Shoregal Soccer

Shoregal Soccer

Sunday, October 30, 2011

News for the Week of Oct. 31, 2011

Program Notes for the Week of 10/31/11:

In the next month or so, we will start to wrap up the season with various highlights and tidbits about the program.

Tough Schedule, Tough Conference:
Our season did not end as we would have liked it, but it turns out that we played a very tough schedule and we also play in one of the better girls soccer conferences in the state.  Our combined opponents winning percentage from the past season was 63%.  Not many schools in our area played a tougher schedule.  Nine of the 16 teams on our schedule were District finalists - Sylvania Northview, Strongsville, Berea, Brecksville, Solon, Avon, Westlake, Hathaway Brown, and Rocky River. Six of them ended up as District champs - Northview, Strongsville, Brecksville, Avon, Hathaway Brown, and Rocky River.

Teams that were in the bottom four of our conference - North Olmsted, Olmsted Falls, and Berea all won at least one playoff game. Olmsted Falls beat Elyria and us, of course and the surprise of the area was Berea who came in as #8 seed and knocked off St. Joseph Academy, Valley Forge, and North Royalton before falling to Strongsville.  Also, Brecksville won its District and Westlake with 12 wins was upset by Avon in their District final.    It is no wonder that every game on our conference schedule is now a struggle. There is a lot of soccer talent in the SWC.

Team Stats:
A few team stats to share with you are:

Goals For - 27   This was the lowest number of goals scored since the first two years of the program in 1993 & 1994 when we only won three games in two years.  The difficulty of the schedule had something to with this.

Goals Against - 36  Once again, the most goals that we have given up since the first two years of the program.  That was a tough combination to make a winning record with. It was probably an accomplishment to win 7 games with our schedule.

On the defensive side, we did have 7 shutouts during the year, all with Dana Strimbu in the goal.

We didn't protect our home turf very well as our record at home was 3-6-1.  Surprisingly, we did better on the road at 4-2-1.  In day games, we were 4-4-1 and in night games 3-4-1, so no real difference there.  Interestingly, we were 4-1-1 on grass and 3-7-1 on turf even though our home field is a turf field.  In conference, we were 4-2-1 and our out of conference record was 3-5-1.

Next week we will list individual stats.


Strongsville Game Video:
Initially, there were some technical problems with the video of our game vs. Strongsville, but they have been cleared up and the video is now available to be watched at :

http://ohiosportsnet.tv/home

Look under the archives section and we played on 10/3.  With this game and the games that were shown on the ALCS station (channel 95), this was the most games that we have had shown on T.V. in the history of the program. Another nice bonus for the girls this year.


Election Time:
I just want to remind everyone that one of own - John Crooks is running for a seat on the Board of Education in Avon Lake. He is the father of sophomore Amy Crooks.
His profile may be found at:

http://avonlake.patch.com/articles/candidate-profile-john-crooks-for-avon-lake-board-of-education

John has some very impressive educational credentials and look over his bio and see if he might be someone you would like to vote for.


Soccer Site of the Week:
We will continue with our spotlight of local premier clubs.  This week we will feature Cleveland Kickers which can be found at:

http://www.clevelandkickers.com/

A number of our girls play with this club and also Kiko Lopez coaches pre- high school girls with this club.  Check them out.

Monday, October 24, 2011

News for the Week of 10/24/2011

Program Notes for the Week of 10/24/11:

Game Recaps:
The 2011 season came to an end on Saturday as the Shoregals lost to Olmsted Falls in a shootout by a score of 1-0.  We finished the season at 7-8-2 which unfortunately ended a streak of 16 consecutive winning seasons.  We can look forward to starting a new streak next year.

AL at home vs. Olmsted Falls  10/22/11
Sectional Championship

AL   0       Olmsted Falls  1  SO (4-3)

Game Summary:
Olmsted Falls claimed a Sectional championship with a shootout win over Avon Lake by a final score of 1-0. The two teams played 110 minutes of scoreless soccer fueled by a tremendous defensive effort by the Lady Bulldogs. Olmsted Falls coach Kelly Yurick employed a clever strategy of dropping 6-8 girls back in the defensive end, employing an offsides trap, and also man marking Avon Lake leading scorer senior Jillian Strimbu. The strategy worked perfectly as the Falls repeatedly frustrated Avon Lake scoring attempts. The Shoregals outshot OF 18 to 5 and had the advantage in shots on goal 7 to 3, but could not convert a finisher. Both senior Jillian Strimbu and sophomore Emily O'Connor had a number of great attempts on goal, but each time were thwarted by the Lady Bulldog defense.

After playing through two scoreless overtime periods, the teams then went to the 5 round shootout format which was won by Olmsted Falls 4 to 3 and thus earning them the lone goal needed to secure victory. Avon Lake penalty kicks were scored by senior Jillian Strimbu, senior Annie Lyons, and sophomore Emily O'Connor. OF countered with made kicks by freshman Emma Whitney, senior Jill Mesaros, senior Reilee DuPratt, and the winner by sophomore Laney Haviland. Haviland has been on fire in the postseason scoring 3 goals in a playoff win over Elyria and netting the game clincher against Avon Lake. In goal for the Lady Bulldogs was junior Madison Woods who made some tremendous saves on Avon Lake shots and blocked one of the Shoregal shootout attempts. She ended the game with 7 saves. Shoregal senior goalie Dana Strimbu ended her career with her 7th shutout this season and 14th overall with the Varsity.

Future Blogs:
Just because the season is over dosn't mean that we don't still have plenty to blog about regarding the girls program. We will continue to update with new blogs each week as we begin to plan for next season with indoor soccer and then conditioning. Next week, we present some statistical tidbits from the past season.

Election Time:
I just want to remind everyone that one of own - John Crooks is running for a seat on the Board of Education in Avon Lake.  He is the father of sophomore Amy Crooks. 
His profile may be found at:

http://avonlake.patch.com/articles/candidate-profile-john-crooks-for-avon-lake-board-of-education

John has some very impressive educational credentials and look over his bio and see if he might be someone you would like to vote for.

Soccer Site of the Week:
Now that the season is completed, the girls are free to tryout with various premier clubs.  This week we will feature a popular club among our Shoregal players in Cleveland United which may be visited at:

http://www.clevelandunited.org/

See the website for details about the club and for information about tryouts.

Cudos Corner:
No season would be complete without recognizing the volunteers who coordinate our concession stand.  Once again this year, an outstanding job was turned in by Betsy Mielcusny and Linda Gates.  They run a very organized stand and people don't always realize the time that is spent in shopping, loading up for every game, and then packing up after the game. On behalf of the coaching staff and the entire program, we would like to thank these two moms for their efforts this season.  We would also like to thank all the parents who worked shifts during the season to help raise funds for the program.

Monday, October 17, 2011

News for the Week of October 17, 2011

Program Notes for the Week of 10/17/11:

Schedule:
We have completed our regular season and are now on to the playoffs.  We were seeded 4th in the Rocky River District, received a first round bye, and will play the winner of Elyria vs. Olmsted Falls.  The game will take place on Saturday Oct. 22 at 3:00 p.m. at ALHS.

Game Recaps:
A tough week as we lost both games that we played to Solon and Sylvania Northview and ended the regular season at 7-7-2:

AL at home vs. Solon 10/10/11

AL   0        Solon   3

Goals:
AL -     None

Solon - Maddie Kresevic
            Hannah Schippers
            Maria Collica

Goalies:
AL - Dana Strimbu - 5 saves

Solon - Kristen Confroy - 3 saves

Game Summary:
In a game that featured a little of everything including bicycle kicks, 30 fouls, 5 yellow cards, a penalty kick, and even a full moon, Solon defeated host Avon Lake by a score of 3-0. The game had a playoff atmosphere as the two teams nearly battled to a scoreless first half, when with two minutes to go Solon sophomore Maddie Kresevic scored off a deflected ball in front of the Avon Lake net. In the second half, junior Hannah Schippers, who attempted 2 bicycle kicks earlier in the game, received a pass in front of the Shoregal net and drilled it for a 2-0 lead. The final goal was scored on a penalty kick with 3 minutes remaining by sophomore Maria Collica. Getting the shutout in goal for Solon was sophomore Kristen Confroy who made 3 saves.  In goal for Avon Lake was senior Dana Strimbu who recorded 5 saves. With the win, Solon ups its record to a very fine 12-2-1, while Avon Lake drops to 7-6-2

In JV action, Avon Lake shutout Solon 2-0 behind goals from Erin Mielcusny and Cara Dannemiller. Molly Maloney also had an assist. In goal, Abby Rogers recorded her 7th shutout of the season.

AL at Sylvania Northview  10/15/11:
 
AL  0    Northview  5
 
Goals:
AL -            None
 
Northview - Ashley Ingle
                   Lauren Yurjevic
                   Courtney Hendrix
                   Stephanie Jenkins - 2
 
Assists:
AL -           None
 
Northview - Courtney Hendrix - 2
 
Goalies:
AL - Dana Strimbu - 9 saves
 
Northview - Alexis Bielski - 6 saves
 
Game Summary:
Sweetest Day turned out to be rather sour for the Shoregals as Avon Lake travelled West to play one of the better teams in the Toledo area in Sylvania Northview and was defeated by a score of 5-0.  Northview scored quickly in the first two minutes of the game on a goal by sophomore Ashley Ingle from a pass by senior Courtney Hendrix and then again in the last two minutes of the first half on a goal by junior Lauren Yurjevic again assisted by Hendrix. In the second half, Hendrix scored her own goal by weaving through the Avon Lake defense and burying the ball in the back of the net. Then it was senior Stephanie Jenkins turn as she scored the final two goals of the game. In goal for Avon Lake was senior Dana Strimbu who made 9 saves and for Northview junior Alexis Bielski recorded the shutout and made 6 saves. With the win, Northview improves to 8-4-4 while Avon Lake falls to an even .500 with a 7-7-2 record. 

In JV action, Avon Lake was able to salvage a split on the day as the JV Shoregals beat Northview by a score of 3-0.

Final Southwestern Conference Standings:

TEAM                          W     L     T     PTS.

Brecksville                     7      0      0      21

Westlake                       5      1      1      16

Avon Lake                    4      2      1      13

Amherst                        3      2      2      11

North Olmsted              2      2      3       9

Berea                            2      5      0       6

Olmsted Falls                1      5      1      4

Midpark                        0      7      0      0

 
Playoffs:
Playoff brackets can be found at http://www.ohsaa.org/
Once there, hit "Sports" off the top bar, then "Soccer - Girls".  Then hit "Statewide Tournament Brackets".  Then go to Region II Rocky River and a printable bracket will appear.
 
Soccer Site of the Week:
The Mercy Live Pink website has a picture of the Shoregals varsity soccer team in their pink uniforms. Please go to www.expertbreastcare.org/pink and click on the pink dot where Avon Lake is on the map or go to the album gallery and page through the pictures until you find us.  There is also Breast Cancer information on this site as well.

Cudos Corner:
This week we would like to recognize some of the people who made our Kicks for the Cure promotion a success. First off, Eva Zunich for coordinating the bracelets sale, next Dawn Meyer for coordinating the T-shirts, Karen Liszka for handling the publicity, Rod Braye for his liason work with Mercy Hospital, and finally our parents and players for supporting this worthy cause.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

News for the Week of Oct. 10, 2011

Program Notes for the Week of 10/10/11:

Schedule:
Two games this week for the JV/Varsity.  On Monday 10//10, we play Solon at home with JV at 5:00 p.m. and Varsity at 7:00 p.m.   Then on Saturday, we travel to Toledo to take on Sylvania Northview with JV at 11:00 a.m. and Varsity at 1:00 p.m.

The Freshmen team has one game left on Wednesday 10/12 at Troy vs. Medina at
5:00 p.m.

Game Recaps:
It has been a while since I have had the opportunity to update the blog, so let's catch up:

Game Summary AL vs. Magnificat 10/8/11:
The game was our first annual "Kicks for the Cure" promotion to both increase awareness and to raise funds for breast cancer research. Both Magnificat and Avon Lake played in special pink themed uniforms. Both teams have been holding fundraising events over the course of the season and the Shoregals will raise $2,000 to support the cause. Also, Mercy Hospital sponsored the game and provided matching fundraising amounts to both schools.


As for the game itself, Magnificat defeated Avon Lake by a score of 4-2. Magnificat jumped out to an early lead on the strength of two goals scored within a minute by senior Natalie Guido and sophomore Natalie Coury. In the second half, Avon Lake made a bid to get back into the game behind two goals from senior Jillian Strimbu. Junior Claire Jones assisted on one of the goals. However, the Blue Streaks countered with two goals of their own by Coury again and sophomore Jaycie Brown to provide the winning margin. In goal for the Shoregals was Dana Strimbu who made 8 saves and for Magnificat goalie Amanda Copfer picked up the win with 2 saves.


Game Summary AL vs. Brecksville 10/5/11:

Avon Lake facing their second state ranked foe this week in Brecksville was beaten in a key Southwestern Conference match by a score of 2-1. The Shoregals gave the Lady Bees, ranked 8th in the state in Div. I all they could handle in this match. This comes on the heels of a 5-1 loss to #1 ranked Strongsville on Monday where the Shoregals played
the powerhouse Mustangs even in the first half before succumbing in the 2nd stanza. In this game, a scoreless first half was punctuated by several excellent scoring opportunities by both teams. The pace picked up in the second half with the Shoregals nearly scoring first as sophomore Emily O'Connor took a shot that hit the cross bar square but did not cross the goal line before it was cleared off by the Bee defense. Luck was not with the Shoregals in their 13th game of the season as the Lady Bees ultimately scored first on a penalty kick by junior midfielder Allison Stucky at the 52:00 mark. Eight minutes later Avon Lake tied the game on a hard shot by senior Cheyenne Lukstein which deflected off a Brecksville defender and past the Bee goalie. The game winner came with just six minutes remaining as junior Sarah Sivic scored on a pass from Stucky. In goal for Brecksville was junior Jena Lopez who made 7 saves. Senior
Shoregal goalie Dana Strimbu recorded 7 saves also. With the win Brecksville remains atop the SWC with a 5-0-0 record, while Avon Lake drops to 4-2-1 in SWC play.

In JV play. the Shoregals emerged victorious 1-0 on a goal by Molly Jeffries assisted by Karen Krause.


Game Summary AL vs. North Olmsted 9/28:

Despite injuries to a number of key players and still reeling from a lopsided loss to Rocky River on Monday, Avon Lake put together a marvelous team effort to eke out a 1-0 victory over North Olmsted. Sophomore forward Emily O'Connor battling an
ankle injury entered the game for the first time with 22 minutes to go and sparked the Shoregal attack. In the 70th minute, she took a pass from junior midfielder Kailey McClain and got past several defenders to put the ball in the back of the Eagle
net for the only goal of the match. With the injuries, every Shoregal player needed to play her role perfectly and the AL defense came up with a big performance in the win. In goal, Avon Lake senior Dana Strimbu recorded her 6th shutout of the season.
For the Eagles, freshman goalkeeper Rachel Sadlon did a terrific job ending up with 6 saves in the game.

Game Summary AL vs. Rocky River 9/26:

Rocky River scored in the first minute of the game and kept up the offensive pressure from there scoring 4 more times for a 5-1 victory over host Avon Lake. Scoring first for the Pirates was junior Hallie McCue who in the first minute struck a ball from 30 yds. out just under the crossbar.  At the 20 minute mark, Sophomore Grace Bennett sent a shot from the left side of the box to the back of the net for a 2-0 halftime lead.
In the second half, Rocky River scored twice within a minute at the 46:00 mark with senior Morgan Berg and Bennett again both netting goals. The scoring was capped off with a late goal by sophomore Abby Elinsky. The lone Shoregal goal was scored by senior Jillian Strimbu off a corner kick from the right side by fellow senior Rachel Gates. In net for Rocky River was senior Kim Leitch who made 3 saves and for Avon Lake senior Dana Strimbu recorded 5 saves. Rocky River, who is ranked 7th in the state in Div.II, kept their undefeated record in tact at 11-0-1, while Avon Lake drops to 6-2-2.

In JV action, Avon Lake was a 2-0 winner.

Game Summary AL vs. Lake Catholic 9/24/11:

Avon Lake scored 2 goals in the first half and the defense made it stand up in a 2-0 win over visiting Lake Catholic. The Shoregals scored in the first minute of the game on a beautiful shot to the right "upper 90" by sophomore forward Emily O'Connor assisted by senior midfielder Jillian Strimbu. At the 22 minute mark of the first half, Strimbu scored on a penalty kick. The Cougars best scoring opportunity of the night came in the second half as a hard shot by Bella Osborne was blocked by Shoregal goalie Dana Strimbu and the rebound was shot again by Osborne and cleared out by the AL defense just before crossing the goal line. Dana Strimbu made 5 saves and recorded her 5th shutout of the season for the Shoregals. Lake Catholic goalie Marissa Brannon was credited with 4 saves.

In JV action, Avon Lake scored a whopping 10 goals on the way to a 10-1 victory over the JV Cougars.

Game Summary AL vs. Olmsted Falls 9/21/11:
Avon Lake scored 5 goals in the first half on the way to a 7-0 win over Olmsted Falls.
The Lady Bulldogs played hard the whole game and put up a valiant effort despite missing a number of their top players due to injury. Avon Lake led off the scoring in the 14th minute on a goal by senior Danielle Liszka assisted by Jillian Strimbu. Less than a minute later the Shoregals struck again on a goal by sophomore Emily O'Connor also assisted by Strimbu. In the final 11 minutes of the first half, Avon Lake struck 3 more times - first by junior Kailey McClain from Christine Gates, then Gates scored assisted by Strimbu, and finally Strimbu scored with senior Taylor Nedrich with the assist.
Second half goals were scored by McClain again this time assisted by Claire Jones and the scoring was closed out with a goal by Jillian Strimbu off a long pass from Nedrich.
In goal for Avon Lake was Dana Strimbu who made 4 saves and recorded her 4th shutout of the season. Minding the net for the Lady Bulldogs was Madison Woods who recorded 8 saves.

Game Summary AL vs. Hathaway Brown 9/19/11:

In a wild affair on a rainy afternoon that featured 9 goals scored, Avon Lake was able to slosh by Hathaway Brown 5-4. The Shoregals continue to play a high level schedule that features both nationally ranked and state ranked teams with a combined winning percentage of over 60% in 2010. On this afternoon, the opponent was 2010 State Div. II runner-up Hathaway Brown and it took a true team effort to earn the victory as 5 different girls scored for the Shoregals. The goals were netted by senior midfielder
Jillian Strimbu, sophomore forward Emily O'Connor, senior midfielder Rachel Gates, who scored her first Varsity goal, and senior midfielder Danielle Liszka. The game winner was booted in by senior midfielder Haley Mills for her first goal of the year.
Dana Strimbu was in goal for Avon Lake and recorded the victory.

Game Summary AL vs. Midpark 9/14/11:

Facing a packed in defense that stifled Avon Lake most of the game, the Shoregals managed only a goal in a 1-0 victory over host Midpark. The Shoregals were still able to manage 10 shots on goal despite the spirited defensive effort by the Meteors. The Avon Lake goal was scored by senior midfielder Jillian Strimbu on an assist from junior midfielder Kailey McClain. Dana Strimbu recorded her third shutout of the young season and made 4 saves while Meteor goalie Sam Thompson was kept busy stopping 9 shots.

In JV action, the Shoregals emerged victorious by 2-0 score on goals by junior Kersten Kress and freshman Clare Adams. Junior goalkeeper Abby Rogers recorded the shutout.


Game Summary AL vs. Valley Forge 9/12:

On an early Senior night at Avon Lake, the Shoregals pounded the Valley Forge defense with 18 shots on goal and 11 corner kicks resulting in a 4-1 victory. The Patriots led off the scoring in the 8th minute on a goal by senior Jessica Mertens who picked up a ball about 40 yds. out and dribbled through the AL defense to deliver a hard shot into the Shoregal goal. After that point, it was all Shoregals as senior Taylor Nedrich netted the game tying tally just before halftime as she intercepted a pass at the top of the box and fired a shot into goal. Nedrich scored again in the second half at the 45 minute mark with the eventual game winner. Then it was junior Kailey McClain's turn. She scored at the 56 minute mark as she found some space in the middle of the Valley Forge defense. One minute later she scored again on a great assist from sophomore Emily O'Connor. The Patriot goalkeepers were kept very busy on the night with freshman Brooke Zoltai making 9 saves and fellow freshman Gabrielle DeLaat making 5 stops. Senior Dana Strimbu was in goal for Avon Lake and made 2 saves. The Shoregals up their record to 2-1-2 while Valley Forge falls to 3-4-1.