Fall 2005

Semi-Finalists, Orange Classic, Orange 1 Division

Recap: Played in Orange 1 Division (2 of 10 U-17G Divisions). Led 1-0 in Semi-final. Gave up a goal in final minute of 3 minute injury period. Lost on PK's. Would have played Beach Majix in the Final.

Semi-Final: Richmond Hill, Canada 2 (pks) - SYC Galaxy 1

Recap: Very well played game. Richmond Hill looked stronger in the first half, and Galaxy looked stronger in the second half. Jill King and Sam combined for the lone score in regular play. In the final minute, the referee informed both coaches there would three minutes of injury time. A Richmond Hill player somehow got a long shot off through a triple-team and hit the upper right corner to tie the game in the final minute of injury time. Richmond Hill advanced after converting 4/5 pk's (Galaxy hit only 2/4).

Preliminary Games: SYC Galaxy 1 - RVC Nightmares, NY 0; SYC Galaxy 2 - NOVI Jaguars, MI 2; SYC Galaxy 3 - AJAX United Eclipse, Canada 3

Recap: Galaxy played well each game, winning the first game and taking a 2-0 lead in the second game. Needing a tie in the third game, the team fell behind 2-0, before scoring three straight goals.

Raleigh CASL Showcase (1-1-1)

Recap: Another great performance, with super passing and defense.

SYC Galaxy 0 - Penns Forest Nighthawks 0; Silverbacks NW, GA 1 - SYC Galaxy 0; SYC Galaxy 2 - Brookfield Red 1

Recap: In the Friday game, Galaxy played without Jenny and Marika because of school conflicts. The defense and midfield played excellent; Penns Forest never had a scoring opportunity. Becca and Whomp each had shots against the goalie, but Whomp put her shot just wide and Becca drove her shot into the top bar. The second game was impressive as the Galaxy created several scoring chances against a very tough opponent, but other than a direct kick, never allowed a scoring opportunity. Given the showcase nature of the event, the referee calls/scores were not as important as playing well. However, throughout the tournament the referees and their calls were superb, with one exception that led to the Silverbacks' goal; Angie collided with a Silverback player as Angie cleared a ball. The referee called a foul-not sure why-and gave the Silverbacks a direct kick from 50 yards away. The Silverbacks took a shot on goal and the kicker drove a monster shot off the top bar-they scored with a one-touch volley on the deflection off the bar. In the third game, Gretchen and Sam scored the two goals for Galaxy. Both goals resulted from a series of quick passes and a take-on move to beat the final defender and goal-keeper.

Fall 2005

League Play

Summary

Galaxy decisively won Div 1 last season with more goals scored than the next three teams combined. After picking up two talented players over the summer, Galaxy was easily the top choice to win Div 1 again this Fall. The team started the season with seven players missing and lost three of four league games (and one of two State Cup games). Despite the slow start the team healed quickly and finished strong. What would have been the battle for first place against RFC United never took place because the team suffered their first ever forfeit because the playing cards did not arrive on time for the weeknight makeup. Huge accolades for RFC as they were willing to waive the 15 minute rule and let the referee check the cards at halftime, however, an R&D member present at the game ruled that the rule could not be waived.

SYC Galaxy - GRFL Strikers

Recap: The Oct 30th game against GRFL Strikers was not played because their team Captain, Vanessa Pean, was killed in a car accident that morning. The game was not rescheduled because it would have served no purpose. The Galaxy's early forfeit to RFC prevented them from winning the Division and GRFL's attempt to make-up one of their two remaining games resulted in a 6-0 loss to SWYA.

SYC Galaxy 2 - RFC United 1, RFC United 3-0 forfeit

Recap: Galaxy lost on a forfeit in one game and won the other. In the win, Galaxy took a 2-0 first half lead with two goals by Marika Gray. The midfield looked superb with Betsy, Sam, and Morgan played super possession in the middle and Gretchen and Julia controlling the outside. RFC played a fast, skilled game and pressured the ball for the entire 90 minutes.

SYC Galaxy 5 - PWSI Courage 0

Recap: The team was finally full strength with Whomp and Kelsey returning to the lineup.

SYC Galaxy 1 - POT Havoc 2

Recap: In two matches in Spring league, Galaxy prevailed by identical 4-1 scores, however, in this match, defensive injuries (see 2nd paragraph below) again played a role in the outcome. Two defensive fouls by a newly annointed defender led to scores off direct kicks. The Galaxy offense connected passes, took shots, and threatened throughout the game but could not get more than one ball into the net. Sam scored the lone goal.

SYC Galaxy 2 - GRFL Strikers 0

Recap: Amy Weber returned to the lineup. Although the game was nearly all offensive, Amy's return provided an excellent demonstration of how important skilled defenders are to effective offense.

SYC Galaxy 1 - POT Havoc 2

SYC Galaxy 3 - PWSI Courage 0

SYC Galaxy 1 - SWYA Freedom 2, SYC Galaxy 1 - SWYA Freedom 3

Recap: Missing defenders* played a key role in these two losses that looked like mirror images. Galaxy led 1-0 in the first half of each game. Freedom played aggressive defense and kicked long at almost every opportunity, waiting to take advantage of any mistakes. Two misplays by newly conscripted defenders led to two set plays that led to 2 goals. In the second game, Freedom stuck with their winning long kick strategy and again scored from three second half long kicks. *Team Captain and central defender/sweeper, Whomp Edgington (dislocated kneecap), fullback Kelsey Worth, a member of the Puerto-Rican National team (severe ankle sprain), senior fullback and team Captain, Eleni Katsiotis (back strain), star defender Amy Weber (knee strain), and speedster (runs 4.6 40) defender/midfielder Liz Gartzke (accepted to U.S. Capitol Page School).

Tournament Play

Sun Cup U-19 Champions Divisions Finalists

SYC Galaxy 1 - U-18 PWSI Cardinal 2 (4-2 Pks)

Recap: Very hot day, but great performance without central defenders Angie Rey and Whomp, and star fullback Amy Weber. Game ended with 1-1 tie. Cardinal hit 4 Pk's in a row after missing their first Pk. Galaxy led 1-0 after the first round, but Cardinal's renowned goalie, Mary Casey, made a beautiful diving save after guessing correctly on Michelle's driven shot to the corner. Galaxy missed one other Pk.

Semi-final SYC Galaxy 2 - Beach FC Majix 1 Recap: Two goals by Marika gave Galaxy a 2-0 lead. Morgan Benz had a key assist on the second goal. Majix scored on a nice shot and had a chance to tie on a corner kick to end the game, however, Kelly Scrivener had a nice save. Preliminary Games: SYC Galaxy 2 - U-18 Team America Spirit 0. Excellent play against the former State Cup champions. SYC Galaxy 1 - U-18 Reston Rovers 0. Recap: Goal by Becca Grady.