B u c s B l o g    

It was a tough week for Phoenix - a 3-1 loss on MD5 to Cascade Christian was followed on Tuesday with a 4-3 OT loss to North Valley. Down 3-1 with 6 minutes left, we found the net twice to force OT. But a breakawy by Kayla Wilhelm (who we will love later in February, if she's back with FC Phoenix) and a great Chelsea Giessen (sp?) save on a upper V-destined direct kick delivered, then preserved the W for the Knights.

Great game for a neutral observer - not always technically sound, and we showed we have work still to do, but heart and never give up attitude from both teams was commendable. The level of play was generally respectable. The physical play was also respectable and well-received (mostly) on both sides. Jill Chavez and I spoke as we crossed back to the cars - she was in a great battle all day with Theta - a mismatch in some respects (Theta is taller, a TINY bit faster, and physical), but they both seemed to thrive with that pairing. Emily Chirnside and Jordan Ceremony had a very good game against one another, too. And the times when Wilhelm was paired against Valkyrie teammates Terra Fry and Carlee Storey were fun to watch, as well.

We will step out on Saturday to regain some ground against St. Mary's. We can hope the Henley field finally takes a win from a top team (CC and we both needed shootouts, NV goes there next).

The Valleys are atop the league at 5-1, HV technically ahead on head to head. We sit in a lock for 3rd with CC, though again, they are technically ahead on head to head. Trib match reporting here. Maz v RR is postponed until Thursday.

Not much should change this weekend - all four teams with winning records should win again and nothing will change. Tuesday is a different story, but we won't get ahead of ourselves, yet.