NYC Sirens vs. Central Park Rangers RED

NYC Sirens (forfeit)
STATE CUP * Round 1
East River Park * East 6th street field
Time: 9:00am

----- match report by Vickie Gibbs

Sunday morning ... 7:30am ... I wake up and look outside ... It's still raining ... And it looks cold ... I hit snooze ... 10 mins later the alarm goes off again ... I think about playing soccer in the wet rain, which can be fun -- but it's rather cold ... I realize that probably isn't my first choice of things to do this morning ... But I remember that Dana said we only had 11 girls today, so I know I can't let my teammates down ... I get up, and start the layering process to prep for the cold ... By the time I leave the apartment, I feel like the kid from A Christmas Story ....

Instead of walking from the subway to the field, I take a cab ... 2 benefits: it's dry in the cab and I'm running late, so it's the only way I'll be on time :) ... I arrive at the field and there's a men's game going on ... I look around and see the men's subs hanging outside the locker room ... I don't think they spoke any English, but as I was looking for my teammates, or any other women players, one of the guys nicely catches my eye and motions for me to go inside ... The door opens and I hear a bunch of girls -- yay, I found everyone! The struggle to get out of bed and make it to the field on time is not all for naught!

I go into the locker room to find a full team for the opposing team ... At the other end of the locker room I see 4 others from our team, Emily, Christine, Kate, and of course our fearless leader Dana ... The time is 8:50am ... The ref comes in and tells us he'll give us 20 mins for the rest of our team to arrive ... A few mins later Kerry arrives -- she wasn't even supposed to play but her other game was cancelled so she came to help ... So now we have 6 ... Mary is on her way, but has a long trip ... She would make 7 ... But 7 vs 11 against an A division team -- not really worthwhile ... We wait until 9:30 ... The ref comes in and we are forced to forfeit ... Dana is quite upset, the rest of us are disappointed ... Where are out teammates??

Instead of scrimmaging, we all decide that good drink and warm food sounds like a pretty good option :) ... Unfortunately in NYC, the city doesn't expect folks to be up before 11am on a Sunday, so the first 2 places we try are closed ... But we finally end up at Grape and Grain ... Dana looks expectantly in the window and motions the guy over to ask when they open ... He asks how many we have as he looks at us in the cold rain ... Dana tells him 5, and he says he'll set up a table for us and let us in early :) ... The Lychee Bellinis, warm food, and good conversation made for an excellent, yet unexpected morning ... One topic of conversation -- what happened to the rest of our team!

------Vickie Gibbs

________________________________________________________________

In attendance: Vickie, Emily, Christine, Kate, Dana P, Kerry

On her way: Mary

No Shows and Last Minute Bail Outs: Amanda, Gracie, Katie, Stephanie, Katelyn

NYC Sirens vs. Rovers II

NYC Sirens 0 - 3 Barnstonworth Rovers II
Pier 40 Courtyard East
Time: 9pm

----- match report by Amelia Manderscheid

The Sirens matched up against the Barnstorm Rovers in team described "perfect soccer weather" on Sunday May 17th at 9:00 p.m. The Sirens unfortunately were down one player for the duration of the game, but evenly matched the Rovers even so. The Rovers got their first shot of the game in early, and the match play was competitive for the duration of the half as the Sirens worked to get one back. Unfortunately, the Rovers found the back of the net in the second half and were able to score 2 more goals. Although the Rovers won 3-0, the Sirens wondered what the result could have been if they had had a full squad for the game.

Fuel FC vs. NYC Sirens

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SUNDAY APRIL 26, 2009
Fuel FC 3 - 1 NYC Sirens
3pm East River Park * E. 6th street

------ Match Report by Andi Hargrave

Bedecked in the latest Personal Portable Sauna^TM from Japan, GK Andi Hargrave expected a busy day with only nine Sirens available to face a fully staffed Fuel FC. The sun was sweltering, although there was a slight breeze off the river. A long ball up the middle sprung a breakaway goal for Fuel shortly after the opening whistle. But in no time, the scoreline was level again as Leslie Jucovics sent a long, high ball towards the Fuel goal. The bounce was misjudged by the ‘keeper and the scrambling Fuel defenders were unable to keep the ball out of the net. It was a great bit of luck for the violet shirts that seemed to take the wind out of their opponent for the remainder of the first half. The short-sided Sirens caught another break when both game balls were cleared over the riverside construction fence, resulting in a several minute breather while they were retrieved. Both teams had several opportunities each from corner kicks, but no scoring came of it, and the teams went into halftime tied 1-1.

The Sirens arrived on the sidelines red-faced but confident in their first half play. After a drawn out break, the teams re-took the field and Fuel resumed their long-ball assault. Before long, Fuel came up with another breakaway goal. A two-on-one resulted in yet another. But the chances for Fuel dried up after that. With only nine players, the Sirens were able to dominate in possession and scoring chances for the remainder of the game, but sadly, no more goals would come. Even the sending off of a foul-mouthed Fuel forward proved to be too little, too late.

Final score: Sirens 1 Fuel 3.

NYC Sirens vs. Astoria Dragonflies

NYC Sirens 4 - 0 Astoria Dragonflies
PIER 40 Courtyard East 9pm

------- report by Leslie Jucovics

When the Sirens came to play the Astoria Dragonflies on Sunday night, the air was electric - not only with everyone’s competitive spirit and drive to win, but with lightning. So as we waited to hear whether or not the game would be played, the anticipation built up. And lucky for us, the game was on.

From the start, the Sirens were dominant. The defensive team of Leslie, Nikki, Christine and Gracie contained the few breaks Astoria found, and continually put the ball back into the offensive mix, providing goal keeper, Andi, with a relatively uneventful game. Jordyn and Jessica controlled the mid field, and with about 20 minutes remaining in the first half, Jordyn had an open look at the goal and sent one flying past the keeper to start the Siren’s scoring. With the center of the field in control, Marina and Jenn controlled the outside, getting great opportunities to move the ball up the outside, and before the end of the first half, Marina had her first goal of the season as well. (Good move Elliot getting her out of the sweeper position).

Coming out of halftime, the Sirens were ready to up the score, and the forward line of Dana and Emily were going to be stars of the show. With Elliot’s halftime coaching revving us up and Jeremy’s cheering, we came out playing hard.

About 20 minutes in, (Coach Elliot adds: With some clever footwork out wide, Jen passed the ball back to either Christine or Leslie who sent it in to the penalty box from out wide. A flick on from Jordyn landed then at Dana's feet in the left corner of the box. Angling her right foot she sent the ball high into the air and goal bound.....GOAL!!! she actually lobbed the goalkeeper from 8 yards out, even though the keeper was on the line. Unbelievable.)

back to Leslie: And the Sirens weren’t done yet. The backfield started pushing through and making offensive runs and Astoria was under pressure. To finish off the scoring later in the second half, Dana sent a perfect pass to Emily, whose shot went right past the keeper to make the score 4-0. When the final whistle blew, the Sirens had continued their undefeated streak and were ready for the next team. Bring ‘em on.

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!

HALLOWEEN

Well, I had hoped, and certainly attempted, to get several club members to meet up during their Halloween antics, but had an enjoyable evening with Andi at Gallery Bar discussing our favorite horror movies and the genre in general.

Not a fan of store bought costumes, I broke down this year because William and his girlfriend were dressing as The Scarecrow and Dorothy and needed a Cowardly Lion. Adding my own touches and my natural mane I hopefully steered away from the "store bought" look.

Unfortunately Will's girlfriend wasn't feeling well and we'd have to venture out Dorothy-less.

Will caught up with Andi and I later in the evening wandering the streets somewhere around Lion's Gate soccer field.

Our mission for the evening?
To drink, of course, and to take photos with every Dorothy we encountered as we eased on down the road.

Success = 7 Dorothys. Blonde Dorothy = wasted Dorothy.

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NYC Sirens vs. Barnstonworth Rovers II

State Cup Game * Round I
PIER 40 Courtyard West @ 9pm
- reported by Elliot Gilmore

On a cold, windy and generally miserable Sunday night at Pier 40, the Sirens team gradually congregated on the bleachers behind the East field. Some were wearing coats, some wore sweatshirts....others were looking a little more like Sherlock Holmes and not Katie Holmes (Gracie) in their pre-game attire.

Having been told they were the last chance for our club's State Cup glory the pressure was on and the ladies began preparing to take on a strong side called Rovers 2. With no coach for the evening, Elliott, a wonderful English Gentleman took the reigns and gave a valiant team talk......basically consisted of "Enjoy the game, if we win GREAT, if we lose, all 3 teams can get totally drunk together instead of playing the 2nd round game!! WIN WIN situation".

A strong Violet line up took to the field and immediately began passing the ball along the sacred turf of Pier 40. One touch, two touch and even three touches of the ball were sublime. They looked comfortable. At various stages of the half, Mary, Dana and Emily led the line upfront and caused a number of problems for the somewhat talented but slow defense. It was very close through the first 20 minutes, that is until our team's "Hooligan Element" cheer squad turned up. With loud voices and various remarks made to the portly fellow in the middle with a whistle, they seemed to have sparked the opposition into life. GOAL...... a lucky cross was deflected to the near post, where an out-stretched leg from Rovers, guided the ball into the net. 1-0, but the Sirens were not out of this. Wave upon wave of attack came from the sirens now. Tanya, Erika and Tess were commanding the midfield with strong tackles, Rachael was working wing wizardry and the back four, Marina, Leslie, Liz and Sherlock Holmes remained focused and very strong. 5 minutes to halftime something special was needed to beat the Rovers' goalie. It came from the right foot of Leslie. A 40 yard shot, that came down with snow on it, hit the roof of the net out of nothing. Celebrations on the pitch were good, off the pitch, the "Hooligan Element" went mad, screaming and setting off flares in the stands. 1-1 and the halftime whistle went.

At half time the team talk was about attack. We had them where we wanted them now, on the ropes! As the pizza arrived, yes pizza, the team took to the field.

Again the half was pretty much dominated by the Sirens, but against the run of play, they were unlucky after a poor shot drifted away from Andy and nestled in the back of the net. 2-1 down, this seemed to spur the girls on even more now! They were not to be beaten by this opposition, not now. Attacks came again from Tanya, Erika and Gracie, Tess and Liz created chances for the forwards, but although going close, Dana could not find the net how we know she can. A few chances did happen for Mary, but every time she tried to shoot, she was knocked to the ground by defenders, unseen by a somewhat blind referee. Her luck did change though when she burst INTO the box and was taken down by what seemed a sniper from the stands. The "Hooligan Element" made their opinions known to the referee in so many words, and asked how he can give a direct free kick IN the box, its a penalty. He disagreed and the Sirens had a free kick 17 yards out.......Cue Tanya !!! She cared not of PK she just was going to score from anywhere now. Stepped up and Bang, top corner GOAL!!! 2-2 with 6 minutes left!

With penalties nearing the Sirens attacked more and more but it was not to be. They were destined for PKs.
The full time whistle went and although we knew it was down to spot kicks, at least now the referee would be level with play and see most of the action!

Penalty kick takers: Leslie, Tanya, Mary, Liz, Emily

· They shot wide (Andy standing tall forced the miss)
· Leslie scored 1-0
· They shot wide (Andy scaring them in to missing the goal)
· Tanya scored 2-0
· They scored 3-1 (Andy, just beaten by the ball)
· Mary scored

If Andy could save this next kick it was all over and no need for the other players to take one!

A confident lady stepped up and Andy stood tall in Goal. the Hooligan Element, coach and other players waited on the half way line.
Was it time to celebrate a great win?

· KICK to the keepers right, a sweeping dive by Andy....SAVE............

SIRENS WIN - SIRENS WIN

Crowd, coach and players all ran to congratulate the Goalie.
Once the huddle of Violet players gathered themselves, they went to their beaten opponents and shook hands graciously. What a team!!!

There was no cameras, so just take what is written as Gospel!!!

Hooligan Element .... Gotham Argo players Jeremy, Jorge, Ben and tryout candidate David

Post match celebration... NYC Sirens sponsor bar Emerald Pub

Phoenix vs. NYC Sirens

East River Park * East 6th street field
Phoenix 2 - 0 NYC Sirens

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