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Recent U16C3 Strikers-Lillie News
Players from around the world traveled to Blaine to participate in the 2011 Schwan’s USA Cup and our very own Strikers joined in for the excitement. Only Mother Nature could bring on her worst Minnesota Summer weather to mess with the scheduled game times. The Strikers first game was to be played at 3:45 pm on Tuesday, July 19 but with high temperatures and humidity, tournament officials on Monday made the decision to change many of the game start times. Playtime was shortened and water breaks were mandatory.
The team was now scheduled to play at 1 pm. but again, Mother Nature had it in for everyone involved in the tournament. A storm rolled through the north metro during the mid-morning and delayed game play, pushing the Strikers one o’clock game time to 4:15 pm. against St. Croix Select from St. Croix, Virgin Islands. With the water break and halftime over, the Strikers and St. Croix Select took to the pitch to finish the match. Again, Mother Nature interfered and raised the heat and humidity high enough to call our game finished.
Many team members went to dinner after the game before having to report for the Opening Ceremonies parade. As spectators, we watched all the teams walk in front of the stands, and fans, onto the National Sports Center stadium field. Once all teams were on the field, members of the NSC Minnesota Stars carried out a large American flag and we sang the National Anthem. A plane flew overhead, sky divers jumped to parachute and land on the field in front of the stands. Fireworks and the lighting of the cauldron followed.
Wednesday, July 20 the Strikers played against Colegio San Luis Gonzaga from Quito, Ecuador at two o’clock. Today was PUMA Project Pink Day in support of breast cancer awareness and tournament officials encouraged fans to wear pink. For every goal or shutout recorded, PUMA donated five dollars towards Project Pink. There was also a prize given to each person who scored and to the goalies for a shutout. The Strikers hit the pitch and played one of their best games ever in the Schwan’s Cup. With help from all of his teammates, Joerger scored the one and only goal the team would get for the tournament.
Thursday, July 21 the matchup was against Blizzard Bayern from Calgary, Alberta, Canada and the weather started on a much cooler note only to warm up again. The Blizzard Bayern team was quick on their feet and skilled at moving the ball around the pitch. The Strikers kept pace with the Blizzard but by halftime, the Blizzard became a blizzard and dominated the field.
The Strikers wrapped up the tournament by playing in the first round of playoff games against Club Deportivo Barbosa of Puerto Rico at 9 am on Friday, July 22. The team played tough, as did Puerto Rico and we finished the Schwan’s USA Cup. Another fun tournament past – thanks to all organizers, volunteers and supporters of the Schwan’s USA Cup.
Game One, Round One vs. Eagan
High temperatures and humidity greeted players at all levels in the MYSA League Playoffs Saturday. The early morning rain saturated the pitch and the high humidity allowed it to remain that way through the evening hours. Clouds rolled over and an occasional breeze offered some reprieve. The games were shortened and played with two 30-minute halves, with water breaks at the 15-minute mark of each half. The Strikers stepped onto the pitch ready to win and push through the heat to advance in the playoffs. Eagan was ready too and scored the first goal, which fueled the Strikers fire. With great passing, ball handling and communication the Strikers managed to tie the game after their first water break before the end of the first half.
A pep talk from the coach and a will to win, the players continued to control the ball and push forward. Both teams were after a win after tying in both games during the regular season, and played aggressively but with respect for each other. The communication, ball handling and passing continued between the players and in the end the Strikers won 2 – 1. The Strikers held control of the ball about ninety percent of the time due to their teamwork. They were relentless on goal with many attempts, some oh so close. Thank you to the Eagan team for an awesome competitive game to watch.
“If you’re attacking, you don’t get as tired as when you’re chasing.” - Kyle Rote, Jr.
Game Two, Round Two vs. Albert Lea
A late morning game on Sunday, the weather much the same as Saturday but with the sun shining making it a little more unbearable, the Strikers stepped onto a less dampened pitch to face Albert Lea. With two losses against this team, one close (2-1) and the other 6-2, the Strikers knew they would have a tough game ahead of them. The same rules followed from the day before for timing and the game got underway.
Albert Lea play tough and strong, but the Strikers held their own. This was a match to watch as both teams fought for the ball. Albert Lea managed to score multiple goals and by halftime were winning 3-0. The Strikers had taken aim at goal but without luck and seemed to lose their energy. Coach talked to the team and sent them to the pitch for the final half, where they played hard in the rising heat. Miller finally made a goal, after one of many attempts, as the team's hard work and efforts throughout the year can be credited to his goal. The team was fired up knowing there could be a chance. Unfortunately, Albert Lea continued to take aim at goal and managed to win 4-1.
“True champions aren't always the ones that win, but those with the most guts.” - Mia Hamm
For both games of the League Playoffs, the Strikers team missed teammate Dunbar on and off the field. The Strikers season ended and they should be proud of how well they played considering the conditions they faced during playoffs and the regular season. They now head to Blaine for some fun playing in the Schwan’s USA Cup where they will face St. Croix, Florida/Virgin Islands; Quito, Ecuador and Calgary, Alberta Canada.
Ending on a High
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New Ulm Hermann’s Cup – June 18 – June 19, 2011
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Strikers Shine Under the Lights
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Game Called on Account of Lightning
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