U12 Girls Tie: Mad River 1 - Roseburg 1

by John Saveliff
Arcata, CA

In their first Spring game, a young Mad River United U12 Girls team surged from behind late in the game to tie the Roseburg Revolution 1-1. A perfect pass from center Mariah Smither led striker Brooke Coelho behind Roseburg's defense for an easy score.

At the start, Roseburg won the toss and elected to face a blowing 25mph wind leaving them a considerable advantage for the second half. Mad River failed to capitalize on three penalty kicks due in large part to some remarkable saves by Roseburg's keeper. Mad River turned to face the wind with no score on the board.

Mad River coach Nick Parker was concerned at half-time that Roseburg's strong center players might have an overwhelming advantage with the wind. Mad River countered by stacking the middle with their strongest players in a 4-4-2 formation and sending their strikers out wide. By the end of the game, Parker would become convinced that this formation was a good fit for his team.

Center midfielders Mariah Smither and Kaylee Holland with sweeper Katerina Heppe behind controlled the middle and sent their passes out to winger Day Robbins who moved the ball like precision clockwork. Nine year old fullback Hailey Ford dominated her side of the field against Roseburg's best. Ford refused Roseburg's attackers stealing and turning the ball up field.

United's keeper Kendra Lewis saved several goals in her first game in the net. A respected striker last season, she volunteered this year to fill a sorely needed vacancy as goalkeeper for her team. Her hard work, dedication, and natural ability has allowed her to adapt rapidly to the keeper position.

Mad River United was caught at least five times offside by Roseburg's aggressive offside trap. Brooke Coelho was finally able to make the adjustment and score the tying goal on a beautifully timed breakaway run.

Mad River United U12 girls playes in Oregon this weekend.