Storm shut out Sunnyvale, tie Central Valley
SUNNYVALE – The Orchard Valley Storm U9 Girls Class III competitive kickers played two thrilling games over the weekend –upending the Sunnyvale Roadrunners by a 4-0 margin on Saturday and running even with the Central Valley Chilipeppers, 2-2, on Sunday.
The Storm opened their weekend games on Saturday against the Sunnyvale Roadrunners – pressuring the Roadrunners throughout the first half. Hailey Hamilton had two shots on goal that went just wide of the net – but the Storm finally broke through when Amber Thomas made a nice pass up the right side to Jada Williams. Williams then cut back inside and blasted a shot into the far corner for a 1-0 half-time lead.
The Storm took control of the game in the second half when Taylor Slattery, who played a great all-around game, scored from her right midfield position. Sydney Barker and Megan Nebesnick both put blasts on net that were denied by the Roadrunner keeper. Colby Carson then scored a pair goals to ice the game for the Storm.
The following day, the Storm went up against the Central Valley Chilipeppers in a much anticipated game between the two undefeated teams at the top of the division. The sideline was overflowing with fans cheering for both teams.
The Chilipeppers controlled the game in the early going and scored mid-way through the first half to take a 1-0 lead. The Storm responded when Taylor Slattery burst down the right side and fired a hard shot towards the left post. The Central Valley keeper deflected the ball, but Carson crashed the net and punched in the tying goal.
The Peppers took a 2-1 lead in the late stages of the second half, but the Storm charged right back on the offensive. The Peppers attempted a long clear from their end that Amber Thomas stepped in front of and headed to Slattery – who pushed the ball up to Kaylana Mau, who crossed it to Janessa Garcia for the dramatic tying goal.
Due to injuries, the Storm was forced to play to key game short-handed. Several Storm players had to play the entire game. Rebekah Inouye, Sydney Barker and Tula Urban were spectacular in the midfield and on the back line.
