Day 6 for the '00 Girls; a day of travel, games and new places!
Leaving the confines of Vienna and heading towards Budapest, Hungary, the anticipation of a new locale was evident amongst the teams. Our first Hungarian match would take place in a small town called Gyor, which was about an hour and half commute from Vienna. Arriving to face our opponent, Eto Gyor, we were welcomed with professional facilities in the shadows of a giant stadium; a place we will return to for the Hungary v. Croatia game on Saturday evening.
This match undoubtedly would prove difficult after a late match the previous night in Altenmarkt. Both coaches and players expected heavy legs. Upon the whistle, it was evident that Eto Gyor was more of even matchup for the '00 team. Facing older and more experienced opponents has lost a little of its shock value and now the team just shows up to play. The first half was slow from the VA side but we managed to get to halftime with only a 1-0 deficit to face. Following a few simple tactical adjustments and a lift in effort and spirits, VA started the second half with determination. At the 46:50 mark, Danielle Toone picked off a pass in the midfield to convert our first opportunity and tie the game 1-1. Shortly after, Eto Gyor, got the go-ahead goal, 2-1. A noticeable increase in effort and movement both with and without the ball showed the girls that they were in control of most of the possession for the second half. At the 72:00 mark, Danielle Toone, who incessantly picked apart Eto's midfield and defense, went on a 30 yard run with the ball to dish it off to Aileen (Beanie) Guthrie for the right footed finish. The final result 2-2, and a point to be rewarded for all the hard work of this team.
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| Champions! |
Following a brief lunch and walkabout in Gyor, it was back on the bus to head to our next hotel in Visegrad, Hungary. Nestled in the countryside on the River Danube, the teams are enjoying a step up in accommodations- bowling alley, pool, ping pong, hot tub, and karaoke contests which started last evening. Hands down, the '00 Girls are the World Champions of Karaoke selection and performance. Visegrad has welcomed us with open arms and we are looking forward to continuing our adventures for the close out portion of our trip.
Tina Lowery, Assistant Coach 2000
2002 Girls:
The 2002s rolled out of their Venetian beds on time and hopped on the bus for Hungary with tired, heavy legs and, very positive spirits.
Game time at Gyor to kickoff at 11:15am local time. Wait... That changed to 11:00am once we take the field to get ready-Lots of other "fun" conversations on and off the field. A bruising battle with little football being played was to follow. One thing our coaching staff knows about our whole 2002 Pool is that they won't shy away from physical play and can bring it. We proved we can play futbol at a high level now, can we stand up in this type of game. And yes... We are tired.
They score less than 30 seconds in, I think? No problem, within 20 min we have scored 2 and it is clear, we will go nose to nose. Some tough tackling and some futbol sprinkled in, we squander chance after chance and give up no more shots and squeak a 2-1 win. Rest needed now!
The rest of the day was fantastic, fabulous Hungarian meal, walking around and shopping in Gyor. Travel to our new home in Hungary, with bowling, karaoke and some pool time.
Smiles...
Paul Shaw, Head Coach 2002
Tina Lowery, Assistant Coach 2000
2002 Girls:
The 2002s rolled out of their Venetian beds on time and hopped on the bus for Hungary with tired, heavy legs and, very positive spirits.
Game time at Gyor to kickoff at 11:15am local time. Wait... That changed to 11:00am once we take the field to get ready-Lots of other "fun" conversations on and off the field. A bruising battle with little football being played was to follow. One thing our coaching staff knows about our whole 2002 Pool is that they won't shy away from physical play and can bring it. We proved we can play futbol at a high level now, can we stand up in this type of game. And yes... We are tired.
They score less than 30 seconds in, I think? No problem, within 20 min we have scored 2 and it is clear, we will go nose to nose. Some tough tackling and some futbol sprinkled in, we squander chance after chance and give up no more shots and squeak a 2-1 win. Rest needed now!
The rest of the day was fantastic, fabulous Hungarian meal, walking around and shopping in Gyor. Travel to our new home in Hungary, with bowling, karaoke and some pool time.
Smiles...
Paul Shaw, Head Coach 2002
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