion a lead, which ultimately preserved a result at the end. 

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

 absence. 

GAME HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

Lady Gunners vs. Franklin SC

 Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021 | Princeton, MA 

COVID 

 An unfortunate infection of COVID kept the head coach away from the sidelines for this match. This game's perspective is based on watching it on film after it was played. 

Opening 

This game started off a bit shaky for the Lady Gunners because Franklin simply had more intensity and confidence. It seems as if there was an immediate disadvantage for that simple reason. The other aspect is Franklin is opportunistic, and clinical at finishing those. At the half a 2-0 deficit for the Gunners with some questions to answer. 

2nd Half- Final Result

At halftime, concern was regarding Gunner's ability to respond. Although down 2-0, the game was far from being over.  As the Lady Gunners got back out, the game got away from them. The single most prevalent aspect was Franklin's physicality!  They basically man-handled the Lady Gunners, and stamped a 3-0 win out of sheer desire and devotion to win. 

Players of the Match
From this game's review, there were two players who had outstanding performances. Gabby: live wire, full of energy, provide a spark and hope for her team to stay in with her consistent runs on the wing, and creativity around the goal. Lilly: stood strong in the middle of park, was able to simply establish a dominant presence with her physical play, and ability to launch attacks for her team. 

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

GAME HIGHLIGHT VIDEO