State Game 2 -  Xtreme  vs. Hoover Phantoms White - September 17, 2006

The Xtreme played its second state game in as many days today. The team hosted the Hoover Phantoms White at Merrimack field on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon. The Xtreme was looking to go 2-0 in state league play and remain as one of the three undefeated teams.

The Hoover Phantoms White winless in their first 3 games looked to be outmatched in this contest. From the start of the game the Xtreme possessed the ball and dominated the game. The scoring started early and continued throughout the game.

Michael led off the scoring in the 7th minute. Evan played a split between two defenders and found a penetrating Michael who buried it in the net.

In the 17th minute, Nitro played a beautiful ball over the top of the defense to find Reid making a great run. Reid ran perfectly on to the ball and beat a charging goalie to send it to an empty net.

Only 5 minutes later Turtle served a corner with a bend on the ball. He was able to bend the ball perfectly in to the net; an unassisted goal.

In the 27th minute Spike took the ball deep in to the corner and served it beautifully in to the middle. Teachey received the ball and put the ball over outstretched hands of the goalie.

The game was now 4-0 and seemed to be well in control. This is sometimes a difficult situation for a coach. Do you keep playing your game and encourage the boys to try and work on tactical play or do you ask your boys to ease up and give the other boys a chance. I’ve been on both sides of the on this issue and it’s always a lose lose situation for the coach on the winning side.

With time running out in the first half I pulled the starting strikers and decided to play some defenders up top. Nitro moved up and looked like he’d been playing there all year. In the 32nd minute Spike played a diagonal ball through the defense and Nitro caught it in stride. Nitro looked poised and took a couple of touches to get a good look then finished for his first goal of the year.

Only two minutes later Drew got in the scoring action again. Spike played the ball in front of the goal and Drew finished it for his second of the game and last of the half for the team. The score went to half 6-0 and I was going to make some changes so the game wouldn’t get out of hand.

I talked to the boys at half time and explained to them that we were going to change some things up. A game like this can be a good learning opportunity and give the boys a chance to play other positions. When the boys play other positions it helps them understand the roles the other boys play and also helps give them an overall better understanding of the game.

In the second half the boys played some new roles for the Xtreme. The team was mixed up and in new positions but the team still played well. 40 played goal and Spike, Turtle and Reid joined Nitro in the back.

Trevor started the scoring in the second half. Jake played a ball across the middle to find Trevor who played it in to the opposite corner.

Our goalie, Oreck, got his first goal of the year. Jake again played a ball across to find Oreck, in this unfamiliar situation, and put it in to the net.

Another first timer got in to the scoring action in the 55th minute. Nickelblack was in perfect position when the Phantoms played a goal kick. Nickelblack received the ball in the air and put the ball in the net from 20 yards out.

In the 64th minute Jake, with already two assists, decided to get in the scoring action. Evan received a great through ball from Michael and one touched it over to Jake. Jake took two touches, sized up the situation and put it in for his first of the year. Jake ended the scoring and the Xtreme posted another 3 points for their State League.

I never like to beat a team 10-0 but when 9 players score it truly was a distributed effort. The Phantoms White played hard and gave good effort. They have several players with good talent and have a good future. They were also good sports and remained positive in a difficult situation.

The Xtreme head to Cleveland Tennessee next weekend to participate in the Ocoee Cup. The team is on a roll and will be a team to be reckoned with during the tournament and the rest of the year.

Goals of the Week - Jake and Drew