Spring Soccer Yearbook '15

Go Dolphins!  The Spring and girls 4th soccer season brought with it many "extremes" to say the least.  Leading the way was the weather - the disruption was unmatched in league history - of 10 games only 4 were played as scheduled, 3 were rescheduled and played, and 3 were vacated.  Despite that, the team really jelled and achieved some great milestones while vanquishing some "demons" of seasons past.  Jordan & Taylor had their best seasons to date (2nd & 3rd in team scoring respectively) and were involved in key plays during significant portions of games.  Dad had a blast and is itching to start off season workouts.

Pre-game warm-ups - Taylor gets loose prior to kickoff

Dolphins vs. Fighting Eagles 

This game will always be know to Dad as the "Toby Game".  The Dolphins showed up ready to play and put on a flawless performance on both sides of the ball.  5 different players scored in the game - a season high leading to a 10-0 win. 

Stare down while Jordan & Co. crowd the opposing goal on a Corner Kick

Make a break for it - the kicks don't always go where they are supposed to

1-on-1 for a loose ball

One of the more relaxed sidelines of the season 

Dolphins vs. Sweet Tarts

This was easily the most anticipated game of the season.  The Tarts had beat the Dolphins 3 consecutive times en route to winning the division the past 2 seasons.  Trailing 0-2 in the 3rd quarter the Dolphins exploded for 9 strait goals in the 2nd half.  Jordan was part of the onslaught matching her career high for scores in a game.  The win was extra "sweet" for Dad who knew both opposing coaches.

The team is a family business - Mom's biggest contribution was recruiting Addison 3 seasons ago - she's a top 3 talent in the division and went low on this play, split 2 defenders and broke free for a score

Taylor covers her friend Sydney on a Throw-In...

...and bends over backwards to follow the action

You know its a big game when the Gym teacher shows up - Coach Rodriquez poses with all the girls from Purefoy Elementary

Dolphins vs. Diamonds

This was our final "official" game of the year and it was intense!  The Diamonds rolled into the game undefeated.  Close throughout, this game had it all; huge plays, questioned calls, and parental arguments on the sideline.  In the biggest spot Jordan brought her best effort of the season getting the opening score and later netting the decisive winning goal.  But the defensive play of the game (and season) came late in the game.  The Dolphins were charged with a handball with the slimiest of leads (1) and the Diamonds set up for a penalty kick just feet away from the goal.  Their strongest shooter, reeled back and delivered an absolute blast which was blocked by Taylor, who took the rocket right in her stomach.  Taylor "gutted" out the rest of the quarter and the Dolphins handed the Diamonds their only loss of the season.

Jordan breaks free from the pack...

...and cuts inside 

Jordan & Savannah enjoy a rare quiet moment during a break in the action

Grace (2), Jordan G (in goal & one of the best pure defenders in the division), and Taylor (8) lock down the defense on a Corner Kick - notice the opposing player towering over Taylor

Two things we couldn't match the Diamonds in were size & ponytail length - but the girls worked hard for the 5-3 win

Dolphins vs. Goal Busters
Just 2 days after our Spring signature victory we headed to a scrimmage vs. the Busters.  We went to their practice field a bit shorthanded and primed for a letdown.  The Busters hadn't won a game all season but made the most of home field advantage, which included playing on a beat up surface that was on a 20% incline.  Hats off to our opponents who showed up ready to play and won decisively 7-3.

The Dolphins look to get the ball out from deep in their own territory - Dad loved being on the field to ref another game

Jordan sizing up an opponent on defense

Jordan & Taylor both playing "uphill"

Taylor makes her big debut playing Goalie in the 4th quarter while Dad looks on - she let a few goals slip in but rocked the world when she connected on a huge blast (aided by the sloping field) and scored - although a little frustrated with the loss, both J&T scored and said this was one of the funnest games they ever played in so we'll call it a success

2015 Spring Dolphins (from left to right & back to front)

Coach Brian, Addison, Jordan G, Grace, Coach Emil

Sophia, Ava, Savannah, Sarah, Taylor

Jordan K & Olivia

See you in the Fall!!!