PAGE 28
June 2006
Local Players On the International Pitch
(continued from page 25)
pumped to take on the Selezionne
was more athletic and skillful than previ-
For the second match of the tour,
ous opponents. Region IV's first goal
Region IV was privileged to play at
Veneto. The staff and players established
was scored in the 10th minute, and the
some goals for the match in order to
Coverciano,  the  National  Training
Though the first match was delayed
score remained 1-0 at the half. The
Center for the Federazione Italiano di
improve performance and maintain the
20 minutes by thunder and lightning, the
playing surface was new field turf so
Italians showed plenty of gamesmanship
Calcio against a team selected from the
high quality of play. Specifically, for-
weather was not a factor. Team Captains
wards making explosive slashing runs,
and Region IV had difficulty not letting it
area surrounding Florence. In a very
Biannca Henniger and Mariam Azimi
get to them. Dramatic tumbles when not
physical match, the Region IV players
midfielders connecting with a variety of
greeted and exchanged gifts with the
even touched, moving the ball forward
passes and defenders providing each
were introduced to shrewd Italian tac-
opposition,  as  is  the  custom  in
5-10 yards on free kicks and tugging jer-
tics. Shirt pulling, short grabbing and
other more depth in order to maintain
International play. The ice was broken
seys or shorts were distracting to say the
dramatic tumbles accompanied by loud
possession and build out of the back.
by Sarah Martinez in the 18th minute
From the opening whistle it was clear
least. The Italians also demonstrated
wailing were as prevalent as good passes
when she slotted home Azimi's cross
very effective shielding ability; once they
and fine ball control. Although Sarah
that Region IV was on a mission. At 55
which was dropped by the goalkeeper.
received the ball it was nearly impossi-
seconds, Region IV's first goal was
Martinez did not score in this game, she
Martinez was good for two more in the
ble to get it away from them. The plan
took the brunt of the physical abuse and
scored. The second awe-inspiring goal of
match before being replaced. Courtney
for the second half was to defend so that
assisted Nikki Fernandes for the first
the tour was scored in the 15th minute
Jones also had a multiple goal perform-
on a diving header by Sarah Martinez, off
players either intercepted passes or at
goal. Region IV created multiple oppor-
ance, with teammates Burk, Cueller and
least disrupted the Italian's ability to
tunities but was only able to put one
a cross from Azimi. Azimi, Stewart, and
Azimi adding single goals to the total.
cleanly receive and protect the ball.
Martinez would each score again before
more away before the half. Despite the
Region IV played their signature style in
Region IV created numerous scoring
scoreline of 7-0, the game was challeng-
the end of the half with an additional
a 4-3-3 and once the butterflies were
chances but the score was 2-0 at the final
ing. The team rose to the occasion and
goal from Shawna Gordon. The game
overcome they settled into a smooth
whistle. The Italians treated Region IV to
dominated the physical play as well as
ended 11-0; the team met the goals set in
rhythm handling the opposition with
the pre-game preparation. The Veneto
a beautiful spread of fruit and sandwich-
the technical and tactical aspects of the
ease. Neither goalkeeper was tested and
es following the match. The day culmi-
game.
players and staff rushed the field with
the game provided an opportunity for
nated with a trip to San Siro Stadium to
After the excitement and satisfac-
video cameras and begged Jenny
every player to get playing time in the
watch Inter-Milan play Villa Real in the
tion of Game 2, the Region IV squad was
LaPonte to demonstrate her flip throw.
first outing.
first leg of the Champions League
They had never seen anything like it
before!
Quarter-finals. It was a great way to wrap
up a terrific international experience. s
The opponents for the final game,
2006 SCHEDULES
from the Lombardia Region were the
Read about Sarah's personal
toughest faced during the tour; the team
experience on page 26.
Visit Us At www.wsysa.com
Date
Opponent
Time (PT)
Friday, June 2
Portland Timbers
7:00 pm
Saturday, June 3
@ Portland Timbers
7:00 pm
Thursday, June 8
@ Charleston Battery
4:30 pm
F.C. Seattle
F.C.
Saturday, June 10
@ Atlanta Silverbacks
4:30 pm
Friday, June 16
@ Puerto Rico Islanders
5:00 pm
Sunday, June 18
@ Miami FC
TBD
2006
SUMMER CAMPS
Thursday, June 22
@ Virginia Beach Mariners
4:30 pm
Saturday, June 24
@ Minnesota Thunder
4:05 pm
Wednesday, June 28
Puerto Rico Islanders
7:00 pm
Dedicated to the Development of youth soccer since 1984!
Saturday, July 1
Miami FC
7:00 pm
Our summer camp program is based on a very
successful formula in which we cater for the youngest
Saturday, July 15
Montreal Impact
7:00 pm
members of the soccer community but our 'premier
development', strikers and goalkeepers programs
Friday, July 21
@ Portland Timbers
8:00 pm (FSC)
ensure that there is a program to suit each and every
Saturday, July 22
Portland Timbers
7:00 pm
player, regardless of age, position, gender or ability.
With locations throughout Greater Seattle and
Wednesday, July 26
@ Montreal Impact
4:30 pm
Washington State there is a camp coming to a
soccer field near you!!
Registration Online
Friday, July 28
@ Rochester Raging Rhinos
5:00 pm (FSC)
www.fcseattle.com
www.fcseattle.com
Sunday, July 30
@ Toronto Lynx
3:00 pm
Check the Sounders web site for full schedule
Soccer Camp for Champs...
Premier Development...
Our main day camp program, we provide concise
A specialized training program for competitive
soccer instruction in a fun and challenging
players to improve their game. Advanced
environment. Camps run for one full week, 9am -
technical and tactical concepts are taught by
1pm daily. Ages 6 - 13
our highly experienced coaches. Ages 11 - 16
Strikers Camp.. Final Touch...
Date
Opponent
Time (PT)
This program aims to give players the skills
needed to achieve the 'Final Touch'
Thursday, June 1
@ Mile High Edge
6:00 pm
Strikers are provided with an ideal opportunity
Friday, June 2
@ Fort Collins Force
5:00 pm
to develop the skills and instincts of a goal
scorer. Ages 11 - 16.
Sunday, June 4
@ Real Colorado Cougars
5:00 pm
Champion Goalkeepers...
Sunday, June 11
Mile High Edge
7:00 pm
This program is designed with Specific skills
Friday, June 16
@ San Diego Gauchos
6:00 pm
and techniques will be worked on and
"Through the game of soccer there is
Wednesday, June 21
Vancouver Whitecaps
7:00 pm
enhanced for this 'very technical position'.
the opportunity to develop and
Throughout the week, keepers will work
Friday, June 23
Fort Collins Force
7:00 pm
prepare young people for the game of
closely with the Final Touch Strikers program
life" Clive Charles, founder of
Ages 11 - 16.
Sunday, July 2
San Diego Gauchos
7:00 pm
FC Seattle Academy
Saturday, July 8
Real Colorado Cougars
7:00 pm
For Information Call: (253)529-9654, Fax (253)529-9478, or e-mail fcseattle@comcast.net