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JET Power finished off their 2008 Fall season with a dominating 2-1 win over the Rahway Riot. While the score did not reflect the play on the field, Rahway was limited to almost no dangerous shots in the first half.  The Power had a strong presence in the midfield, making the usual kick and run game plan of the Riot ineffective the entire first half.  The Power switched the field effectively, creating both scoring opportunities. Scoring off of two crosses, the Power went into the second half with a healthy 2-0 lead, with Camryn getting the shutout. The second half saw the Riot capitalize using their incredible speed up top, with a misplay and breakaway. The second half was more uneven, with Courtney coming up with some great saves in goal. The Power had some brilliant chances up top again, but weren’t able to break through the bunker defense, including some shots blocked by the pure mass of bodies. Overall, not the prettiest of games, but we held our own, never backed down, and never gave up. And that’s a great way to end another season of Jet Power soccer!

Coach Natalie

JET Power Win October 18th Make-up Game

Rahway Riot

The Power defeated Rahway 1-0 on a goal by Brit.  Taylor played the ball forward off of Nicole's punt and Brit was there to shoot it at the gk as she was coming out.  The ball deflected off the goalie and Brit was able to follow the play to put the ball in.  Despite millions of opportunities including several set plays (corners and free kicks) at the end of the game, the game ended only 1-0.  The Power dominated play though and it was clear who the better team was.  Nicole recorded the shut out.  Nita, Jackie, Nadine, Kerry, Lizzie F. had another great showing on defense.  Kelsey beat her girl several times down the right hand side and was able to create chances for us.  Elise, Jen and Courtney pressured the ball on offense.  Megan and Taylor did a great job controlling the middle.  Great job Power!

Coach Jen

JET Power Tie October 5 Home Game

St. John Vianney – Third Round

The first half was a battle, with the Power putting the effort in to maintain a tie till half, but had a hard time gaining meaningful possession. Starting in a 4-4-2, with Nicole minding the net, the Power went down 1-0 on a breakaway after the Power struggled to contain the chip-and-run style of SJV.  There were some good moments and some scary moments. Overall not a bad half but not a great half.  I brought some more speed into the back to counter their pure speed up top. Primarily, SJV focused their talent up top, thus creating opportunities for counterattack. Playing our style, we played it out of the back using possession and Nikki made a great cross from the corner, with Elise in perfect position tying up the game going into the second half.

Second half, we increased communication and our off-the-ball runs, giving us at least a slight advantage in possession and it showed. The SJV attack was not nearly as effective and we were able to execute dozens of successful give-and-gos. We went up 2-1 on a ridiculous shot by Jen, who played excellently despite battling illness.  Unfortunately, taking a note from the JET Power playbook, SJV managed to tie it up with a cross from the far side to an open player on the weak side. The Power did not hang their heads however, and decidedly took possession and continued to press offensively.  SJV’s only serious offensive threat afterward was an interesting PK call against Brit for her all-ball slide tackle. Nicole however gained MVP honors by SAVING A PK! Ask any goalie, that’s not a common occurrence. We had more than a few close chances right up until the end, but couldn’t manage to finish.

Tying SJV is an indication of our improvement as we continue to move through the season. It’s a true testament to the hard work these girls have done over the summer.

Natalie

 
JET Power Tie Sept. 21 Home Game

2-2, a game the Power should have easily won with over 20 shots on goal!

JET Power Lose Sept. 14 Opener

Having only played St. John Vianney last week, we knew to an extent what to expect, but they didn’t.  Losing last week 3-0 to the same team, it was clear SJV did not take the Power seriously. From the starting whistle, the Power came out strong, playing a new formation of 4-4-2.  It was an even game, the SJV team bolstered mostly by their goalie’s excellent play.  The Power had numerous dangerous chances, while SJV was shut out thanks to Nadine and Britney’s strong play as center backs. 

Second half started to show the Power’s fatigue, but with some adjustments at halftime, the Power put their first goal of the season on the board.  Doing exactly what I had talked about during halftime (sorry had to put that in! ;-)), Nikki got the ball wide and crossed to the weak side of the 18 yard box. Catching the defense off guard, Meghan finished the ball in textbook fashion.

However, the Power couldn’t hold and exhaustion started to create holes in the whole team’s defense.  SJV put two away but even in the waning minutes, the Power fought back and controlled the last 10 minutes, including one close shot by Taylor.

The individual efforts were excellent. It’s a good sign for the rest of the season. The most impressive part of the game was the tenacity of the Power’s smaller players.  Despite being at times nearly a foot shorter, the Power got stuck in and won important 50-50 balls.  Special props to Elise and Kelsey, who simply out played their opposing SJV marks so well in the last 20 minutes it was inspiring. And to Nikki for actually suggesting herself for center back when it was apparent the Power could use Brit’s speed up top. Sources report, she has also requested it be a rare tactical change.

Congrats to Nicole and Camryn for solid GK play and to Meghan for our first Power goal of the fall!

Coach Natalie