True...but as an outside observer of this team over a few years, they had a small roster going into this new season. Added several new players and lost 2 key central players to DA only a few weeks ago (just after Surf cup). I watched the Blues final and agreed that Blues outplayed them, mainly in the Second half. I'm not sure why but the ref chose to let a lot go physically. Most notibly a foul at the goal line in the closing minutes that would have given Beach a PK to retake the lead (I was siding at the end line watching this and the '02 Surf v Blues game on the adjacent field so the "incessant happened right in front of me.)
It did appear the Beach began to panic in the 2nd and was happy to just try to clear the ball up to their striker too often. A bad habit to fall back upon but I expect the Coach to continue to correct that over the course of the season.[/
A few notes on this tournament.
1 - Beach Perez is a quality team. My daughter's team has played the team twice in the last month (CRL & Blues Cup). They were lucky enough to escape CRL with a tie, but couldn't hold them off last weekend. They have a game changer on the roster plus several girls that can flat out fly.
2 - Surf was missing a key piece this weekend and her absence was noticeable.
Which brings me to: There are a lot of quality girls playing good soccer, but the number of game changers is small. At this age group 1 or 2 on your team can make a large difference. As the girls get older it seems that the game changers get swooped up and consolidated onto super teams. It appears that there are a lot fewer teams at the top age groups, and each top team has a handful of these game changers diminishing 1 girl's ability to impact the game (to an extent).
Congratulations to the teams that advanced out of bracket play. And a tip of the hat to all the girls who played their hearts out but came up short. Good luck. Wishing all a successful and safe fall season.
Yes!!!! Those 2 girls can flat out fly! Amazing to watch. My daughters team plays them again this coming weekend. They will have to be on their toes.