Girls 00:
Yesterday marked the first day of competition for the "00 Girls and it was a great day!
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| 2000s hanging with FC Slovacko |
With kick off set for 12:30pm you could feel the mixture of fear and excitement mounting as we worked through warm-ups. Upon the whistle, the energy was palpable! The girls were organized with high intensity; a big discussion point in the pre-game. Even more impressive was the early goal scored by Taylor Robinson on the left flank to put us up 1-0 against a seasoned opponent, FC Slovacko. The game settled in and emotions leveled out. FC Slovacko equalized quickly 1-1. Caleigh Garcia for VYSA sprinted diagonally from the right side and finished back post to put us up 2-1. FC Slovacko 2-2. Going into half time, 4-2 FC Slovacko. Our final left footed finish of the game from Aileen (Beanie) Guthrie to close the gap to 4-3. At this point with tired legs and professional gamesmanship of FC Slovacko, the score line widened.
A 7-3 loss on paper does not indicate the level of class, hard work, effort and dedication that the team portrayed in the match. Coach Tim Krout adds "As as coaching staff we were extremely proud of the girls effort and work rate against an opponent of professional and U19 players. The ball movement was very good at times and amongst our chances we had some quality finishes. The score line does not indicate how well the team played as a group." Clearly, this added some levity to the moment and the girls although badly wanting to win, had a clearer perspective of how well they had battled. Our hosts, First Vienna, were gracious in offering an after the game meal which we were able to enjoy with FC Slovacko. Ironically, some of the players for FC Slovacko had roots back to Virginia ODP and the United States, this opened up the dialogue for the teams to sit and enjoy some time together. Some things got lost in translation but these moments were what made the day so successful. To play a hard fought game, embrace and meet a foreign opponent and enjoy a meal with them while trading snapchat information!
Looking forward to game 2!
Tina Lowery, Assistant Coach, 2000 Girls
Girls 2002:
Our whirlwind tour took us back to the mountains of north Austria to play in a mini-tournament at a residential sports school (Sportschule Lindabrunn). Prior to our trip, the location hosted U17 Euro qualification matches and recently, Napoli of Serie A. The location oozed soccer in every way, over a dozen fields, plus a number of artificial turf, a small stadia, indoor futsal court, dorms, a coaching education theater and a recovery spa.
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| #BondingSelfie |
Our first match was against the host organization, whose players were currently staying there for the week. This game was part of their residential preparation, am sure that is why they flew out of the blocks while we were just waking up. For most of the first 20 min they pressed us with all 10 field players in our half, stifling our ball possession + not being sharp off the bus = 2 nil down after the first stanza. Better response after the break, we score a consolation goal and have chances to tie in the final minutes. After a buffet style lunch and some time socializing with our hosts, we play FC Slovacko from the Czech Republic. A better match for us this time against some International players in their midfield, we dominate the ball but can't break through and the Czech's scramble a half chance in to take a half time lead. More of the same in the second half, VA with the ball and even changing up formations to get more players forward, we can't find the net. The Czech team's performance is mature and they score their second on a counter. Futbol is cruel, what a lesson to learn.
Now time to socialize with our hosts and get back on the bus for a quality dinner at a local Italian Restaurant. Eat well, sleep well.
Paul Shaw, Head Coach, 2002 Girls
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