Coach's Report - Game 10

Pressure comes in many forms, and is not always unwelcome. Sometimes it's just what is needed to overcome the blisters, bumps and bruises accumulated over more than a week's tough competition. Having become favorites to do well in Denmark after our Swedish success, we were now faced with the prospect of having to tie or beat a tough squad from Goteburg known as Qviding. Our reputation preceding us: Qviding had let us know good-naturedly the day before that we should expect a tough match. We took them at their word.

The support staff otherwise known as the mothers recommended a drastic change in protocol to try to inspire us to yet greater efforts. We brought the girls to the hotel Tuesday to enjoy a barbecue, then allowed them to stay the night. The comforts of a real bed and a private shower were universally touted to assure renewed vigor and enthusiasm among our heroines. We were also unwilling to ignore any of the latest soccer management techniques to gain that necessary competitive edge. Here you see us using the latest mind-melding technology to transfer all the positive thoughts and energies from Shanna's brain to Jen's during the bus ride to the game. Amazingly, this solitary treatment was the only one Jen would require for the remainder of the day.

We played Qviding in a complex in west Hjorring, a short bus ride from the main site. This was typical of the venues we play at: the field is circumscribed by wooden boardings with advertisements, and the entire complex is guarded by tall trees or hedges which protect the players from wind, and isolate the setting acoustically. Every strike of the ball or shout of the fans echoes within the enclosed space. The drama of the game is heightened, all the senses are more focussed on what is being created on stage by the players.

Qviding started well. We were eager, but took a while to settle. Qviding put us on notice with a couple of half chances in the first few minutes, but Jen finally got us going with a shot over the crossbar in minute 5. A short time later, Amanda forced a save from close range after a nice through pass from Beth, and now the control of the game slowly but decisively turned in our favor.

Jen was having things her own way along the left flank, and it was her cross in the 15th minute that found Beth in front of goal. For the second game in a row, Beth finished confidently and we had that all-important first goal. Five minutes later, Kaylie showed great strength in resisting a Qviding defender long enough to flick a touch onto Sadie, who volleyed home with her right foot to put us well ahead 2-0.

Needing only a draw, we played a very professional 2nd half, not risking losing our shape, but still generating enough offensive pressure to wear Qviding down. Liz narrowly shot over after a through ball from Amanda, Jen was also high in her effort from a free kick taken by Shanna, and our last best chance came when Kaylie's shot was saved after being put through by Beth. We had a few more corners, kept the ball in the Qviding end, and never looked threatened.

The girls returned to the beach hotel for a few hours before returning to their school. We were relieved to have made it into the "A" playoffs for the second week in a row, and were looking to find what group winner we would be playing when we heard the incredible news that Fortuna Hjorring had only managed a draw against Donn FK. The cheers reverberated throughout the Fyrklit hotel: we were group winners! Aside from the small trophy that comes with winning the group, this gave us theoretically an easier path through the playoffs. It was time to really get down to business.

LISC 2 Qviding 0

Shots: LISC 8 Qviding 4

Shots on target: LISC 4 Qviding 3

Goals: Walther, Somers

Assists: Guy, Henson