Lady Gunners v. SC Scorpions

 

September 26, 2021 | Medway, MA

Opening 

Another beautiful day with an opportunity to execute the hard work done in training all week.  The sessions were demanding physically, mentally, and tactically.  The Ladies responded well to those challenges, which reflected during their performance today.

Scorpions possessed great quality of their own, demonstrated the ability to match up well against the Gunners.  However, as the game went on, the Lady Gunners imposed their dominance,  controlling most facets of the game, from defensive shutdowns of attacks, to consistent possession in the midfield.  At the half, the Gunners took a 1-0 lead into the break.  

2nd Half- Final Result

At halftime, the Gunners camp addressed the following concerns: 1- plugging the hole vacated on the left back position; 2- maintaining the defensive shape in the middle of the park; 3- be more clinical finishing scoring opportunities. 

At first, it seemed as if the adjustments discussed were not working, as the Scorpions had long stretches of possession in the Gunners defensive 3rd.  Once again, the Lady Gunners displayed resilience, patience, and eventually turned things in their favor. Once they regained control, there was no turning back. With a 3-0  final score,  it was a deserving win against a strong opponent. 

Players of the Match
This performance demanded more out of players, due to injuries, and the absence of our starting striker, Ryan.  Our outstanding performers were:  Lydia- tireless play in midfield, disrupted opponent attacks through anticipation and controlled ball distribution.  Lexi- scored 2 goals, generated from her hustle play, and assisted one to Gabby.    

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

Unfortunate Injury

Injuries are an unfortunate part of athletics, we know they happen, but hope they never come.  Lexa B. fell, after a coming together in the midfield,  later discovered she broke a forearm bone. 

We wish Lexa a speedy recovery, and will miss her tenacity on the pitch during her absence. 

GAME HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

Lady Gunners v. MA RUSH

 

September 19, 2021 | Princeton, MA

Opening 

Coming off a sound week of training, with all players committed to attending sessions, the Lady Gunners were well prepared to face  a strong side in MA RUSH.  The Gunners began the game with a commanding control of midfield, creating glorious scoring chances early on. 

MA RUSH did a great job sustaining the attacking pressure.  The Ladies Gunners stuck to their guns, moving the ball well, using width to exploit their opponent from the center of the park.  Eventually, the offensive pressure paid off for the Gunners, who took a 1-0 lead into the half. 

2nd Half- Final Result

At halftime, the Gunners discussed being clinical finishing inside the opponent's box. Though numerous chances were created, few were actually converted, because shots were struck directly to the keeper's hands.  The adjustment needed was to slot the ball low to the corners, away from the goalie. 

The second half actually composed of resilience from MA RUSH, who actually had long spells of midfield control. Once the Gunners adjusted their shape in the middle of the park, they regained dominance.  In the end, the Lady Gunners closed out the game with a 2-0 win, against a strong team! 

Players of the Match
Though it was complete team effort, there were a couple of players who really had a great outing this afternoon.  First was Gabby, who executed the adjustment of slotting the ball into the corners, for a beautiful game winner. The other was Bailey, who had a stellar performance defensively, shutting down players on the left side of defense.  

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

GAME HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

Lady Gunners v NEFC West

 

September 12, 2021 | Westfield, MA

Season Opener

The Lady Gunners had a great tournament in preparation for the season opener. Any part of their performance carried over into their first game would breed success.  A beautiful, sunny, warm Sunday afternoon was a perfect setting to kick this season off to a great start!

Opening 

The Gunners started the game possessing the ball well. The midfield combined consistently to sustain control. Wide play was executed, with constant reminders for winger to extend their position to the sidelines while in possession. 

NEFC was a strong side with dangerous players of their own. With tight pressure on their creative players, the Gunners were able to minimize threatening attacks.  At the half, the Lady Gunners held a commanding 1-0 lead. 

2nd Half- Final Result

At halftime, the team discussion was about being more clinical finishing chances, especially in the box.  There were at least two shots taken by the Gunners inside the box, struck directly at the keeper's hands.  A slotted pass, low to the corners, would have done the job. 

As the second developed, the heat factor actually affected the Gunners' team chemistry in midfield. The disconnect in the middle, actually gave NEFC some momentum, but not enough to create fatal chances.  In the end, the Lady Gunners did hang onto the 1-0 win. 

Players of the Match
Lady Gunners dominated the first half, and walked away with a win. Sometimes, it requires grinding out your way to the desired results, which is what they did in the second half. 

All players did their part, many had great spurts of brilliant play.  The two outstanding performers were Alexis, (scored from a free-kick) and Lilly (controlled the middle of the park defensively).  Both were instrumental in the team dominating performance, as well as the important goal to record a win for the effort.

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

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. 

Lady Gunners v MAF 2

 

June 6th, 2021 | Princeton, MA

Season Final Game

It has been a season of progress, focuses on the process, and allowing results to take of themselves. Excuses are never allowed, mindset is everything, and the fundamental rules include going through the process with joy, without overthinking on game days. 

Opening 

MAF has a determined team, ready to strike whenever given the opportunity. They found a way to take an early lead on the Lady Gunners.  It is a bit concerning considering the number of times the Lady Gunners have allowed opponents to lead. However, the response was resilient, and timely as the Gunners leveled the score. 

2nd Half- Final Result

At halftime, sound defending was the major topic, along with the opponent's tendency to go direct once they passed midfield.  The Lady Gunners did a great job possessing the ball, stringing together passes out of the midfield. After going up 3-2, the Ladies were unable to protect their lead as MAF scored late from another corner kick to level it at 3-3 for a final score. 

Players of the Match

The two outstanding performers were Bayley who quietly continued to shut down attacking players on her side, and Lilly who was outstanding in the center of defense, controlling most of the game consistently for her side. A doubtful knee did not keep Lilly sidelined! 

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

Memorial Day_Tournament 2021 Recap

 

May 29th, 2021 | Devens, MA

Day 1- Game v Old School

Lady Gunners were facing a formidable opponent, with Old School being technical, especially in scoring goals. Right from the start, the Gunners took control scoring early, established confidence, and took a 1-0 lead at the half. 

The second half was a different story altogether after we discussed improving possession. It turns out the Gunners can be as clinical scoring goals. In the end, it was a 5-1 convincing, well-deserved win for the Gunners. Off to a great start at this tournament. Outstanding Performers were Emma and Ryan who were clinical at finishing chances. 

Day 1- Game v Scorpion

A Surprising start, a complete 180-degree turn for the worse from the first game, the Lady Gunners found themselves at a 2-0 deficit in the match. Panic never set in, it was more a question of how the team would turn things around

True to the Lady Gunners' character, they scored the 3rd goal of the game, which is always the most crucial score in a 2-0 match. With complete control of the match from that point, the Gunners could have easily won the game based on the chances created. 2-2 final was a fair score, considering their opponent being resilient too. Outstanding Performers were Alyssa on defense and Zoe for her relentless hard work. 

Day 2- Game v Foundation

Once again, the Lady Gunners found themselves down a goal early in the game. The biggest concern was to shut down our opponent's center mid, who was sound at finding their fast winger on breakaways.

In the second half, the Gunners executed their defensive duties in the center of the park. Once that was taken care of, the Lady Gunners were able to find their scoring form and came back to win this one 4-2. Outstanding Performers were Aubrey and Kaleigh; taking care of business on both sides of the ball.  

Day 2- Game v Scorpion 2

The setting for this one was full of excitement. Long story short, it was a must-win for the Gunners. Since both teams had the same record, a tie would go in the opponent's advantage based on goal differential. 

Scorpions came out with absolute devotion to take an early lead and put this game away early. They had four phenomenal midfielders who were fast, skilled, and simply dangerous offensively. To weather their storm of attacks, our central midfielders had to put in extra work to sustain their pressure. At the half,  the concern was all about sustaining the defensive lockdown in the center of the park. 

To recap the level of excitement, let's focus on the scoring sequence, which illustrates the seesaw of emotions both teams experienced. Scorpions took a 1-0, then Gunners tied it at 1-1. Soon after Gunners went ahead 2-1 at the half, only to see their opponents take a 3-2 lead early in the second half. With less than 10 minutes left, the Gunners tied the match at 3-3, but then with practically no time left, ended up losing 4-3...yes it is exhilarating to recap it all. 

Outstanding Performers: 1- Maddie for her defensive work against outstanding offensive players in midfield. 2- Lexis for her defensive work also in midfield, but then also her timely goal to level the score late in the game. 3- Aurore for her heroic point-blank saves, including a penalty, to keep her team in it.  

Congrats to the entire Lady Gunners team for an outstanding tournament. You were lots of fun to watch and made everyone proud of your performance. 

Lady Gunners v. Westford Knights

 

May 23rd, 2021 | Princeton, MA

2nd of a Double Header Day

Both teams are playing their second game today, therefore the playing field was leveled and fair. Westford being the top team in the league is a tough opponent to compete against. These Lady Gunners are up for the challenge with team braided hair, looking up to the task.

Opening 

The Lady Gunners came out ready to take the lead. In the first minute, Lexi hit the post from a freekick. A few minutes later, she outhustled two defenders to a 50/50 ball, took them on, and missed her shot just wide of the post. The first half balanced out with the Knights creating a few chances of their own, but it ended 0-0.

2nd Half- Final Result

At halftime, we asked the Lady Gunners to be more clinical with their scoring opportunities, and continue to be aggressive offensively. However, the Knights ended up being the ones who converted their opportunities. They scored twice from two well-placed shots inside of our box. A 2-0 final in their favor; Lady Gunners played well but suffered their first loss of the season. 

Players of the Match
Another gutsy performance from the Lady Gunners, leaving it all out there! Every player made a significant contribution, without exception. However, the two outstanding performers were  Ryan and Aurore.

Ryan was a handful all day long for defenders. Especially in this match where she was consistently the threat, the Knights had to defend closely, and the Go-to Option for the Gunners offensively.  Aurore was phenomenal with her aggressive play, coming way out of the box to make a sliding tackle, key saves to keep her team in the match, and solid reliable last line of defense. 

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