NYC Sirens vs. Scala

PIER 40 Courtyard West
-- report by Elliot Gilmore

Leaving your warm accommodation and turning up for a game on the coldest night of the year so far is one thing, staying to play with just 10 players against a full team with 3 substitutes is another. This is what 10 of the NYC Sirens did on Sunday. For various reasons, the Sirens were a depleted squad for this match against a tough opposition, but were certainly in good spirits when I turned up....late and in winter clothes from head to toe.

I announced the line-up and gave some kind of team talk, which centered around enjoying the game and basically staying warm. Then it was time to kick off.

From the start we matched the opposition stride for stride and were first to the tackles. If anything, we looked like the stronger team and the one that had 11 players. Within minutes of the start it was clear that Scala were a quick team playing through the middle and very narrow. With Michelle and Erika in the middle, the Sirens soon put a stop to that game plan. Erika was solid in the tackle and skillful with her passing, allowing Rachel and Emily to run at the sluggish defense they were up against. Anything Erika may have missed, Michelle tidied up neatly and at times leaving a calling card on her opponent for not giving the Sirens enough respect! Dana led the line on her own and must have run, along with the other team players about 7 miles. It would be harder for Dana, not because of fitness, but because she was wearing a "Skort" and fishnets under her tangerine footy socks.....This look was to be an advantage later! At the back from the start, Marina, Michelle, Nikki and Liz all looked comfortable despite the conditions and Andi in goal looked at ease with shots from outside the box.

As time went on, the Sirens began to tire a little and this was clear when the deadlock was broken on 30 minutes. A ball over the top was too much to handle and the pace of the Scala striker created a goal out of nothing. A good finish but not really a fair showing of the first third of the game. Shortly after, Nikki, playing great at the back put a stop to another attack, but in doing so, injured herself in a hard tackle and had to come off. Sirens were down to 9 players now and looking a little lost in the cold. They needed a lift. Looking at me on the bench was not it, but next to me, was Gracie, watching her team, unable to play because of a broken toe. If they had looked over, they would have seen her start kitting up and getting ready to go on! My thoughts and comments about her injury fell on deaf ears, she was going to play and assist her team mates. If i had had some "Rocky" music, i would have played it!!!

Back to 10 players, the Sirens got back into the game, thundering tackles went in along with some great footwork and runs from the before mentioned Emily and Rachel. Half time could not come soon enough for the opposition now! Luckily for them it did.

During the break, the Sirens were chatting that they actually were playing great and could go on and win this. Hands in and to a cheer of "Brrrrr Sirens" they went back to the field.

A few attacks by the opposition led to some smart saves by Andi and some great defending by M & M...Mary and Marina. Erika and Michelle continued to be strong and dominate the midfield. With the two outside backs pushing on, the opposition were unable to keep up. Liz and Mary made some great runs and crosses for the forwards. Eventually, a corner was given to the Sirens. Liz stepped up to take it and sent the ball to the penalty spot, where it was met by a tremendous header from Rachael. GOAL!!! 1-1 was the score. The game, with 20 mins left became very stretched. The opposition decided to send high crosses into the box and hope to snag a lucky goal. This they got, when a cross shot looped over Andi and into the net. 2-1 down with 15 minutes left.

With hard tackles still flying in from both sides now, it was a chance to gain the upper hand. They were giving free kicks away and Liz, Mary and Gracie were quite happy to cross them into a crowded area and hope that Dana could capitalize on a mistake by the defense. well, right on that, a long ball into the penalty area proved too much for their defense and skort and all, Dana poked the equalizing goal home. GOAL ! 2-2 now. Must have been the outfit putting the defense off, they just froze like statues unable to clear!

The last 10 minutes seemed to be all Sirens attacks, yet from the players on the pitch it must have felt the opposite. They were out on their feet having given it their all. A few more runs and a few more tackles were made, but Michelle and Mary were feeling the pain now from earlier tackles made and fouls made on them. Erika was tiring as was Gracie in the middle. A hopeful ball to halfway set up the goal of the game. Some swift passing and skillful running created a chance for Dana and she did not disappoint, slotting under the oncoming goalie. GOAL !! 3-2 Sirens. 4 minutes to go, 4 minutes to take a huge victory home and send an embarrassed opposition packing. With panic in their play now, the opposition tried to break down Liz and Marina at the back, but to no avail. They were not going to get through again.

The final whistle went and a jubilant Sirens team strutted off the field, leaving behind an opposition in total disbelief. A well earned win for the Sirens, who clearly had more fight than the other team despite being up against it from the off!

Off for a hot chocolate and a warm shower for this PROUD coach!