The West Side Shockers are a very competitive U 11 team. The team currently plays in the 1st division of the PVJSL.
Front Row: Samantha, Gina, Laniya, Ashley, Jaimee, Lauren, Olivia, Lindsay
Middle Row: Lauren, Natalie, Sophia, Jordan, Andrea, Nikki, Lexi
Back Row: Coaches Scott and Chris
WEST SIDE SHOCKERS FALL 2009 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
A strong core of players (Nikki, Sophia, Lauren B., Lauren F., Laniya, Jordan, Jaimee, Lexi, Natalie, Lindsay, and Olivia) returned from the Spring 2009 Shockers team. Supporting the returners, were five new players (Andrea, Gina, Ashley, and Samantha) that joined the Shockers this Fall as the team began playing 11 v. 11 on the larger field. In addition to the basic technical skills, the training sessions this season emphasized developing a good first touch on the ball, moving without the ball, and executing the roles of the first and second defender(s).
The Shockers finished the regular season with only two losses. The team advanced to the playoffs losing 3-2 in the semi-finals to the top seeded team. The Shockers fell behind 3-0 in the second half and then scored 2 goals (the number given up by the top seed team all season). The tide had shifted, but we ran out of time in the shortened playoff game.
The highlights of the season were winning the Labor Day tournament in Enfield, CT and the Columbus Day tournament in Natick, MA. The most exciting game was easily the championship game in Natick against Holliston. Both teams went through the tournament without a loss or even yielding a goal. We went up 1-0 early in the game but found ourselves down 2-1 at halftime. In the second half we trailed 3-1 but rallied in dramatic fashion to force the game into overtime and then scored the game winner with only seconds left in the second overtime period (4-3 final score).
The trait that marked this team more than any others was their resolve to never give up. I (Coach Andre) never counted us out of any game, no matter what the score was. We saw small glimpses of how good this team could play when they had their backs against the wall and played with a sense of urgency.
The coaches wish to thank all the parents, friends, and relatives for their commitment and support throughout the season. Also, a special thanks goes out to Assistant Coach Beliveau for all his work during the season.
