Santa Monica AYSO Girls U12 at 2008 National Games

National Games Tournament Day 3

2008-07-19T15:31:00.000-07:00

An Unfortunate End for SAMO but a GREAT TOURNAMENT

Match 5: SM vs Ocala, FL (SM 1 : Ocala, FL 3)
Unfortunately, we needed 2 things to happen in order to advance. We needed a 10 point victory and we needed either IL or HI to at least tie their opponents in Match 5. We didn't get either of those. The girls fought hard, but between the high temperatures and high humidity, Florida got the best of us. SAMO goal by Clelia!

Apologies for the very late update, but the internet was not as available as one would think.

All in all, it was a great tournament and loads of fun. The girls met some fine friends and fine soccer players from throughout the country.

Our girls played 7 matches in 3 and 1/2 days. That's a lot of futbol. They did great!!

We finished third in our pool, but only the top two teams advanced to the quarter finals. Those teams were Chicago, IL and Mililani, HI.

Congratulations to Mililani, HI! They won it all! (And they came from our group!).

We hope to post some pictures (and videos) soon.

Thanks to everyone for their support!

National Games Tournament Day 2

2008-07-12T00:10:00.000-07:00

A Split Decision

Match 3: SM vs Mililani, HI (SM 1 : Mililani, HI 5)
1-2 at halftime. Tough luck in second half (saved pk; hit the crossbar). HI played a great game. A fine team. SAMO goal by Ruby!

Match 4: SM vs Dobson, AZ (SM 4 : Dobson, AZ 0)
Girls played great. SAMO goals by Mikala, Ruby, Jennifer, and Jessica.

We need some good (very good) luck tomorrow in that we need either HI or IL to lose. Otherwise, with a win against Florida, we will end third and not advance. Keep your fingers crossed. But either way, it's been a lot of fun!!!

National Games Tournament Day 1

2008-07-11T10:16:00.000-07:00

A GREAT BEGINNING!!

Match 1: SM vs Somers, NY (SM 4 : Somers, NY 0)
Well played game on both sides. s had a lot of fun. SAMO goals coming from Marie (2), Ruby, and Jessica. Jessica had a collision with the Somers keeper and had to be replaced in the 2 quarter. Xrays at the ER show only a deep bruise under the shin guard. We'll miss her in Match 2, but are hopeful for Match 3 on Friday.

Match 2: SM vs Peterson Park, IL (Chicago) (SM 1 : Chicago 1)
What a game!! Chicago went up pretty early in the match, but our SAMO defense held them off for the remainder of the first half. The second half belonged almost exclusively to SAMO with multiple chances (including multiple times hitting the posts). The lone SAMO goal came from a Suzanne throw-in into the goal area with a deflection off a Chicago player. All credit to Zani! Missing due to injury was Jessica. This was probably the most exciting AYSO game we've witnessed. Hard fought from start to finish (and this was the 2nd game of the day in high heat and humidity). SAMO captured the 2nd half with beautiful teamwork. It was lovely to watch.

All in all, a great beginning. 10 points in Match 1; 4 points in Match 2.

Looking forward to Matches 3 and 4 on Friday (Arizona and Hawaii, respectively).

Luau last night. Lots of fun.

2008-07-09T16:43:00.000-07:00

Aloha All! Today was a great day. We participated in Soccerfest. This is where they split up all the GU12 teams into different teams (and coaches) and you play two games. Our Saints met s from all over the country and played ball with them. Great times had by all.

Yesterday: Snokling on the north shore. Can't complain. Then we participated in the Opening Ceremonies for the National Games 2008. Parade around the stadium with team introductions.

Tournament begins tomorrow!! We'll keep you posted.

2008-07-05T16:53:00.000-07:00

Santa Monica Saints, Girls U12 National Games Team

Coach Guido, Linda, Suzanne, Jennifer, Marie, Jessica, Stevie, Coach Ian

Ruby, Mikala, Julia, Emily, Clelia, Anna

Welcome

2008-07-05T09:08:00.001-07:00

Welcome to Santa Monica Saints, Girls U12 National Games blog. We hope to keep you informed of our adventures in Hawaii.