Welcome To The Home Of The Greenwood Lake Girl's Modified Soccer Team
2007 Greenwood Lake Girl's Soccer Team
Memories!
This is for all the kids that played soccer for me! Memories - Memories are pictures in your mind, and you have all given me an awesome picture that will stay with me for life!
Back From The Brink! Undefeated Again!
The Greenwood Lake Lady Lakers are once again UNDEFEATED! Nervous tension swirled around what would become the most anticipated game of the season for the Lakers. With a winning streak of 21 games dating back to the beginning of last season there was certainly a buzz going on around school surrounding this game. This match up is like King Kong vs. Godzilla, no matter who wins there was going to be damage done.
The damage in the first quarter was done by Seward who were breathing fire from the opening whistle. It was no more than one minute that the Spartans got around the Lakers defense to find a wide-open shot. Kayla Casse did what she could but the usually wall like Lakers D was on their heels. With only a 1-0 lead Coach Cron was not worried but that sense of confidence was hurt when only a minute later the same exact type of goal happened again. With a 2-0 lead Coach called time out. This was the first time the Lakers were down two goals in a game. With some encouraging words while tears flowed down some decorated faces Cron told the girl's that there was still 50 minutes to play. These words seemed to calm Team Green down but it didn't take long as Godzilla struck again. The Spartans would take a 3-0 lead and the undefeated streak was in big time jeopardy.
Once again words of encouragement would be the first intermission talk. The Girl's would need to believe that they could overcome the adversity. With a short rest King Kong awoke and it was time to flex some muscle. Emily Vance would continue to work the ball into Brittany Burton and with a short centering pass Burton found Leana open on the post. A short strike into the corner found it's mark and the Lakers were on the board. This goal was the key as it gave the confidence and momentum back to Team Green. Kong was not done, as Leana would take over the comeback. She struck again and with a Juile Marina goal the Lakers would pull even at the half.
Standing toe to toe it would be all APES in the second half. Leana continued her domination up front as she would find the net three more times. Leana put a breath of fresh air into her teammates, as Coach would substitute players in by position to keep the team from getting tired. Simone Burgard was also a big difference maker as the Spartans would no longer be able to mount an attack. The third quarter would end with a 6-3 Laker lead.
The fourth quarter would see some nice defense from both teams but no more scoring would take place. The Lakers would celebrate another perfect season and the kids would carry Leana off the field to a great round of applause.
WE DID IT! AGAIN :) :) :)
Cron's Corner
Just when you think we are done we get up off the ground and a fight our way back. This group of kids was just incredible. They all have great big hearts and they just love soccer. I can remember when I loved it like that. They just make me so happy to be their coach. I'm not sure if there has ever been a Lakers team that went back-to-back years undefeated but I would put this team up against anyone. I'm happy for undefeated but I'm sad to see my eight graders go. They are very special. Well onto a new season. Thanks girls for another fantastic year!
On another not there was some mention after the game about not playing everyone. Well as I said at the game in the three years I've been the Lady Lakers coach every kid has played in every game and I will continue to play it my way!
Chapel Field Forfits Game #11
Chapel Field forits game#11 as they failed to make up the game for the second time.
Laker's Grind It Out With Goshen
The Lakers took on the Goshen Gladiators for the final time this season on Friday. Overconfidence or an improved Gladiator defense proved to be a much tougher task than expected. With the rain falling once again Team Green would have to dig deep and find the will to win in this closely contested match.
The Lakers would be without superstar goalie Kayla Casse and back up goalie Bridgette O'Brien for this game. At one point started to make Coach Cron a little nervous about the keeper situation. Seventh grader Danielle Dix would get the call in net for her very first goal keeping experience. The Lakers offense would move the ball effectively into the Goshen secondary. With some precision passes put on the mark the Gladiator defense was under heavy pressure. The Lakers could not cash in however as many shots flew over or to the side of the posts. The Laker Girls looked frustrated and started trying to hard to get on the board. The first half would end with a 0-0 tie.
The second half would see a few odd substitutions, as Coach would try to spark the offense. One of the subs was Lauren B who went in at left halfback. Normally Lauren plays wing but it was important that the Lakers find net and get things loose again. Lauren didn't take long to give the team the spark they needed. She took a short pass from Juile Marina and ripped the corner of the nylon. The goal would give the Lakers all they needed, as they would continue to shut down their opponent with top-notch defense. Leana Dinh would give the Lakers a cushion with a goal of her own but it was not necessary as the Lakers would go on to a 2-0 victory.
Lions Get The Whip!
There is really not much to say about this game. The Laker Girl's defeated the Chapel Field Lions 10-0. Goal scorers were Lauren B 2, Leana Dinh 2, Brittany Burton 1, Emily Vance 1, Olivia Barry 1, Savannah 1, and Victoria C 1. The Lakers were totally dominant from start to finish.
Dancin' In The Rain
The Lakers traveled to Golden Hill Elementary Friday for their second game of the season vs. the S.S. Seward Spartans. This match turned out to be a back and forth dance in the pouring rain. At one point it poured so hard that you could not see across the field. With wet players, coaches, and refs the spirit of the rivalry would not be hampered by "a little" stormy weather.
In the first quarter the Spartans struck with right winger #10 who took the ball on a dead sprint and found the corner of the net as Lakers goalie Kayla Casse was defenseless in her dive attempt. This score was the first time this season that the Lakers were down in a game. This wake up call must have registered because the Lakers came right back with a score of their own. Brittany Burton pulled the score even as she worked her way in from the right side and found a small opening in the Spartan nylon.
As the first quarter came to an end the rain increased in intensity. With every player soaked to the core Coach Cron would start substituting to keep players from getting to cold in the windy rainstorm. Fortunately for Team Green the rain seemed to help in the possession style of play that the Lakers practice. With driving rain at this point the Lakers would take their first lead of the game. Julie Marina would benefit once again from a crossing pass by Burton. With a 2-1 lead the Lakers would not be satisfied going into the half. Leading goal scorer Leana Dinh would knock one through the middle of a confused Spartan goalie. Score at the half 3-1
The second half started with the rain slowing down. The storm for the Spartans was not over as Julie Marina would give the Lakers the comfort zone they were looking for. Julie on a quick feed from Cory D slammed the back of the net. This goal was thought to be all the Lakers needed. End of Q3 4-1 Lakers.
The fourth quarter tested Coach Cron's patience and the teams resolve. With the big lead Coach kept the second team on the field. The Spartans took full advantage of the inexperience. Right-winger #10 moved to striker and confused the Laker defense. She broke away once again to cut into the lead. With the score 4-2 Coach made a few substitutions. Within a minute of the last score the Spartans crossed a ball in front of the Lakers goal. The ball deflected and was knocked in by a waiting white jersey. At this point Coach put all the starters back on the field. They ran the clock down until the whistle blew after a Spartan corner kick. It was celebration time!
Cron's Corner
I can only say "you had to be there." This might have been the best modified soccer game that I ever took part in. The kids were soaked to the bone. I was wet but happy. The price I paid was getting sick right after it. I didn't have extra clothes so I sat in my car very uncomfortable all the way back to PA. I don't think that anyone can tell these kids that this is "just middle school soccer" if they attended this game. We still have 5 games to go with the last game vs. Seward at home. It's gonna be great. See you at the games!
Lake Show In Full Effect
The season is in full swing as the Lady Lakers hosted Chester Academy on Wed. With more than half of this season's games in the book the Lakers are cruising into the second half of the season playing their best soccer. On one of the most beautiful days this fall the Hambletonians were no match for this Laker crew.
The game was fast and furious as Team Green put 3 goals on the board early. Brittany Burton would tab the first Lakers goal off a precision pass from striker Leana Dinh. The goal would be one of two goals that Burton would score on the day. The scoring would not stop there, as 6 other players would score goals in the 8-0 win. Adding to the offensive attack were Simone, Juile, Leana, Kayla, and Lauren B. Also scoring her first modified goal was Cory D, who finally was in the right place at the right time.
The defense kept the ball in the attack zone the entire game. The Chester Academy Hambletonians could get anything started and found themselves defending their goal from start to finish. In the fourth quarter Coach Cron put players in all different spots. This kept the game from getting further out of hand and gave some players more experience at different spots.
The Lakers move on to Friday's game 6 and 0 vs. S.S. Seward. Hope everyone can come out to support the team.
Cron's Corner
I'm running out of good things to say about this team. They have a special quality. We still have 5 game left. Another big one is at Seward tomarrow. I can only ask that we keep working hard and take one game at a time. See you at practice on Thursday. We will leave early from school on Friday. 2:15 dismissal....
What's Good For Me - Bend It Like Beckham
In game action vs. Goshen
Dominating D Is Laker's Key
The Lady Lakers have been dominating games not with just precise passing and scoring but a dominating defense. Olivia Barry leads charge as she sets the tone on the Lakers side of the field. With help from Gabriela G, Alexis DelaRosa, Quinn Fagan, Rebecca Crandall, Heather Hearon, and Victoria C the defense has seen a big improvement this season. Only 2 goals in 5 games have been allowed.
Defense was the key, as once again the Lakers did not give up a goal. Kayla Casse didn't have many shots fired at her but she did make 5 saves in the contest. The Lakers took an early lead, as Leana Dinh would strike again. With a swift centering pass from Brittany Burton, Leana drove home the Lakers first goal. She would be the focus of attention as assist from Burgard, Marina, and Cory D would find the mark. Leana has now scored 16 goals in only 5 contests. She is on pace to crush the 19 goal effort by Mary Comerford of last years squad.
The Goshen Gladiators who were undermanned due to a community tragedy played the game just to keep their minds off the subject. We thank them, as their effort did not go unnoticed.
The game would end with a 5-0 Laker's victory. The Laker's will host Chester on Wed. at home game time 4:00.
Cron's Corner
This team seems to treat every game as "Business As Usual." They are not cocky but confident that they will give anyone they play all they can handle. I'm impressed so far but we still have to play Seward two more times. I know they are aware of being undefeated and they want to do it back to back years. I know they can do it and I can only hope we can get to that last game in that position. Many people tell me "it’s only modified," but the girls don't see it that way. We have been building a nice tradition of great soccer around here and I'd like to keep it that way. Coach
Lakers Swamp Rival Seward
Rival: One who attempts to equal or surpass another, or who pursues the same object as another; a competitor.
The word "rival" helps define the competition between Greenwood Lake and S.S. Seward, but stating it in words does not do it justice. It's the competition that takes place on the field that truly defines this long time rivalry.
The game started before the whistle even blew as the S.S. Seward Spartans were attempting to intimidate the Lakers with their loud warm up count. The Lakers winners of their first three matches this season and 13-0 dating back to the beginning of last season did not let this effect them. With the Lakers red-hot and temps soaring into the eighties it didn't take long for the Spartans to feel the heat. Julie Marina would find the back of the net on a nifty crossing pass from Brittany Burton. The time in the first quarter would wind slowly as the Spartans would attempt to out run the Lakers. They would do just that as they found a sprinting mid-fielder wide open up the middle for a break away goal. The first quarter would end tied 1-1.
The goal scoring for the Spartans was a wake up call for the Lakers as defensive adjustments were made. Olivia Barry and Simone Burgard were assigned to shut down the Spartan front. Olivia took it upon herself to completely take over the back line. With a heavy foot Barry would be wherever the ball was and when she wasn't able to get there she told her line-mates to get there.
The Lakers would go on to score a goal in each quarter. Leana scored two and Brittany scored one. Possession soccer was the name of the game as the Lakers would pass the ball consistently and keep the ball away from the run and gun Seward offense.
With the spectacular defense of Olivia and the D-line the Lakers would once again prevail in the first of three meetings with their crossroad rival. The next two games with Seward should be good ones!
Cron's Corner
The question is starting to come up! Can this Lakers team go undefeated again this season? The girl's have played every team in their schedule once and so far it's been all wins. The next question is this team better than last season? I'm starting to think so. The seventh graders are mixing in perfectly with the experience of the eight graders. This team relies more on passing than one big scorer. These kids know that they don't want to lose this incredible winning streak. It has become important to them and I don't want anyone take that away from them. They work hard and deserve the credit.
Lakers wear out Hambletonians
The Lakers traveled to Chester Tuesday as they took on the Hambletonians for the first time this season. The Chester squad was tough and finally scored a goal on a stingy Lakers defense.
The first quarter saw some nice crossing passes by Brittany Burton but no one was home to cash in. After a time-out and some advice on where to be, the Lakers cashed in as Leana Dinh would get Team Green on the board. With a 1-0 lead the Lakers would start sending shots flying at the Hambletonian defense. The Chester goalie did what she could but the Lakers front 4 of Burton, Dinh, Burgard, and Marina were too much for her to handle.
As quarter two started the Lakers would once again show no drop off in play using the second team. Seventh grade sensation Lauren B would drive one though to give the Lakers a comfortable 2-0 lead. Lauren has been solid in her first modified season, as she has scored 5 goals in three games. The second team defense finally had a break down as a Chester winger was left unmarked in the box and scored on first year goalie Holly D. An instructional pep-talk was given, as this was only the first goal Team Green has given up this season.
As the second half started the Lakers would find nylon once again as Simone Burgard would use her patented hard charging move to center one at a confused Chester goalie. Simone has shown great skills in her new position as sweeper and continues to improve with each game she plays. Julie, Brittany, and Oliva would also score to put the game out of reach for the Hambletonians.
Cron's Corner
I feel bad for Kayla because she stands back there and does not get any shots on her. The defense has been doing such a great job that she looks bored. I asked her if she would like to get some time in the field and she agreed. The big test is Thursday as the Lakers take on their big rival S.S. Seward. Maybe Kayla will be tested in that game. I just hope she does not get tested too much. Great game ladies!
Captains
Team captains left to right: Emily Vance, Simone Burgard, Kayla Casse, Brittany Burton.
Heads Up Home Opener!
Goshen was on the minds of the GWL Girl's team as they were talking all week about the Goshen town team. It has become known that Goshen Gladiators don't mess around when it comes to soccer. This Goshen team is the number two team that their school fields but difference in the size of the schools is a major factor.
What's the saying it’s not the size of the dog in the fight, its size of the fight in the dog! The green dogs were certainly biting on Thursday, as the well-practiced Greenwood Lake Lady Lakers would show their stuff in their home opener.
The big dogs in this one were Brittany Burton and Julie Marina. The game scoring started in dramatic fashion as Marina skied high in the air to head in a perfect feed from an assisting Burton. This goal was only the start for what might be the new dynamic duo. They would go on to score three more goals before this contest was over. While the offense was firing the goal keeping would finally get some attention as eighth grade goalie and co-captain Kayla Casse would keep the Gladiators at bay. Casse stopped 5 shots and was there to cover a mis-hit penalty kick by Goshen in the third quarter. Goshen would not crack the net, as Casse and the defense would dominate the Goshen front.
It was clear that the Lakers have practiced hard as Burton would also get her first goal of the year on a header. The Lakers have been working on heading in practice and the crowed at the game showed their appreciation for the well-played contest.
With all the great scoring the defense probably doesn't get enough credit. Olivia Barry, Rebecca Crandall, Tori C, and Quinn Fagan chipped in excellent efforts keeping the ball out of the box.
The Laker's go to 2-0 with the win and will travel to Chester on Tuesday!
Cron's Corner
I can only say WOW, what a well-played game by the team. They are coming together and showing real team play. Everyone has contributed in some way. I was super excited to see a great crowed at the game. We have been practicing hard everyday since school started. The kids have not complained (much) and they deserve a day off. We will go back to work on Monday and get ready for Chester. I would like to thank my team for the excellent effort and I am looking forward to the remainder of the season.
Simone charges up the field!
Lakers put up a fence in Chapel!
The 2007 Girl's Modified Soccer season kicked off yesterday as the Lady Lakers traveled to Chapel Field. Team Green seemed tight as the nervous tension of starting a new season and keeping their undefeated streak alive was fresh in their minds. The Chapel Field Lions have a new coach who is just getting to know her players. The Lion's team had only practiced a few days before the game and they are just learning the basics.
Team Green was able to put the Lions on the defense early as Brittany Burton and Leana Dinh would get multiple shots on goal. The nervous tension was evident as some of the shots flew high over the net. The first quarter was played completely in the Lions penalty box. Leana gave the Lakers their first goal of the season right before the whistle blew ending the quarter.
Confident with a 1-0 lead Coach Cron sent in the entire 2nd team. The 2nd team seemed ready and willing to show their stuff, as Lauren B led the charge. Lauren a 7th grade right winger quickly got her teammates involved as she assisted Simone Bugard on a nice cross to the left side of the net. Simone who would end up scoring three goals in the game has welcomed the responsibility of scoring as the team lost hotshot Mary Comerford to Tuxedo. Leana, Lauren, and Simone supplied plenty of offense, which would put the game away by the end of the 2nd quarter. Score 5-0 after 2nd Q.
The third and fourth quarters would see mostly seventh graders, as injuries and the 90-degree heat would force the experience to the bench. The seventh graders were up for the challenge as they were still being helped by Olivia Barry and Simone. Olivia who normally anchors the defense was put up front after Leana left with 4 goals in her pocket. The remaining scoring saw Olivia, Lauren, Juile Marina, and Simone all net goals.
The defense allowed only one shot the entire game. Alexis DelaRosa, Rebecca Crandall, Heather Hearon, Tori C, completely shut down any Lions threat.
The team will now get a tough test as they play Goshen in the home opener. Game time will be 4:30 on Thursday! See you there.
Cron's Corner
This was a good game to boost our confidence. The 7th graders really impressed me in that they worked together unselfishly. They come in wanting to play and play hard. I was most impressed with Lauren B. She assisted on three goals in her first modified game.
This game did not really test the defense. Most of the game was played in the Lions half of the field. I am happy with the results but we still need to work on a few things. I am excited about the season and the support we have from the parents of the girls. I look forward to Thursday, as Goshen should tell us more about our team. Great job ladies I'll see you at practice on Wed. Coach
On The Move
Danielle Dix charges up field! Fire away!!!
