Game Reports

Barrie, SEPTEMBER 21, 2006

This game attracted, not just the usual crowd, you know, moms, dads, brothers, sisters, grandfathers, grandmothers, cousins, long lost cousins, friends, long lost friends, dogs and cats, I think you know what I mean, anyway, we had coaches from other teams and all the Brass from the club to see this team who won a league with so many talented teams. The Barrie Spirit90 are all on a Victory High, a wonderful experience to be savoured. This team is in the building process and as in any building project, care, must be taken.

For this game the bulk of the pressure was off, but this was no time to compromise the competitive nature of this team. With the pressure tweaked downward Barrie looked more focused and controlled.

The Pickering goal area was packed with Pickering defenders and Barrie strikers, working franticly to push the ball in their respective directions, until eventually Lindsay got her head to the ball to give Barrie a 1-0 lead to end the first half. Stringing two passes together was not something Barrie had achieved much of up until this point. More and more plays between defence, midfield and forwards were being executed which was nice to see. Brenna took control on the left wing, beat a defender, switched a long ball to meet Kamiya making a run on the right, who beat a defender, crossed it in front of the net for a well timed touch by Alana to the back of the net, what a beautiful play.

I sense our players being more and more in tune with each other, anticipating each others moves, recognising plays and positioning themselves accordingly.

The game ended with cheers, photographs and confetti, what a great night.

Ian B.

A pretty good season opener for the Barrie Spirit. Both sides started cautiously feeling each other out, moving the ball well. Barrie stepped the pace up a notch, applying more pressure on the Vaughan net. 30 min into the game Barrie won a penalty kick from a hand ball inside the 18yd box.

Courtney took the kick with her usual calm approach to give Barrie the lead. The Vaughan keeper moved well to make the save, “ a valiant attempt “ according to one vocal spectator. Barrie kept the pressure on, Vaughan trying to clear the ball, Clair intercepting, took a nice shot from 20yds out. The keeper just got it to keep Vaughan in the game.

In the second half, it was Barrie’s turn to take the pressure on the net. One corner kick after another sailing past defenders and strikers in the goalmouth was way too close for comfort.

Sam was helped off the field 15 min into the half and replaced by Courtney. Barrie had many scoring opportunities with one free kick after another giving Danielle many a nice run. On a free kick from Kamiya, Danielle broke away, beating defenders and the goalie, the goalie grabbed at danielle’s feet, robbing her of a well deserved goal, no call. What can you do. 5 min later Vaughan was awarded a penalty kick, Oh dear. Barrie came back strong with a nice little chip from Kristen over to Juli who crossed it over to Danielle, a quick strike but the keeper was there.

A good overall performance from Barrie.

Ian B.

Barrie came on strong against this aggressive team, at least it wasn’t from behind like the day before. Barrie’s Courtney.P. was on the attack moving past defenders to take her shot and even though she was bulldozed off the ball she still managed to slide it home. Erin Mills returned attacking , first with an offside goal then a couple of shots from #23, well saved by Lauren and then #44 finally got past Emily with a quick cross to be touched in, equalizing the game (1 – 1).

The second half began with Barrie’s defence working frantically to stop the

Erin Mills attackers. A penalty kick called against Kamiya gave Erin Mills

the lead ( 2 – 1 ). A nice gift for Erin Mills. 10 min later free kick just outside the box to make it 3 – 1.

A busy Lauren made a spectacular save but landed badly, Tristin took over for the remaining 10 min to find out what Lauren had experienced, she

managed to rob the Erin Mills forwards of many scoring chances.

Barrie’s strong defence and goal keeping helped to keep Barrie in the game but still a good performance by all.

Ian B.

What a tough game against this fast and physical Markham team. Our Barrie team gave as much as they took while staying focused and composed. In the first 15 min. Markham did most of the attacking keeping Barrie’s midfielder's and defenders busy. Only a few threatening strikes penetratedBarrie’s solid defense and those that did Lauren took care of. The Markham team was becoming more and more frustrated, as were their fans, complaining about every call the referee made.

20min into the game Barrie began to control the game, looking strong and confident. Markham became sloppy, making bad tackles, only to their detriment. With an indirect free kick, 20 yards out, Courtney made a delayed touch to give Jen her shot and what a shot it was, found its way through at least 3 defenders bending in to the right hand corner, the Barrie fans erupted. Barrie kept the pressure on the Markham goal. Clair had control, passes back to Jen who took a nice controlled shot over the keepers head to give Barrie a 2 – 0 lead.

Barrie played more defensive in the second half. Markham came on fast and furious pounding it to Barrie but couldn't’t penetrate until; from a quick corner catching Barrie off guard scored an easy goal, which left Lauren fuming, complaining about jersey pulling and obstruction.

Some teams and coaches depend on these tactics to win their games. Barrie didn't get mad, they kept their composure and won the game for a well deserved 3 points.

Ian B.

The game started well for Barrie, as the girls worked to keep the ball under control, and were able to create a couple of chances early in the game. Pickering responded by playing long balls down the flank and then crossing into the middle.They were rewarded when a long cross surprised the defense and the keeper, and the home team scored on the far post. That gave Pickering some momentum, and they dominated play for a period of time. But then Barrie fought back, and tied the game after a nice passing play through the midfield, with Alana making the final touch into the goal, and the game was tied after 15 minutes. As the half wore on, Pickering began to exert further control of the midfield and played several long balls that led to scoring chances. Excellent goalkeeping by Lauren kept the score level through to half time. It seemed a different Barrie team that came out for the second half, as they took control of the midfield and kept Pickering hemmed in their own end for long stretches of play. The Spirit had several good scoring chances but could not capitalize once they got the ball into the 18-yard box. The only response from Pickering was to continue to hit long balls down the middle of the field, but it paid off midway through the second half. Their speedy striker got in behind the defense, chasing a ball that she got to just before the charging goalkeeper, and was able to step around her at the top of the box. Kate got back to try and cover the goal, but was only able to get a touch on the shot with her head, and the deflection still caught the top of the goal. Barrie did not give up, and kept pressing forward seeking the equalizer, but they could not develop consistent goal scoring chances.

The game was called slightly before time after a back injury to Sam, which thankfully proved to not be a serious long-term problem. Overall, a good effort on the road from Barrie, but the gaps between midfield and defense were often too big, and the defense is still vulnerable at times to long balls played in behind them.

Greg B.

A tough game for Barrie, with a growing injury list, this game took it’s toll, but with every adversity lessons can be learned.

Oshawa scored 10 minutes into the game with a volley to the left. Possession was shared equally but Oshawa penetrated Barrie’s defense more often, Oshawa scored another but was called offside, 2 minutes later Oshawa scored with a penalty kick. Barrie fought back hard when Danielle took a shot to the left, the keepers glove just touched it away then Alana tried from a corner kick, over the bar. Oshawa came on the attack again but couldn’t penetrate Barrie’s defense.

Both teams came back on aggressive with Oshawa overpowering Barrie, Lauren was busy, Oshawa moving the ball well in front of the net. Oshawa’s #3 got up for a header,struck it high in the net, again #3 beat defenders, shot with her left, 4 – 0 for Oshawa. 40 minutes into the second half, first Sam was down then Emily. Oshawa made 5 – 0 with a header. Tristen was now playing, letting one in and saving many. With more experience and a healthier team I am confident Barrie will surprise this Oshawa team next time.

Ian B.

COACHES COMMENT

Sundays game against a strong Erin Mills team was a tale of two halves. Momentum generated by an early goal carried the ladies to a 1:1 tie at the half.

In the second half two poor refereeing decisions led to two Erin Mills goals and a 3:1 final score.

This past weekend proves that the ladies can compete, results will require improved team fitness, a complete effort from every player and tactical improvements to our game.

Lots of work to do but no one said it would be easy!

What a good game this turned out to be from two exciting well matched teams, governed well by the officiating staff ( apart from one offside call on Danielle ).

The Barrie team’s tendency to wait for the ball was evident at the beginning of the game. As the game progressed both teams were challenging equally giving this game the level of competition we have come to expect from those two teams.

Lots of chances created by both sides, more so the Unionville side causing confusion in front of Barrie’s net. Erin managed to clear one loose ball in front of an open net. Barrie soon recovered from this unorganized state to suppress the fast and talented Unionville strikers due to the intrepid nature of Barrie’s defence. Twenty minutes into the game, Lauren was being bombarded with shot after shot, making spectacular saves from Unionville’s #6. Unionville’s right winger managed to beat Sam (no easy task ) crossing to #6 who scored the first goal. The pressure on Barrie’s net continued. A dislocated shoulder took Unionville’s #14 off while Challenging Brenna, lets hope it’s a speedy recovery.

Early in the second half Barrie came on strong , Erin making crosses to the goal mouth, creating chances for Alana, Brittany and Danielle. Alana pressing hard stole the ball, passed to Danielle, back to Brittany for a shot, seconds later Brittany takes a second shot and scores to tie the game, what a nice shot 1-1. The pressure was on Barrie, Meghan tried desperately to clear the danger, she was yellow carded then Alana tried to stop #6 from shooting, this time it was a penalty kick. Unionville scored to make it 2-1.

Barrie back on the attack, from Brenna, Kristen takes a shot, then Danielle takes a shot, Brenna to Courtney to Alana for a shot, Danielle back to Brenna for a shot, the keeper got to it, a defender tried to clear it, with the ball in midair Brenna shot again, a bullet to back of the net to once again tie the game 2-2. The pressure was on both sides for the three points bringing the level of competition even higher.

It was great to see Lee M. play so well, who was called up from the Barrie U15 level 3 team. Lee contributed enormously with her ball control and team mentality.

Ian B.

For those of you who read my game reports last year, know I wrote with lots of double meanings, subtle comments and cut a little deeper. This year however, I don’t work as closely with the girls, limiting my reports to a less personal tone. I think its time to cut a little deeper.Last nights game was BAD!!!!!!! The 2006 team had a solid defence, a midfield that was frequently weakened by a few unskilful players and a thin striking force, sounds like a real mess, eh! But what they did have was “DEDICATION AND DESIRE”, that is what brought this team to this level. Without it, I don’t care how skilful the team is, “YER DONE”.
This 2007 team on the other hand has a full bench of skilful, knowledgeable and talented players, some more dedicated and more serious about the game than others. I as a distant observer can see this discrepancy tear the team apart. As the old saying goes, “ you are only as strong as the weakest link”, well its high time, all the links bring all their strength to every game, the potential is certainly there. In the real world some weak links are removed, yes the chain is shorter, but it also much stronger.

Ian B.

For both teams, when in possession moved the ball well on this beautiful field, maybe a challenge at first for Barrie not being accustomed to such luxury. Kristen, Alana and Courtney keeping possession up front, Courtney with a shot keeping Dixie’s Goalie on her toes then Dixie took over, quickly on the attack with their skilful midfielders and attackers. #10 for Dixie took a powerful shot off the crossbar and continued with shot after shot each one as wild as the last one, mainly due to Barrie’s defence closing Dixie down (theirs a song in there somewhere). Barrie took over moving the ball with confidence up the field, Alana received a pass, took a nice shot, off the crossbar then to Courtney for a shot, this time over the bar. Dixie was in control again with long and low shots, not being able to penetrate this tight defence but still keeping Lauren busy in net with their powerful shots, no score in the first half.

Five minutes into the second half, Dixie’s #10 took a shot to the top of the crossbar, two minutes later Dixie scored with a low ball, 1-0, at the same time Sams down and goes off. Dixie continued their attack with a pass from the right across the goal area to the left, from the left to an on coming striker in the middle who blasted it to the back of the net 2-0.

Barrie’s midfielders couldn’t keep possession from this fast and skilful Dixie side. Dixie scored again with a high ball, 3-0. Tristen took over for Lauren. Barrie’s defence looked overworked and Dixie took advantage of every mistake. With a direct free kick just outside the 18 yd box Dixie scored to make it 4-0. The shots kept on coming, one got away from Tristen and rolled over the goal line to make it 5-0.

All in all Barrie played well against this very good Dixie team, especially in the first half. Maybe we fell apart the last twenty minutes and as a team we are new to this league but, as I have said before, this experience has given our girls a new level to strive for as they have done so successfully in the past.

Ian B.

This game could have gone either way. I think the difference was Oakville’s ability to take advantage of every lost ball in front of the net, always at the ready to pounce. Jen making the first strike on net then Danielle tried to steal a loose ball from Oakville’s keeper. Soon, Oakville was applying the pressure, controlling the play trying unsuccessfully to penetrate Barrie’s defence. Barrie broke away giving Jen a shot on net then Courtney took control, crossed to Alana, she shot but was saved by the keeper. Oakville regained control until the last five minutes, Barrie came on strong, Danielle beat a defender and took a shot, went wide, Danielle on it again pushing through Oakville’s defence, tried a shot but deflected off a defender for a corner kick, Kamiya reached for dark sky, got her head on it for a shot but the keeper was all over it.

Five minutes into the second half Oakville scored two quick goals, first when Tristen came out but couldn’t get a good grip on the ball, an Oakville

striker took advantage then Lauren, who had just come back on, was clearing a pass back, hit the striker in front of her, she took advantage and scored to make it 2-0. I don’t understand why, but the Oakville side got pretty nasty, but their coach soon calmed them down. Judging by the sarcastic remarks and constant complaining from the Oakville parents I think maybe this is where those players get it from. Anyway I digress. Barrie owned the last fifteen minutes of play.

The cheers from the Barrie supporters seemed to lift the Barrie team to a new level. A high ball to the net, off of Juli was almost there then a pass from Brenna to Juli , Juli to Alana, Alana headed it home 2-1. Alana tried another header, Juli crossed into the goal area, was close, Kamiya shot, Kristen shot and finally for Juli’s corner, everybody was up for it, but Barrie was beaten by the clock.

Our girls certainly know how to keep their supporters excited and what a

great bunch those supporters are, respectful of both teams. I am so glad to be associated with this classy team and their supporters.

Ian B.

A tough loss for Barrie against this tough well honed Markham team. Barrie certainly looked able to compete with Markham, creating many plays in midfield giving the two strikers opportunities to score. To start this game the coaching staff decided to play two midfielders up front as strikers, namely Kristen and Brenna, I was impressed the way they adapted to this position.

Barrie began on the attack with Brenna’s nice cross to the danger area, leaving Markham’s defenders scrambling to clear the danger, they did, counter attacked, Lauren came out, cut down the angle and made the save, then another shot, wide to the left. Markham continued on the attack keeping Meagan and Kamiya busy. The pressure was on Markham now, Barrie’s midfielders doing well to feed ball after ball up front to Brenna and Kristen working together well, but just couldn’t finish. Markham was awarded a penalty kick, was tense, hit the crossbar, shot again off the rebound, thanks Lauren, saved. The Barrie fans could breath again. No score in the first half.

Barrie still looked like a force to be reckoned with in second half with Erin taking a couple of shots but that soon changed when Markham’s #4 broke through a hole in Barrie’s defence to score their first goal, Barrie’s defence believing it to be offside, but no whistle was blown for offside. “PLAY THE WHISTLE”. Players, Fans, coaches and even linesman DON’T decide, referee’s “DO”. Please leave a response if I’m wrong here or leave one anyway. This whole affair dropped the Barrie teams morale and conversely raised Markham’s. The Markham team looked confident, almost cocky, moving the ball well and from a well placed cross headed it home to make the score 2-0. Barrie still had some opportunities, Brenna with a through ball to Alana for a shot then Erin with her quick runs up the right wing and a nice cross to the danger area but nobody there. Markham’s #15 forced her way through Barrie’s defence to make it 3-0.

A referee’s job is difficult one and should be treated with the utmost respect. In the first half I was really impressed the way he kept this game fast and exciting yet controlled. The second half was a different ball game, between many bad linesman’s calls and allowing the muggings on the Barrie team. They say 1 out of 2 aint bad, well, in my mind, it just isn’t good enough.

Ian B.

The game did not reflect this score. Both teams created many opportunities, Pickering capitalizing on them and Barrie did not. Even after Pickering was up 2-0 it still looked like it was anybody’s game. For the third goal it was like following the bouncing ball until it ended up in the net. The fans even though doubtful of a win, still kept the faith.

Barrie came on in the second half looking just as confident as they did in

the first half, defenders closing down play after play, midfielders creating plays and feeding strikers and the strikers applying pressure on the Pickering net, but just couldn’t get the result they wanted, Pickering’s defence shutting down every opportunity. Pickering did well to score the other two goals in this game. They played very well.

Barrie’s inexperience as a team showed in this game, but as I have said so many times, “EXPERIENCE, THE GREAT TEACHER

Ian B.

The referee set the tone early with a yellow card against Oshawa. The pressure was on Barrie who challenged every move the Oshawa Kicks made, their attempts on net were high and wide. It looked like Oshawa’s only chance on net was with long shots, which Lauren took care of . Conversely Barrie couldn’t keep the ball long enough to threaten the Oshawa goal. The first half ended scoreless Oshawa came on strong to begin the second half, now shooting more accurately, threatening the Barrie net, #19 takes a hard shot, Lauren tipping it over the bar. Oshawa continued to dominate but couldn’t penetrate to finish. Thirty minutes in, from a corner kick Oshawa scored to take the lead, 1-0. The game ended in injury time with a cross from the left and tapped in by an Oshawa striker. 2-0. Those two teams battled to the end, the two goals not pretty, some even dispute them, but none the less Oshawa took the three points.

Ian B.

Field conditions played a big part in this exciting competition. A player’s ability to read and play according to field condition is invaluable. Last nights rainfall presented many challenges to both teams, but also had some advantages i.e. Unionville’s second goal when #6, with a fairly soft shot from an acute left angle, made contact with the grass and with little or no bounce picked up speed, surprising Lauren.

Both teams were stunned by the first goal five minutes into the game when

the ball deflected off of #6, giving Unionville an early lead. Possession was about even in this all so important game. Fifteen minutes in, Danielle did well to hold off a persistent Unionville defender to score Barrie’s first goal, assisted by Julie, 1-1. Two minutes later, Unionville’s #6 scored to make it 2-1. The two well matched sides played hard and began to adjust to the slippery conditions, the pressure was on the Unionville net, Alana attacking then Kristen with a shot, Unionville tried to clear, Alana got a hold of it and with her back to the goal, did a 180, took a shot to the left corner, leaving the Unionville keeper with that all so familiar “what happened” look, 2-2. A good way to end the first half.

It only took Barrie seven minutes to score their third goal, with Danielle’s constant threat to the Unionville defence, broke away to beat the keeper, taking the lead, 3-2. Unionville came back strong, attacking the Barrie net with play after play, shot after shot, Kamiya working hard to contain #6, Meghan, Emily and Sam closing down every Unionville opportunity and of coarse Lauren squashing their hopes.

Barrie controlled the rest of game, playing some of their best soccer and even with two direct free kicks and a penalty kick (hand ball) the score didn’t change.

What a great game to end this OYSL east division season. Ian B.