Twinsmania!: Fall Soccer Yearbook '14

The Fall meant that Soccer Season 3 was upon us! The Dolphins franchise underwent major changes in the off season. Gone was last seasons coaching staff & team top scorer. Dad & Coach Emil replaced the outgoing coaches and 3 new girls filled the now 10 player roster. The field was measurably bigger as were the goals - no "goalies", but teams generally held back a player to cover the goal. The League sponsored a World Cup theme - so we were now the Portugal Dolphins. Off we go...

Before you play you have to warm up -

Jordan (8) & Taylor (9) lead the dribble across the field as Dad looks on

Jordan likes to practice her footwork in warm-ups

Taylor prefers stretching to loosen up

After a Week 1 rain out, Week 2 brought record low cold temperatures to North Texas and a tough luck 8am kickoff for the Dolphins. The team managed a 4th quarter comeback win 7-5 over the Sassy Cats in Dad's coaching debut!

Dad & Jordan await a Goal Kick as several Dolphins struggle to stay warm on the sidelines

Keep running!

No one is watching the throw-in!

What a difference a week made when we played a "Friendly" vs. FC United. In what could only be described as perfect conditions we played at dusk on a field that was fit to host a World Cup game. The refs never showed so Dad stepped up to officiate the game. Taylor thrived in the favorable conditions and led the team in scoring beating the opposing defenders in one-on-one situations multiple times in the game.

Jordan enjoys the picturesque conditions as the Dolphins coaches talk strategy prior to kickoff

Long shadows & a beautiful sunset were the backdrop for the first half

Jordan hustles on the field after a defensive stop

Week 4 was also "picture day". The weather and schedule makers didn't do the girls any favors as temperatures soared into the 90's and kickoff was late in the scorching afternoon. Our opponent, the Little Eagles, were missing 3 players so fatigue became a factor in the 2nd half and the Dolphins pulled away for a 6-3 win.

Physical play was the theme of the game plus the soaring temperatures created frustration on & off the field

Taylor looking for room as she sprints down the field

Jordan finds time for a smile & pose

This is a common scene in games as the girls tend to attract each other

Even the coaches find a chance to smile as the final seconds tick off the clock

Fast forward to late in the season - the team suffered through a rough patch before getting back on track vs. the Grape Crush. We had been working on passing and it all came together in a 7 goal 3rd quarter as the team erased a 0-3 early deficit to get the 10-6 win. The catalyst of the comeback may have been Jordan's deep pass that connected to teammate Katie and converted into a score just as the first half ended!

Jordan playing on the balls of her feet as Taylor charges towards the loose ball

Taylor pulls away from a few defenders

Jordan (8) makes a quick cut for the ball

Taylor moves left to avoid the swarming defense

Mid November was upon us and the season finale was here. The late afternoon kickoff & sunny skies made for a great environment for a spirited contest. Unfortunately, our scheduled opponent, the Red Hots were a no-show come kickoff. The team was determined to play so we did a few quarters of Red/Gold scrimmage & Dad got a chance to ref a 2nd game this season!

No using your hands in soccer!

Taylor eyes the ball as she gallops down the field

Jordan (8) gets her first of several good looks at the goal in this game as Taylor (9) rushes back to play D

It's 3 on 1 for this throw-in and...

...despite being beat to the ball...

...somehow Taylor ends up on it!

After a brilliant centering pass from teammate Addison, Jordan buried this shot in the goal - left footed & directly off the pass - she even beat a boy in goal as we welcomed Coach Emil's son into the game. Gold took the scrimmage and bragging rights 3-1

The girls catch their breath on the sidelines as they consider the teachings of the fall season

So once the season was over it was time to celebrate! The party was at Urban Air and the team was ready for some bouncing, pizza, cupcakes, & recognition! We're excited to have commitments from 9/10 players to return in the Spring. The parents have agreed to extended off season practice schedule so expectations are high come February!

Mom stepped up and got allergen safe cupcakes

Teammates take a break from bouncing to pose (Olivia -"Bravest Defender", Addison "AP Offensive Player of the Year", Taylor "Top Long-Shooter", & Jordan "Top Practice Player")