5 Minutes Too Short!

Last week was "5 Minutes Too Long" ... This week was "5 Minutes too Short"

After last weeks game against Coastal WFC, we knew that we were probably short-changed by a very late goal by Coastal, so we wanted to prove something to them. Today we proved to them that we were an equal team and, in my humble opinion, your chances at goal were much more dangerous than theirs.

Nigel notes that ... After we got settled and fine-tuned our strategy the game was spectacular. We made Coastal shoot from outside the 18 yard box and everything they tried to put in the air was headed away or it was gobbled up by Veronica. We aggressively challenged them and counter-attacked at every opportunity - without any disrespect to Coastal (as they are a very good team) but we think they were very lucky to get a tie ... very lucky!!

So based on what we asked of you last week ... "we know we can do better! So let's show them next time ladies". You showed us girls - and the coaching staff and your fans were very happy.

This is how the Coastal WFC staff saw the game...
South Surrey, June 20, 2009 – The reaction of the teams at the end of the game told the story. With the final whistle the West Coast Capitals broke out in a cheer. As the Coastal WFC U14 Girls milled around their bench, more than a few water bottles were tossed in frustration after being held to a nil-nil draw by the West Coast Capitals.

Seven days earlier Coastal had snatched a 1-nil win over the Capitals with a late game goal. The challenge today would be the same as week earlier, to find space in the 18 yard box as a shot from beyond would need to be special to beat the Capitals’ very capable keeper, Veronica Hackett. The game started brightly for Coastal with forays down the wings finding strikers and midfielders in space. The Capitals however adjusted to shut down attacks down the right wing and while more successful down the left flank, the Coastal crosses were handled by the Capitals’ centre backs and keeper. Though possession clearly favoured Coastal, the scoreboard still read 0-0 as the half ended.

The second half started with Coastal applying pressure and the Capitals furiously absorbing the push. Showing improved positional discipline in the second half, the Capitals sought to limit the freedom previously granted to the Coastal back line while on the ball. As result, Coastal keeper Frankie Lunot needed to be alert as the Capitals’ looked for success on the counterattack.

The final 12 minutes of the game held high drama. Coastal and the Capitals each had chances to win the game. The Capitals’ best chance came in the 58th minute when, after another Coastal corner was played too close to the Capitals' keeper, two Capitals' strikers found themselves at midfield with only the two Coastal centre backs between them and goal. Coastal countered at the 63rd minute when a low goal kick was intercepted by Summer Clarke and immediately driven back at the out of position Capitals’ keeper. While Ms. Clarke’s shot missed the right corner of the net, a blast two minutes later by Gabby Villasenor was on target but found Ms. Hackett ready and waiting. While each team continued to press, neither could find a breakthrough and the game ended scoreless