Heritage Strikers Notes:
The Heritage Strikers U12 entered their first tournament this year this past weekend. The tournament was the California Cup in Sacramento hosted by the San Juan Soccer Club. The caliber of teams was excellent with the State Cup winner, runner Up and both semi finalists present plus several other good tournament winners . The Strikers entered the tournament with 4 of their squad unavailable but with two guests from the Under 11 Hurricanes and an additional player from another club the Strikers prepared for their first game. The first opponent was the strong Santa Rosa team. The Strikers looked rusty and were a step slower than their opponents the majority of the game. While the team defended well a score of 2-0 was fair and just to Santa Rosa. The second game saw a significant improvement on the teams capability to play at the quicker level. For a game that was played in 100 degree temperatures there was a lot of effort . The game was played mainly in midfield with the Strikers holding their own. Eventually on a break the girls pressure got them their first goal. A cross form Lena Driscoll caused a goal mouth scramble which lead to one of the Bears clearing into her own goal. However despite good defending in the late minutes of the game Solano equalized for a 1-1 tie.
On the Saturday Strikers opened up against the River City Storm. A poor first half meant that the team was down 2-0. However the second half was different and with the Strikers pushing forward Lena Driscoll slipped between two defenders to get one back. However River City kept the pressure on and although they did not score again they emerged a worthy victor at 2-1. After the disappointing performance it was a different Striker team that showed up for the fourth game against Novato Spirit. Good pressure on the ball and with the team winning tackles Strikers dominated the play. Two great shots from Tera Piserhcio and Lena Driscolll lead to two goals in the first half. Strong defensive performances meant that a Shut out was recorded and although the girls did not score again they continued to enjoy the majority of the ball. A good victory at 2-0 which restored confidence in all.

With the victory when comparing result with the other 15 teams the Strikers proved they had just crept into the Top Ten in Norther California. While the team recognized how much work they need to do to prepare for the Corvallis Cup and the August tournaments this was a good weekend to establish where they stand.

Mark Lambourne