After a brief 6 week offseason, the Dolphins were back to the practice grind in Mid January - all 16 players returned from the Fall roster to defend their U14 Gold League Title. The preseason brought what you would expect - some weather disruption, rescheduled and cold practices that run short due to early sunsets. A new challenge emerged in the form of Middle School Basketball & Cheer with half the team impacted by weeknight practices and games. We managed to squeeze in 8 workouts before a historic Arctic Blast engulfed North Texas in below freezing temps for a week and dumped multiple rounds of snow cancelling a series of practices just a week prior to our 1st game...which ended up being postponed.
Game 1 vs Goalbusters
Our 1st game ended up being our 2nd scheduled game as the aforementioned Texas Winter storm squashed all dreams of starting the season on time. More Spring weather - rain late in the week cancelled all grass field games - we were lucky to be scheduled at Toyota Soccer Center on the Field Turf, however rain remained in the forecast. Our opponents were "friends to the team" that we have worked with for years at practice and over a half dozen League games dating as far back as Fall '15 (all Dolphins victories!) The Dolphins got off to a quick start taking an early 2 goal lead before the hazy grey skies opened up and a brief but heavy downpour soaked the teams. Unphased by the rain, the Dolphins kept the ball on their opponents side the entire half and extended the lead to 3 when Jordan notched an Assist connecting with a teammate for a score. The Dolphins continued to control the action in the 2nd half - eventually doubling the score en route to a dominant 6-0 win.
Our 1st game ended up being our 2nd scheduled game as the aforementioned Texas Winter storm squashed all dreams of starting the season on time. More Spring weather - rain late in the week cancelled all grass field games - we were lucky to be scheduled at Toyota Soccer Center on the Field Turf, however rain remained in the forecast. Our opponents were "friends to the team" that we have worked with for years at practice and over a half dozen League games dating as far back as Fall '15 (all Dolphins victories!) The Dolphins got off to a quick start taking an early 2 goal lead before the hazy grey skies opened up and a brief but heavy downpour soaked the teams. Unphased by the rain, the Dolphins kept the ball on their opponents side the entire half and extended the lead to 3 when Jordan notched an Assist connecting with a teammate for a score. The Dolphins continued to control the action in the 2nd half - eventually doubling the score en route to a dominant 6-0 win.
The calm before the Storm...literally - Jordan & Taylor set up for opening kickoff (and Dad blends into the background) just minutes before the skies opened up and unleashed a furious round of rain
Game 2 vs Plano Kicks
Our 2nd game epitomized everything we play for. It was Plano League Champion vs. Frisco League Champion tangling in a high noon match under bright sun, low 60's temps, and light wind. After a great week of "big game" prep the team came out strong - in the first 20 minutes Jordan had notched an Assist on a Corner Kick and Taylor connected on a high left footed blast just inside the Goalie Box to jump out to a 2-0 lead. We carried that lead into the 2nd half where Jordan grabbed her 2nd Assist once again on a Corner Kick. Speciality play was the theme of the game and minutes later we would face adversity when we yielded a score off a Corner Kick. The Dolphins responded like true champions by charging down the field and sticking the ball in the net < a minute after surrendering that goal - things would calm down the final 15 minutes of play and the Dolphins would ride out an impressive 4-1 victory. For context, our opponents had only yielded 1 score their previous 12 games and not lost during that stretch. The team looked sharp as we headed into Spring Break.
Our 2nd game epitomized everything we play for. It was Plano League Champion vs. Frisco League Champion tangling in a high noon match under bright sun, low 60's temps, and light wind. After a great week of "big game" prep the team came out strong - in the first 20 minutes Jordan had notched an Assist on a Corner Kick and Taylor connected on a high left footed blast just inside the Goalie Box to jump out to a 2-0 lead. We carried that lead into the 2nd half where Jordan grabbed her 2nd Assist once again on a Corner Kick. Speciality play was the theme of the game and minutes later we would face adversity when we yielded a score off a Corner Kick. The Dolphins responded like true champions by charging down the field and sticking the ball in the net < a minute after surrendering that goal - things would calm down the final 15 minutes of play and the Dolphins would ride out an impressive 4-1 victory. For context, our opponents had only yielded 1 score their previous 12 games and not lost during that stretch. The team looked sharp as we headed into Spring Break.
The ball takes a wild bounce as players from each team (including J&T) close in
Jordan's unleashing a big center pass - her ability to facilitate scores from the outside is second to none
The Twins setting up to defend an opposing Goal Kick
Game 3 vs Allen Relentless
After Spring Break we headed to a packed Celebration Park on a bright sunny morning with temps in the low 50s. The team owned an undefeated record in Allen but Griffin Cheer Tryouts took a bite out of the offense with our Left Striker Out & Right Striker limited. The Dolphins came out on fire scoring at 3' and later at 9' when Jordan connected with a teammate for her 3rd CK score of the season - minutes later the lead surged to 3 when Jordan sent a scorching shot into the net from just outside the box (our sideline referee commented on the strength and quality of the shot which caused Dad to proudly boast "That's my daughter.") Our replacement Left Striker grew our lead to 4 and late in the half we would find the goal again to extend it to 5 (our largest halftime lead since 2017). Jordan would leave for Cheer Tryouts and down 3 players we would pound through an ugly 2nd half as fatigue caught up with the shorthanded squad. The Dolphins added a final score late and showed great depth in the 6-0 victory.
Dad & Taylor are last off the field after the runaway win - Celebration Park was a crowded. loud, exciting environment and the field was in great shape for the match
Game 4 vs Storm
1st place was on the line in a high noon showdown against rivals "The Storm". This would be the 5th time we played this team for 1st place and we were 4-0 in the previous instances. Sun, 80 degree temps and a hot Field Turf surface challenged both teams and at least for a game signaled the end of cool weather. The Dolphins once again got off to a great start and extended a gaudy lead to 3 when Jordan blasted a hard shot into the goal just inside the box. Heat and fatigue appeared to be a a factor as we started the 2nd half. Jordan grabbed her 2nd Assist of the game when she lofted a beautiful lob pass to teammate Kalli who finished the play with a score up close to the goal. Hats off to the Storm who did not give up, raised their game the last 20 minutes of the match, and outplayed the suddenly gassed Dolphins erasing 2 of our 4 goal lead - our Goalie made some great saves to close things out and the Dolphins won 4-2. We are very proud of Jordan who displayed great resilience in this game - 20 hours before we played she found out she fell short of making the Cheer team, shook it off, and handled herself like a champion.
Anatomy of a Score in 4 photos:
1-Taylor (11) beats "Itchy" to the ball and feeds it to Jordan
Jordan races outside and a strong center pass forces a Corner Kick
Jordan sets up for a Corner Kick - she would connect with teammate "Mia" for the 4th team CK goal of the season taking a 2-0 lead in the game - the Toyota Soccer Center field is the same massive dimensions of a World Cup field (110 x 80 yards) and Jordan's CKs travel 40+ yards to drop in front of the goal
Jordan & Mia opine on a great score!
J&T part ways as the Referee calls a handball on the Storm and awards the Dolphins a Free Kick
Jordan lines up at the "30 yard line" for a Free Kick
Jordan delivers a blast towards the goal - Toyota Stadium, where the FC Dallas pros "hit the pitch" looms in the background
Game 5 vs Fighting Eagles
Our next match brought the latest 2nd place team challenging the Dolphins for the top spot in the Gold Division. It had been 3 years since we played this team which we have had great success against with a clean 6-0 record. Late afternoon start, High 60s, and 15+ mph southernly winds set the stage on Easter Weekend at Northeast Park. The Dolphins took the wind in their face to start the contest and got our opponents off balance out of the gate with our newly installed "Check & Go" Throw-In strategy - off one of these plays at 2' Jordan picked up her 1st of a trio of Assists on center passes. Despited losing field position for much of the game we carried the 3 goal lead into the 2nd half. After a dull 10 minutes filled with Goal Kicks and "wind driven" out of bounds plays, we were beat outside and surrendered a score. After a tense 15 minutes of back and forth play, the Dolphins iced the game on a breakaway score right up the heart of the defense eventually closing out a 4-1 victory. 
Jordan wrangles a loose ball in open space 
More Jordan beating the defense outside...
...drawing double coverage
This late game Free Kick hit the post...
...one of 3 post strikes she had in the game : (
Game 6 vs Fighting Eagles
Due to a weather reschedule, we found ourselves in the rare situation of playing the same team in back-to-back weeks. Despite our success the previous game, we focused on how hard our opponents played during our weekly practice grind. We have swept the previous 2 instances of back-to-backs and were poised for the hat trick on a windy & low 50's cool Saturday early morning game at Toyota Soccer Center. We started with a stiff wind in our face but managed a score at '10 off an Indirect Free Kick play just feet in front of our opponents goal. The lead did not last as we conceded a Corner Kick just minutes later. Despite the wind disadvantage we secured a 2 goal lead just before the break when Jordan connected with a teammate on a 30+ yards airborne center & score play. With the wind at our back we extended the lead just 1 minute into the 2nd half - the bookend scores between the halves broke our opponents back and the rout was on. Jordan got hot facilitating our 5th CK score of the season and later scored off a ricochet deep in the Goalie Box. The Dolphins closed out on a 6 goal streak taking the game 7-1.
J&T pose after the runaway win
Game 7 vs. Goalbusters
After a tense week filled with Middle School Soccer Tryouts the Dolphins rolled into Toyota Soccer Center with 5 players making their teams, including Jordan. The disruption + bad weather left us with no dedicated practice time for the week. We were once again lucky to be playing on the turf as late week rain cancelled a slew of games and dropped temperatures to an early season chill in the high 40's coupled with a firm 15mph northerly wind. Lots was on the line for the Dolphins who were looking to clinch the 3rd consecutive 1st place finish and 4th in the past 5 seasons. Once again with the wind in our face we took to the pitch. Our opponents battled hard and held 5 defenders back to slow the our high flying offense. It took time and patience to break through - the Dolphins struck at 10' when Jordan grabbed her 1st of 3 Assists facilitating a brilliant 6th CK score of the season. Jordan got her 2nd Assist on a high pass to the left Striker and we carried a 2 goal lead into the half. After a sleepy start to the 2nd half, the Dolphins got efficient in the box and between minutes 45'-55' - our Center Striker Kalli went off connecting on 4 consecutive scores, all up close to the goal. Jordan added a late score on a blast in front of the goal and the team closed out the League Title and 7-0 victory.
Taylor and Mia set up to defend a kickoff after a 1st half goal
Taylor found herself shadowed by a former Dolphin (Kennedy) throughout the game
More Taylor - here she beat 2 defenders to the ball and got a nice pass up to Kalli (7) who would finish the play during her explosive 2nd half run
Jordan is badly outnumbered (5 to 1) as she looks for any kind of opening - loading the defense worked against ground passes during the 1st half but could not hold up against a strong aerial passing game as the game progressed
"Everyone do the Dolphins Rumble..."
Game 8 vs Plano Kicks
After a blistering 7 week run through the FSA Gold League the Dolphins had the unique opportunity to close out a perfect season after clinching 1st place the week prior. Back in town was a motivated Plano League Champion - a win gets them Silver Medals - a loss would get them nothing. Low 60's temps and a stiff 15mph Northern wind set the environment for the mid morning match. Out of the box our opponents were winning the ball and attacking our goal, The Dolphins "survived" a difficult 1st half with the wind in our face but trailed for the 1st time all season 0-1. We came out much stronger the first 10 minutes of the 2nd half keeping the ball deep in opposing territory but could not convert on several scoring chances. Our opponents were far better playing the ball off the body and consistently won possession against a suddenly tentative Dolphins team. The Dolphins slumped late and conceded 2 goals on centering plays eventually dropping the game 0-3. The loss ended a 19 consecutive league game unbeaten streak and created unneeded doubt heading into the postseason.
Jordan's pregame grimace was a precursor to the unfortunate team letdown
McKinney Spring Classic
Primed to bounce back against from the season ending loss, the Dolphins battled through horrid weather conditions to piece together 7 practices - 2 of which were ended by lightning. Unfortunately the tournament fell in the middle of a "Texas Spring Special" 10 day rain deluge that caused a slew of sports cancellations. The Dolphins triumphant season would limp to a close
Playing Griffin Middle School Soccer inspired Jordan to try out for multiple local teams and after a 3 week journey she committed to Frisco Fusion. Jordan and 4 other players would take their talents to other teams or gracefully end their careers. < 24 hours after Jordan made her commitment, Dad advised the parents of his intentions to retire after 7 years (14 seasons) of team leadership. Taylor would opt to stay in the FSA and start a new adventure on her next team this Fall.
Frisco Fusion Friendly vs Coppell FC
After a robust 16 season career with the Dolphins, Jordan spent a few weeks in May trying out for multiple Frisco based Club Soccer teams. We were not sure what to expect but knew there would be some memorable moments along this path. FC Dallas, Sting, and Fusion emerged as potential suitors. At her first tryout with Fusion, the ambitious coaching staff put their '08 squad vs the '04 team (12 year old girls against 16 year olds). Jordan did more then hold her own breaking a scoreless tie in the match and catching the attention of the entire team. An invite to a Friendly followed and we made the 30 minute trip to Coppell High School for a Monday Evening match. The weather madness continued with rain falling throughout the contest, including several waves of heavy downpours. Jordan got to start in the game at Right Wing and also spent time at Midfield and Left Wing.
Jordan donned the "99" jersey for the match
A wild environment in Coppell as planes consistently buzzed the field while preparing to land at DFW Airport just a short distance away & Dad tries to stay dry while watching from the sideline
The team came together one final time to celebrate back-to-back championships and a legacy unmatched in their age group in the FSA. It was a hot & humid Sunday evening where we shared pizza and dessert while awarding Gold Medals and celebrated milestones.
The kids await the arrival of dinner
The players enjoy some pizza but we had so much left over we made some friends at the adjacent pool as shared the overage
The girls celebrate with MacKenzie - Both made some franchise lists with Taylor 4th (39) in scoring and Jordan 2nd (87). 16 season veteran Sarah Cashman led all scorers with 121. Jordan was tops for Assists. We finished with a FSA Record of 86-17-10. In Tournaments we "came down to Earth" at 4-6-2 but finished 3rd twice. It was a great 14 seasons!
The Dolphins - we won a lot of soccer games!
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