UNDER 9 SEASON

August 24, 2003: Spirit United Kick-Off Classic Tournament - Finalists
The U-9 Strikers made a spectacular team debut at the Spirit United Kick Off Classic Tournament. On Saturday the Strikers first faced the Greater Chester Valley Soccer Club Liberty team (GCSVA). The game was closely contested in the first half. On a breakaway goal in transition the Strikers went into halftime with a 1-0 lead. The Striker’s coaches continued to press for an insurance goal in the second half – pushing up the defense and midfielders to continue attacking the GCVSCA defenses. The strategy paid off with a second goal coming early into the second half of play. With a secure lead, and the strong defensive and goaltending - the Strikers were able to keep GCVSCA shutout.

The second game of the day was against the Tredyffrin Eastown Ladykickers. The Strikers played tough maintaining possession and dictating the game tempo throughout the first half. Although they had multiple opportunities on goal, some strong goal keeping by the T/E goalie kept the game scoreless. Early into the second half, The Strikers broke loose at the T/E 18-yard mark and scored. The strikers continued to keep up the assault, again looking for an insurance goal. Unfortunately they were caught off balance and beaten on a breakaway goal by the T/E team. Although the Strikers continued to pummel the T/E defense with shots, the defense stood until time ran out. The Strikers finished the first day 1-0-1. However the shutout during the first game ensured them top rank in their division for the semi-final game on Sunday.

Sunday morning came quickly for the tenderfoots of the Striker team. The Strikers awoke quickly once on the field. They easily took command of the game by scoring 2 goals in the first half and maintaining play in the Spirit end for the entire half. The Strikers however were not done and continued to amaze by winning the ball and continuing the offensive assault. The second half saw another 3 goals scored by the Strikers. The team played extremely well together, each of five goals scored by different players. After winning the game 5-0 the stage was set for the finals to commence in the afternoon.

The final game pitted the formidable Lionville Twisters against the LMSC Strikers. The Lionville team had rolled into the Spirit United Kickoff Classic Finals by disposing of the opposing teams 11-0, 8-0 and 4-0. At the start of the game it was obvious that it would be a highly contested 50 minutes of soccer. The play was back and forth - up and down the field with neither team able to get into position for a scoring opportunity. Then – three-quarters of the way through the first half, Lionville moved the ball down their left wing, centered and hit a well placed shot over the goalie’s head and into the back of the net. The Strikers continued to push and had a number of scoring opportunities that were well played by the Lionville defense. The half ended with Lionville up 1-0. This was the first time in their early careers that the Strikers were behind at the half. The Strikers came out ready for the second half and controlled play in the Lionville defensive end of the field for the first 10 minutes of play. Lionville was also tough and was able to work the ball back into LMSC territory, and score an insurance goal with 10 minutes remaining in regulation. LMSC found themselves in a difficult situation. The girls came out on fire again, and gave it all that they had. The team continued to push the ball up and apply scoring pressure. Finally the Lionville defenses broke. With minutes left, the Strikers pushed the ball up the right wing, turn the corner on the defender and unleash a screaming shot to the top right corner of the net. The game ended with the LMSC Strikers still down by a goal. Based on the quality of play in the first of the LMSC Striker appearances, it looks like the girls will be a force to be reckoned with for many games and seasons to come.