FALL 2008
Sunday 9/14, 2008 – Recap Final Score: 0-3 WIN Woodbridge vs. Monroe
Coach Anne -- "What a great Game yesterday. The Girls really gave it their all, and they are looking good. I have a feeling they won't all be that easy, but we are ready. You just have to love that Girl power. Well, of course you already know the score was Monroe Purple Storm 3 and the Woodbridge Heartbreakers 0. The 1st goal was scored early in the first quarter by Gennyka Liebenthal off an assist from Amanda Busco. Our 2nd Goal came in the last quarter of the game from Alexa Walter off a pass from Paige Gandy.. And, our 3rd Goal also happened late in the Game with a breakaway from Alexa Walter (there was no assist, she took it all the way from half field.) Hannah, Sabrina and Amanda were outstanding in Offense and Defense. Every Girl played both Offense and Defense and added their part to the win. Paige was in Goal the 1st half, and Gennyka was in Goal the 2nd half , both Girls had a shutout, and were excellent in stopping everything that came their way."
But, this does not fully capture what went on for our girls that day. First, for the entire first half the opposing team was shut down for the most part, by an aggressive defense in Alexa, Sabrina and Hannah. They were only on our half of the field 3 times or so. One of which was a breakaway to our goal that ended with a shot by the Woodbridge Forward, that was then stopped by a tremendous showing of athletic prowess by Paige Gandy. Gennyka had an equally impressive save in the second half as well. Second, Amanda and Kirsten, as well as Antonice, provided incredible support as Halfbacks to both the defense and the Forwards as they tired on that hot day. Third, the front lines in both the first and second half drove on the Woodbridge team more than 10 times, all culminating in shots on the opposing teams goal, (just couldn't put them in). Fourth, Julia stepped up strong in the second half and gave some key support to our Storm defense. And last, the communication between the girls was on point and they worked extremely well together.
Sunday 9/21, 2008 - Recap Final Score: 2-1 WIN Monroe vs. Bloomfield
What can I say about our girls on Sunday, other than, AMAZING!!! First, we played down by three girls. Meaning that we only had 7 girls on the field for the entire game with no breaks. The opposing team had 8 on the field on 4 additional subs to give their roster a break here and there. Second, for most of the game, with the exception of towards the end as our girls became winded, the opposing team was shut down for the most part, by an aggressive defense in Sabrina, Hannah and Julia in the first half, and Paige and Gennyka working in by the second half. They were on our half of the field very few times because of Julia's impressive attack style. Third, Amanda and Antonice stepped in this week to played a strong Goalie position for the Purple Storm. Fourth, Antonice, Paige and Gennyka switch back and forth at Halfback to lend support to the Forward's. Fifth, the front lines in both the first and second half drove on the Bloomfield team all day, with an assist from Gennyka and goal by Paige in the first half, as well as an assist by Amanda and a beautiful followup goal by Hannah in the second half. And last, the communication between the girls was on point and they worked extremely well together.
Sunday 10/5, 2008 - Recap Final Score: 4-0 WIN Monroe vs. Berkley Heights
Week after week I am more impressed by the performance of each and every one of our girls!! First, we out played this team in every way. Strong defense and aggressive offense was apparent the whole time. I don't think the coaches and players on the other side knew what to do. Second, for most of the game, the opposing team was ONCE AGAIN shut down for the most part, by an aggressive defense in Sabrina, Hannah and Alexa in the first half, and Paige, Kirsten, Sabrina and Julia working in by the second half. They were on our half of the field very few times because of our team's aggressive attack style. Third, Gennyka, though she did not see much action, Antonice and in the fourth quarter Brittney, stepped in this week to play a strong Goalie position for the Purple Storm. Fourth, our rotation of Kirsten, Amanda, Alexa, Paige, and Brittney at Halfback to lend support to the Forward's, caused major damage to the opposing team and was unstoppable that day. Fifth, the front lines in both the first and second half drove on the Berkley Heights team all day, with an assist from Amanda and Kirsten to help Paige score TWO goals in the first half, as well as an assist from Hannah to help Gennyka score a goal in the second half, and a solo goal for Alexa. And last, as always the communication between the girls was on point and they worked extremely well together.
Sunday 10/12, 2008 - Recap Final Score: 1-3 LOSS Monroe vs. Readington
When I started the season, I told the girls that the most important things I wanted them to take away from this season would be, to be safe in their play, to have fun, to be able to learn the game of soccer better, and to not think about winning. Yesterday, our girls experienced their first loss. But, as always I am proud of each of them and impressed by the performance they gave. First, this was a tough team we played, a good match for us in many ways. Strong defense kept us in the game to the end. Second, even though the opposing team played as aggressive as we do, each girls kept playing hard to the whistle. Third, Paige has to be recognized for an outstanding Goal in the third quarter. And last, as always the communication between the girls was on point and they worked extremely well together. The Coaches have a good idea as to what we need to work on with the girls, so this experience will make them a better and stronger team.
Sunday 10/19, 2008 - Recap Final Score: 1-1 TIE Monroe vs. Cranbury
What can I say about our girls on Sunday, as always, they played hard and right to the whistle! Though the other team played well, the tie score did not acuratly portray the level of play our girls dished out. First, we played down by two girls, which only allowed one substitution at a time, a tiring task in and of itself. The opposing team had 8 on the field on 6 additional subs to give their roster a break here and there. Second, for most of the game, with the exception of the one time they were able to put it in, the opposing team was shut down more times than they drove on us, by an aggressive defense in Hannah, Amanda and Julia in the first half, and Antonice, Sabrina, and Julia again in the second half. They were on our half of the field very few times because of the defensive attack sytle we practice, and from our impressive ball handling most of the time. Third, Amanda and Paige stepped in this week to play a strong Goalie position for the Purple Storm. Fourth, Antonice, Hannah, Kirstyn Mims and Kirsten Mahon switched back and forth at Halfback to lend support to the Forward's. Fifth, the front lines in both the first and second half drove on the Cranbury team many more times than they had a chance to drive on us. Fifth, a BIG congratulations goes out to Kirsten Mahon for the only goal of the game, with a great assist by Hannah in the second half. And last, the communication between the girls was on point and they worked extremely well together, as always.
Saturday 10/25, 2008 - Recap Final Score: 5-1 WIN Monroe vs. Cranford
The word for this week for our girls level of play this past Saturday is, DOMINATION! First, though the other team had a few moments of good play, we controlled the tone and speed of the game the whole time. And, as always, the pace was hard, fast and exciting. I have become accustom to this week in and week out with our girls. They really give it their all. Second, for most of the game, with the exception of the one goal the team was able to make, the opposing team was shut down for the most part, by an aggressive defense in Sabrina, Hannah, Brittney and Julia in the first half, and Paige, Julia, Alexa, and Kirsten working in by the second half. They were on our half of the field very few times and even if they managed to get a shot off, we were on the attack. Third, Antonice and Gennyka stepped in this week to played a strong Goalie position for the Purple Storm, with a couple of aggressive saves by Antonice in the first half. Fourth, we had Antonice, Kirsten, Alexa and Brittney switching back and forth at Halfback to lend support to the Forward's. Fifth, and most notable, the front lines in both halves, from Paige and Gennyka in the first half and Hannah and Sabrina in the second half, drove on the Cranford team all day, with the goals and assists coming from our girls the entire game. We had an assist from Gennyka and goal by Paige, as well as an assist from Brittney to another goal by Paige, followed up by an amazing solo goal by Alexa off of a penalty kick, in the first half. While in the second half, we had an assist by Kirsten Mahon to Paige again, (our teams first "hat trick"), as well as an assist by Alexa off of a corner kick to a beautiful followup goal by Hannah in the second half. And last, the communication between the girls was on point and they worked extremely well together.
Saturday 11/1, 2008 - Recap Final Score: 3-0 WIN Monroe vs. Maplewood
Whether home or away, our girls know how to pull off the wins!!! First, it looked as if the team we played were a Rec level team, they were very large and physical, but we controlled the ball and level of play. The pace was hard and exciting, with very few mistakes. Second, we had yet another shut out, by an aggressive defense in Sabrina, Hannah, Brittney and Julia in the first half, and Paige, Julia, Alexa, Gennyka and Antonice working in by the second half. They were on our half of the field very few times and only managed to get two shots off the entire game. Third, Antonice and Amanda stepped in this week to play Goalie for the Purple Storm, and both did so well. Fourth, we had Antonice, Kirsten, Alexa, Brittney and Kirsten Mims switching back and forth at Halfback to lend support to the Forward's. Fifth, and most notable, the front lines in both halves, from Paige and Amanda in the first half and Sabrina and Gennyka in the second half, drive on the Maplewood team all day. We had an assist from Paige and goal by Gennyka, as well as an assist from Antonice to a goal by Paige, followed up by an amazing corner kick from Hannah to Kirsten Mahon who passed it in for an assist to Paige's second goal. And last, the communication between the girls was on point and they worked extremely well together
Sunday 11/2,2008 - Recap Final Score : 3-2 WIN Monroe vs. Elizabeth
Of all the games we have played so far this season, this one will stay with me for a long time. We have played some tough teams this year, both regular season and in the tournaments, but I felt this was the largest challenge the girls faced this year. This was a good, strong, well coached team, and they took their loss to us hard. First, Coach Anne and I spoke with the opposing teams coaches at the end of the game and this team played travel last year against the boys division. So, needless to say, that explains their aggressive style. They also were an undefeated team, and we handed them their first defeat this season. Second, the pace was hard and exciting, but we did not control the pace of this game for most of the time. They drove on us many times and we put both Antonice and Amanda to work in the goalie position, but both did great. Third, defensively, I was moving all the girls around all day to compensate for the higher level of play we were challenged to. Fourth, offensively, we did so well with holding our spots that it became the factor late in the game to give us the win. Fifth, and most notable, was the hard physical play that our girls dished out. Soccer can be a very rough game, and our girls were right there to meet and exceed the tough play this team layed out. By staying strong, our girls managed to keep some extra time on the clock to give us the goals that would culminate into a win. Their girls seemed to drop like flies each time we challenged them for the ball. As for scoring, we were able to get our first of the game off of a throw in by Alexa to a goal by Gennyka. For our second goal, the key was Paige coming up strong on their goalie and trying to score. When the Elizabeth goalie came out, Paige kept going and in essence, took her out. The second string goalie came in and that turned the tides. We had the ball agian and off a drive by Gennyka, we were given a chance to tie. She came in and was blatantly tripped by the opposing team. We brought Alexa up from the backfield defense to take the "clean" penalty shot. She made it, and tied the game. Later on, with only a minute to go, we had an assist from Gennyka and goal by Paige to put us on top. And last, the communication between the girls was on point and they worked extremely well together.
Sunday 11/9,2008 - Recap Final Score : 1-1 TIE Monroe vs. Westfield
What can I say about our girls on Sunday, as always, they played hard and right to the whistle! Though the other team played well, the tie score did not portray the level of play our girls were at. First, we made some vital changes to the positions our girls play normally week in and week out. The girls did well and adapted to the changes. Second, for most of the game, with the exception of the one time they were able to put it in, the opposing team was not in control of the ball as frequently as we were. We had an aggressive defense in Hannah, Amanda and Julia in the first half, and Sabrina, Alexa, Kirsten Mims and Julia again in the second half. Third, Gennyka and Paige stepped in this week to play a strong Goalie position for the Purple Storm. Fourth, Alexa, Brittney, Hannah, Kirstyn Mims and Kirsten Mahon switched back and forth at Halfback to lend support to the Forward's. Fifth, the front lines in both the first and second half did well moving the ball on the Westfield team, many more times than they had a chance to drive on us. Fifth, the only goal of the game by Paige came on an assist by Sabrina. And last, the communication between the girls was on point and they worked extremely well together, as always.
Sunday 11/16,2008 - RecapFinal Score : 4-2 Aberdeen-Matawan vs. Monroe
One of the aspects of the game of soccer that our girls will learn to deal with is losing once in a while. It helps build character, and makes for a better player, and creates an individual who will be able to rise to meet challenges on the field, as well as in life. Yesterday, though they have not been frequent our girls experienced a loss for the second time this season, but took it well in stride. As always I am proud of each of them and impressed by the performance they gave. First, this was a tough team we played, a good match for us in many ways , better in some . Strong defense kept us in the game to the end. Second, even though the opposing team played as aggressive as we do, each girls kept playing hard to the whistle. Third, Paige has to be recognized for her Goal off of Sabrina's assist, and Alexa has to be acknowledged for a solo drive to the goal that resulted in a score for us as well. And last, as always the communication between the girls was on point and they worked extremely well together. The Coaches have a good idea as to what we need to work on with the girls over the winter and for next spring, so this experience will make them a better and stronger team.
SPRING 2009
Sunday 3/22, 2009 - RecapFinal Score: 1-2 LOSS Monroe vs. Hunterdon United
At the beginning of our second season in travel soccer, I mentioned that we were now going to play with more competitive teams in a higher flight. Yesterday, our girls experienced their first loss in this second season of their travel careers. So, as you can imagine the level of play will most likely be high through out the year. Each season, I tell the girls that the most important things I wanted them to take away from the soccer games is, to be safe in their play, to have fun, to be able to learn the game of soccer better, and to not think about winning. The other part of this, that we never really talk about, is losing. Sit with your children, let them know that losing does not mean they are doing poor. Encourage them, along with us, their coaching staff, and also remind them that losing is part of the game as well.
As always I am proud of each of them and impressed by the performance they gave. First, this was a tough team we played, a good match for us in many ways. Strong defense by Sabrina, Alexa and Amanda, kept us in the game in the whole first half. Second, even though the opposing team played as aggressive as we do, each girls kept playing hard to the whistle. Third, Gennyka has to be recognized for an outstanding unassisted goal in the first quarter. And last, they worked extremely well together, even with the few mistakes made. The Coaches have a good idea as to what we need to work on with the girls, so this experience will make them a better and stronger team.
Saturday 3/28, 2009 - Recap Final Score : 1-6 LOSS Franklin vs. Monroe
Before each game, the coaches tell the girls that the most important things we wanted them to take away from this season is to be safe in their play, to have fun, to be able to learn the game of soccer better, and to not think about winning. Saturday, our girls experienced their toughest loss as a travel team. But, as always I am proud of each of them and impressed by the performance they gave. First, this was a tough team we played, the girls kept trying even though we were clearly outmatched. Second, even though the opposing team played extremely aggressive, each girls kept playing hard to the whistle. Third, Paige has to be recognized for an outstanding Goal in the third quarter, off of a hard fought drive by Hannah down the right side field. The girls seemed to take it all in stride, and still were happy, as always, at the end of the game. This is what we as coaches really want from them. To enjoy their travel soccer experience.
Sunday 3/29, 2009 - Recap Final Score : 3-3 TIE . North Hunterdon vs. Monroe
What can I say about our girls on Sunday, as always, they played hard and right to the whistle! Though the other team played well, the tie score did not portray the level of play our girls were at. First, we kept driving on this team all game, up and down the field. The girls did well and adapted to the opposite teams style of play. Second, for most of the game, the opposing team was not in control of the ball as frequently as we were. We had an aggressive defense in Alexa, Amanda, Alyssa and Julia in the first half, and Sabrina, Alexa and Brittney in the second half. Third, Alyssa, Antonice and Amanda stepped in this week to play a strong Goalie position for the Purple Storm. Fourth, Alexa, Brittney, Hannah, Sabrina, Amanda and Kirsten Mahon switched back and forth at Halfback to lend support to the Forward's. Fifth, the front lines in both the first and second half did well moving the ball on the Hunterdon team, many more times than they had a chance to drive on us. Fifth, the three goals, two of which were by Hannah and one from Gennyka, were all on hard fought breakaway drives. This team was well matched for us, but only had the chance to tie the score off of a few slight mistakes.
Sunday 4/5, 2009 - RecapFinal Score: 4-1 WIN – Cranford vs.Monroe
After a very tough start this season, our girls pulled off a win, and a BIG one at that. First, though the other team had a few moments of good play, we controlled the tone and speed of the game the whole time, and for the most part dominated the field. And, as always, the pace was hard, fast and exciting. They really give it their all. Second, for most of the game, with the exception of the one goal the team was able to make, the opposing team was shut down for the most part, by an aggressive defense in Hannah, Amanda, Kirsten and Julia in the first half, and Sabrina, Julia, Alexa, and Kirsten in the second half. They were on our half of the field very few times and even if they managed to get a shot off, we were on the attack. They only managed 4-5 shots on our goal. Third, Antonice and Alyssa stepped in this week to play a strong Goalie position for the Purple Storm. Fourth, we had Antonice, Hannah, Amanda, Sabrina, Alexa and Kirsten switching back and forth at Halfback to lend support to the Forward's. Fifth, and most notable, the front lines in both halves, from Paige, Gennyka and Alyssa in the first half and Amanda working in during the second second half, drove on the Cranford team all day, with the goals and assists coming from our girls the entire game. We had an assist from Gennyka and goal by Alyssa (congrats on your first travel goal!), as well as a beautiful solo drive goal by Alexa in the first half. While in the second half, we had an assist by Hannah to Gennyka, on a beautiful follow up off of the Goalie hands, as well as an assist by Amanda to Gennyka again, in the second half. In total, we drove and shot more than a dozen times on the opposing team’s goal. And last, the communication between the girls was on point and they worked extremely well together.
Sunday 4/19, 2009 - Recap Final Score : 2-2 TIE Monroe vs. Berkeley Heights
I have to say that each week, at every practice and game, the girls skills improve noticeably. The other team played well and a tie score portrayed an even level of play, but we helped them early in the 2nd quarter with a goal off of our team. As for our game play, first, we kept driving on this team all game, up and down the field, and what was most pleasing, is that it was from different players this week. Second, the other team controlled the ball well, but we countered just as often. We had an aggressive defense in Hannah, Antonice, Alyssa, Brittney, Kirsten and Julia in the first half, and Sabrina, Alexa, Julia, Amanda and Brittney in the second half. Third, Antonice and Amanda stepped in this week to play a strong Goalie position for the Purple Storm. Fourth, Alexa, Brittney, Hannah, Sabrina, Amanda and Kirsten Mahon switched back and forth at Halfback to lend support to the Forward's. Fifth, the front lines in both the first and second half did well moving the ball on the Bubble Gum girls, with the two goals, one by Alexa with an assist from Brittney and the second from Paige with an assist from Hannah. This team was well matched for us, but only had the chance to tie off of a lucky break!
Sunday 4/26, 2009 - RecapFinal Score: 4-1 WIN - Monroe vs. Westfield
The girls had a well played game again yesterday, and a BIG win! This win brings us to a perfect 500 %, 2 wins, 2 losses and 2 ties. First, though the other team had a few moments of good play, we were the dominant team on the field. We did beat them in the tournament (5-1) as well, and it should be noted that we TIED this team last year, so the girls are improving week by week. Second, for most of the game, with the exception of the one goal the team was able to make, the opposing team was not very effective in penetrating our defense. On defense we had Hannah, Brittney, Kirsten, Antonice and Julia in the first half, and Sabrina, Julia, Alexa, Amanda, Alyssa and Gennyka in the second half. They were on our half of the field very few times and even if they managed to get a shot off, we were on the attack. They only managed 3-4 shots on our goal. Third, Antonice and Alyssa stepped in this week to play a strong Goalie position for the Purple Storm. Fourth, we had Hannah, Sabrina, Alexa, Brittney and Kirsten switching back and forth at Halfback to lend support to the Forward's. Fifth, the front lines in both halves, from Paige, Gennyka and Amanda, in the first half and Alyssa and Julia working in during the second second half, drove on the Westfield team all day, with the goals and assists coming from our girls the entire game. We had an assist from Amanda and goal by Paige, as well as an assist from Gennyka to a goal by Alexa, and an assist from Sabrina to a goal by Amanda in the first half. While in the second half, we had an assist by Hannah to Paige.
Sunday 5/3, 2009 - Recap Final Score: 2-2 TIE - Monroe vs. South Brunswick
Well, another game and another TIE this week. The girls had a well played game again yesterday, and we were the dominant team for most of the game. As we have seen in past outings, the score rarely reflects the level of play our girls dished out. In the first half, which is where they scored two goals, the opposing team only had three drives on goal. With the wet conditions, they were luck shots at best. As always, our team kept pressing and we came from behind to tie. First, though the other team had solid players as well, we controlled the ball many more times. This was a well trained team that came down to our flight three from flight two, so they know how to play good teams. Second, for most of the game, the opposing team did well on our side of the field, but our defense kept them back. On defense we had Hannah, Brittney, Kirsten, Antonice and Julia in the first half, and Sabrina, Julia, Alexa, Amanda, and Alyssa in the second half. Third, Antonice and Amanda stepped in this week to play a strong Goalie position for the Purple Storm, with Antonice having two monster saves n the second half. Fourth, we had Hannah, Sabrina, Alexa, Brittney and Kirsten switching back and forth at Halfback to lend support to the Forward's. Fifth, the front lines in both halves, from Paige, Gennyka and Alyssa, in the first half and Julia working in during the second second half, we drove on the South Brunswick team quite effectively. We had an assist from Gennyka and goal by Alyssa, as well as an assist from Gennyka to a goal by Paige, both in the second half.
Sunday 5/10, 2009 - Recap Final Score: 1-4 LOSS Hillsborough Heat Wave vs. Monroe
We have been playing much more competitive teams in this higher flight. Yesterday, our girls experienced playing another well coached, well disciplined team. And, even though we lost, I felt as if they played some of the best soccer I have seen them churn out this season. This is what being in travel is all about, moving up, and rising to the occasion of a challenging opposing team. As always, no matter what the outcome our girls have fun, they learning more about the game of soccer, and they do not worry about winning. I am proud of each of them and impressed by the performance they gave. As for our game play, first, we kept driving on this team all game, as many times as they did to us. Second, the other team controlled the ball well, but we countered just as often, the score did not reflect the level of play. We had an aggressive defense in Sabrina, Antonice, Brittney, and Amanda in the first half, and Hannah, Alexa, Julia, Amanda and Brittney in the second half. Third, Antonice and Gennyka stepped in this week to play a strong Goalie position for the Purple Storm. Fourth, Alexa, Hannah, Sabrina, and Amanda switched back and forth at Halfback to lend support to the Forward's. Fifth, the front lines in both the first and second half did well moving the ball on the Heat Wave, but our only goal came off of a penalty on Sabrina, with Alexa come up from defense and putting it in. The girls were actually vocal this week, I love it!
Sunday 5/17, 2009 - RecapFinal Score: 1-0 LOSS Bloomfield Lady Panthers vs. Monroe
Yesterday, our girls did well, but were not the best I have seen them play. Even though we lost, I still see them growing each game. Well, it looks like we will have a chance to redeem ourselves. Our last game is scheduled for another match against the Bloomfield Lady Panthers. As always, no matter what the outcome our girls have fun, they learning more about the game of soccer, and they do not worry about winning. As for our game play, first, we had a slow first half, but came on strong and improved in the second. Second, the field conditions threw our girls off slightly. It was a faster paced game, and I never saw the ball bounce so many times in my life. We had an aggressive defense in Sabrina, Brittney, Kirsten, Alyssa and Amanda in the first half, and Hannah, Alexa, Julia, Amanda and Kirsten in the second half. Third, Antonice and Gennyka stepped in this week to play a strong Goalie position for the Purple Storm. Fourth, Alexa, Hannah, Sabrina, Kirsten and Antonice switched back and forth at Halfback to lend support to the Forward's. Fifth, the front lines in the first half, from Amanda Gennyka, Alyssa and Paige, and again in the second half with Paige, Alyssa and Amanda, did well moving the ball.
Sunday 6/7, 2009 - RecapFinal Score: 1-0 LOSS Bloomfield Lady Panthers vs. Monroe
Yesterday was our last game of the 2008-2009 season. Even though we lost, I still see them growing each game. As always, no matter what the outcome our girls have fun, they learning more about the game of soccer, and they do not worry about winning. As for our game play, first, we had a slow first half, but came on strong and improved in the second. Second, the awkward field conditions threw our girls off again. It was a faster paced game, and I felt like we were at throw in practice. We had an aggressive defense in Hannah, Brittney, Kirsten, Amanda and Amanda in the first half, and Sabrina, Alexa, Amanda and Kirsten in the second half. Third, Gennyka and Alyssa stepped in this week to play a strong Goalie position for the Purple Storm. Fourth, Alexa, Hannah, Sabrina, Kirsten and Amanda switched back and forth at Halfback to lend support to the Forward's. Fifth, the front lines in the first half, from Alyssa, Paige, and Julia and again in the second half with Paige, Gennyka and Amanda, did well moving the ball.
