Pure Class: Girls ODP (Day 5)

How did the referee get into the pic?

For the 2002s, a relatively late wake-up of 7:30am greeted Day 5. An 11am kickoff vs First Vienna, one of the oldest clubs in Vienna. 

In our match analysis' of opponents, today presented the fourth different formation in four games. Not sure we want to heap all the credit on Dr. Dano on his "GOT YOUR BACK" team building session before the match... but we would experience our best soccer playing performance of the tour. Hail started to fall as the game kicked off, and both teams exchanged chances with us eventually getting a hold of the game as per possession. Chances created and a solid defensive performance... Unfortunately, we drop the best match we have played, 2 nil on a couple of set pieces.

Quality brick oven-pizza lunch in Vienna, some more team bonding over "Kinder-Eggs" and a dominant foosball performance by the coaches. Yes, I was a ringer in high school and always left with a few extra quarters in my pocket after lunch but they won't know that till they read this blog!

The tour continues...Hungary here we come!

Paul Shaw, Head Coach 2002 Girls

'00 - Game Day #2! 

Being that we had some time before the kick off of game 2 - 5:30pm vs. SKV Altenmarkt Frauen, we embarked on an adventure to the outdoor market in Vienna. The girls bought subway tickets, learned to read a subway map and how to handle negotiations in the market place. To be honest, most of the experience was an edible adventure, but nonetheless it was a fun day out and about in the crowd. 

Later in the afternoon we headed to a field outside Vienna about an hour away to a town called Altenmarkt. As we left the hustle and bustle of the city, it was refreshing to see rolling hills and mountainside. Our hosts again were class as they had an American flag posted at the field and played our national anthem; a truly humbling moment for both players and coaches. 

2000s vs SKV Altenmarkt

The team had a slow start on kickoff when looking across to players that were much older, bigger and "married" as said by the girls. SKV Altenmarkt went up 1-0 quickly as we still worked through our nerves. The equalizer came by Aileen (Beanie) Guthrie with a 30 yard bomb over the head of the opposing gk. Solid performance by first half GK Miranda Walker with multiple saves. We entered halftime down 2-1. 

With a riveting halftime speech about overcoming fears, the second half started with a renewed energy. Defensive performances by Shelby Hachtel and Gk Grace Gurrola were critical to our team organization . In addition, impressive attacking mentalities by Hailey Gump and Danielle Toone allowed us more opportunities. The final ended up 3-1 but against a veteran squad with 3 current and 3 past Slovakian national team players;  a fantastic result !  

We are closing it down here in Austria and ready for Hungary! 

Tina Lowrey, Assistant Coach ODP 2000 Girls