GGFC U15 Sambas 2011/2012 Practice and Game Schedule -
Fall Practice days Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 7-8:30pm at Pier 40, WYSL Games on Sundays
Spring Practice days Tuesday (Pier 40), Wednesday (Chelsea Waterside Park) from 7-8:30pm, Friday (Pier 40 Roof) 6-7:30pm, WYSL Games on Sundays

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WYSL Fall Game Schedule:

http://www.wyslsoccer.org/schedules/Fall2010/27684916.html

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Upcoming special events:

TBA

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Tournaments:

Jose got the team into a scrimmage last week with the GGFC U17 team in which they were subjected to a good deal of physical dominance by larger and stronger players. The encounter with the Mt. Pleasant Galaxy today could have been prefaced by "you ain’t seen nothin’ yet".

The Galaxy came out like gang busters at the top of the first half but Samba demonstrated from the outset that they would be able to counter raw aggression with skill and poise. Ariana and Jenna combined on a nicely executed give and go culminating in the first Samba shot on goal by Jenna. Ariana introduced herself to the opposition shortly thereafter with one of her signature and jaw dropping drives up the middle resulting in the first goal of the game. Meanwhile, back on the Samba side of the field (in a different postal zone from the looks of it) Isabella was deflecting everything that Galaxy could throw at her. At one point, however, Galaxy proved that they were not a team to be trifled with by delivering a nifty ball across the mouth of the Samba goal that froze everyone including, lucky for Samba, the intended Galaxy striker. The action packed first half continued with several Galaxy corners, shots on goal traded back and forth, and brilliant and courageous play by Camille on D that consistently won the ball or else forced it out on Galaxy. The whistle blew for the end of the half (these are now 10 minutes longer this season than last) and everyone got the opportunity to catch their breath.

In the second half Galaxy went hell bent for leather to get back even but whatever managed to get through, by airmail or submarine, was confidently handled by Jillian who maintained a clean slate for the day. The defensive fouls that Galaxy had been using as an antidote to Ariana finally earned them a yellow card and a direct kick for Sonia. This was perfectly delivered and perfectly sunk by Minjee for the second goal of the game. Being two up gave some measure of comfort but it was clear from the ferocity of the action that the outcome was far from certain. Samba did not relax for an instant though and carried through for the victory. The game ended shortly after a powerful shot on goal by Eloise that rattled off the Galaxy woodwork, the top part, to put a nice exclamation point on a great Samba win and arguably the best game they have played to date. Word is, no doubt, going to get around.

The Sambas left NY early on a bright Sunday morning with their newly minted team name and new teammate Sarah for their season opener against the Rye Breakers.  The girls opened with strong play dispelling any thoughts that much rust accumulated over the summer break.  Ariana exploited weaknesses in the Breakers defense to achieve a hat trick in the first half. 

The second half saw a stronger Breakers defense and their one goal of the morning on a well played cross.  The Sambas tacked on another goal on a penalty shot by Sonia when the Breakers goalie had the bad luck to allow the ball to deflect into the corner.  This tarnished an otherwise sterling performance on her part including three saves against SOGs by Alexandra.  Jillian had the better day in goal with several nice saves and the defensive support of the best team to take the field this day. 

4-1 Samba 

Nov 7, 2010

A brilliant sunny day, the air crisp and cold as the first bite of an apple.  The drive up the the Taconic passed through a drum line of colorful Fall foliage making its’ stately way in the opposite direction. 

Manhattan Stars vs. Chappaqua Power action got underway quickly with a shot on goal by the Power well handled with a smothering save by Annie.  Simran was able to get excellent penetration up the middle as she did all day thanks to her outstanding speed and ball control.  The Power struck first half way through the first half.  This was immediately answered with a clean shot by Sonia quicker than you can say thankyouverymuchyou’rewelcome.  The action remained furious but even for the rest of the half and it was 1-1 at the whistle.

Simran opened the second half with a break away goal off a neat lead pass from Ariana.  The Power were not able to get traction for much of the second half against good defensive work by Eliane and friends.  The Stars on the other hand were able to out-shot the Power 3 to 1.  With the contest coming to a close Ariana trick or treated herself to the final goal for a 3-1 Stars win.

Interesting statistic of the day - the Stars’ 11 shots on goal during the second half was more than they had for their previous 3 games combined. 

Seasons change.