Sunday, June 06, 2004
Spring 2004 Championship Game (0-1)
A bizarre spring season replete with all types of illogical events ended in an appropriately disjointed manner when the championship game was shortened by ten minutes for no apparent reason. The top seeded Purple People Eaters edged the Cinderella team, the Scotch Plains U11 Girls soccer team the Gold Rush 1-0 at Evergreen Field in Scotch Plains Saturday, a result that left the team with mixed emotions.
On one hand they could be happy with their accomplishment of reaching the finals with two upset victories in previous weeks. But they also felt frustrated by the shortness of the game since so much of their success was accomplished through goals late in the game.
Although territorially outplayed, the Gold Rush had the best chance of the first half when mercurial Amanda Rodriguez eluded the defense and best the goalie with great shot to the corner that somehow flicked an inch wide.
In the second half the Purple took advantage of their best opportunity and scored midway through the half. Although they kept attacking, the Gold Rush were unable to score for the first time since the opening game.
Eve Rosenheck and Jessica Moore played heroically in the goal. The defense of Sarah Lazarus, Margie Diaz, Delaney Reimers, Priya Kamdar, Sara Payne, Melina Gaglias, Chloe Thomas and Jessica Moore fought valiantly against the strong Purple attack. Brooke Bergenfeld, Allison Staniec, Christine Murphy, Stephanie Robak, Emma Rosen, Amanda Rodriguez, Eve Rosenheck and Kristina Palazzolo worked hard in the midfield and on offense.
When the game ended the teams were handed medals that just said first or second-no year or mention of the town or sport. A typically muddled prize for a confused league.
On one hand they could be happy with their accomplishment of reaching the finals with two upset victories in previous weeks. But they also felt frustrated by the shortness of the game since so much of their success was accomplished through goals late in the game.
Although territorially outplayed, the Gold Rush had the best chance of the first half when mercurial Amanda Rodriguez eluded the defense and best the goalie with great shot to the corner that somehow flicked an inch wide.
In the second half the Purple took advantage of their best opportunity and scored midway through the half. Although they kept attacking, the Gold Rush were unable to score for the first time since the opening game.
Eve Rosenheck and Jessica Moore played heroically in the goal. The defense of Sarah Lazarus, Margie Diaz, Delaney Reimers, Priya Kamdar, Sara Payne, Melina Gaglias, Chloe Thomas and Jessica Moore fought valiantly against the strong Purple attack. Brooke Bergenfeld, Allison Staniec, Christine Murphy, Stephanie Robak, Emma Rosen, Amanda Rodriguez, Eve Rosenheck and Kristina Palazzolo worked hard in the midfield and on offense.
When the game ended the teams were handed medals that just said first or second-no year or mention of the town or sport. A typically muddled prize for a confused league.
Monday, May 24, 2004
Spring 2004 Playoff second round
The rapidly improving Scotch Plains U11 Girls soccer team the Gold Rush are picking an opportune time to play their best soccer of the year and are now only one step away from winning the championship after stunning the favored Yellow Tigers 1-0 Saturday at sun drenched Evergreen Field in Scotch Plains. Amanda Rodriguez continued her penchant for scoring important goals by converting a corner kick from Kristina Palazzolo midway through the second half and hitting a high hard shot from short distance.
Rodriguez’ first career goal with five minutes left had decided the 2002 championship game and she had also scored in the third place game last fall. Her most recent goal was the crowning blow in a superb all around effort where she exerted her influence on offense, defense and throw ins.
The Gold Rush after a slow start appears to have jelled the past few weeks as they have become more familiar with each other. Last week’s overtime win against the Pink Flamingos followed a tie in the opening game of the season and Saturday’s win also followed a tie against the Tigers in the season’s second game. Last fall the Gold Rush had finished with three straight wins but were inexplicably left out of the winner’s bracket of the tournament and settled for third place with a 4-1-4 record.
The first half, although scoreless, was not without scoring chances. Goalie Jessica Moore made several fine saves as did the Yellow Tiger’s goalie. After Rodriguez scored the defense shut the door in front of goalie Eve Rosenheck led by the indefatiguable Moore.
The other defenders Margie Diaz, Delaney Reimers, Priya Kamdar, Sara Payne, Melina Gaglias, Chloe Thomas and Sarah Lazarus were aggressive and skillful all game.. Allison Staniec, Emma Rosen, Stephanie Robak, Christine Murphy, Lazarus and Palazzolo worked hard in the midfield and on offense. Brooke Bergenfeld, despite being held scoreless for the first time in six games was effective advancing the ball and drew the full time attention of a Tiger deep defender which allowed the Gold Rush the luxury of almost having an extra player.
The Gold Rush faces a tough rematch in the finals against the Purple People Eaters who handed them the only defeat earlier this season. Led by Laura Bruce and Danielle Schwiezer the Purple rolled past the Blue Beckham 2-0 in the other semi final game.
Rodriguez’ first career goal with five minutes left had decided the 2002 championship game and she had also scored in the third place game last fall. Her most recent goal was the crowning blow in a superb all around effort where she exerted her influence on offense, defense and throw ins.
The Gold Rush after a slow start appears to have jelled the past few weeks as they have become more familiar with each other. Last week’s overtime win against the Pink Flamingos followed a tie in the opening game of the season and Saturday’s win also followed a tie against the Tigers in the season’s second game. Last fall the Gold Rush had finished with three straight wins but were inexplicably left out of the winner’s bracket of the tournament and settled for third place with a 4-1-4 record.
The first half, although scoreless, was not without scoring chances. Goalie Jessica Moore made several fine saves as did the Yellow Tiger’s goalie. After Rodriguez scored the defense shut the door in front of goalie Eve Rosenheck led by the indefatiguable Moore.
The other defenders Margie Diaz, Delaney Reimers, Priya Kamdar, Sara Payne, Melina Gaglias, Chloe Thomas and Sarah Lazarus were aggressive and skillful all game.. Allison Staniec, Emma Rosen, Stephanie Robak, Christine Murphy, Lazarus and Palazzolo worked hard in the midfield and on offense. Brooke Bergenfeld, despite being held scoreless for the first time in six games was effective advancing the ball and drew the full time attention of a Tiger deep defender which allowed the Gold Rush the luxury of almost having an extra player.
The Gold Rush faces a tough rematch in the finals against the Purple People Eaters who handed them the only defeat earlier this season. Led by Laura Bruce and Danielle Schwiezer the Purple rolled past the Blue Beckham 2-0 in the other semi final game.
Monday, May 17, 2004
Spring 2004 Playoff first round
Brooke Bergenfeld twice successfully played “Beat The Clock” and enabled the Scotch Plains U11 Girls soccer team the Gold Rush to keep their championship hopes alive Saturday at windy, damp Evergreen Field in Scotch Plains. After scoring to tie the game
just before the end of the first half Bergenfeld avoided the tenseness of a penalty kick shootout scoring seconds before the second sudden death overtime period would have ended and giving her team a 2-1 victory over the Pink Flamingos.
On a day when the game seemed unlikely to be played, the rain that was supposed to come fell sporadically but a cool wind played havoc with any ball in the air.
Trying to bounce back from their first defeat. the Gold Rush , as has been their habit, gave up the first goal of the game as Lauren Buckley converted on a breakaway.
With time almost gone in the first half Bergenfeld took a pass from Sarah Lazarus and overpowered the defense with a high hard shot to tie it.
Each team had excellent chances to win the game in the second half. Especially dangerous was Lauren Burk’s corner kicks for the Pink Flamingos but the defense led by
goalie Eve Rosenheck and fullback Jessica Moore kept the score tied. Of special mention was the play of midfielder Amanda Rodriguez who seemed to be everywhere, creating chances on offense and hustling back to help the defense.
With the dreaded penalty kick shootout on the horizon Bergenfield took a pass from Lazarus , dribbled around two defenders and hit a low swerving low shot could not be handled by the goalie..
Rosenheck and Moore shared time in the goal. The defense of Margie Diaz, Delaney Reimers, Priya Kamdar, Sara Payne, Melina Gaglias, Chloe Thomas and Moore fought valiantly against the strong Flamingo’s attack.. Allison Staniec, Emma Rosen, and Kristina Palazzolo worked hard in the midfield and on offense. Bergenfeld has now scored goals in five straight games and has seven of her team’s nine goals. None were bigger than Saturday.
The Gold Rush faces a rematch with the Yellow Tigers in a semifinal playoff match, Saturday.
just before the end of the first half Bergenfeld avoided the tenseness of a penalty kick shootout scoring seconds before the second sudden death overtime period would have ended and giving her team a 2-1 victory over the Pink Flamingos.
On a day when the game seemed unlikely to be played, the rain that was supposed to come fell sporadically but a cool wind played havoc with any ball in the air.
Trying to bounce back from their first defeat. the Gold Rush , as has been their habit, gave up the first goal of the game as Lauren Buckley converted on a breakaway.
With time almost gone in the first half Bergenfeld took a pass from Sarah Lazarus and overpowered the defense with a high hard shot to tie it.
Each team had excellent chances to win the game in the second half. Especially dangerous was Lauren Burk’s corner kicks for the Pink Flamingos but the defense led by
goalie Eve Rosenheck and fullback Jessica Moore kept the score tied. Of special mention was the play of midfielder Amanda Rodriguez who seemed to be everywhere, creating chances on offense and hustling back to help the defense.
With the dreaded penalty kick shootout on the horizon Bergenfield took a pass from Lazarus , dribbled around two defenders and hit a low swerving low shot could not be handled by the goalie..
Rosenheck and Moore shared time in the goal. The defense of Margie Diaz, Delaney Reimers, Priya Kamdar, Sara Payne, Melina Gaglias, Chloe Thomas and Moore fought valiantly against the strong Flamingo’s attack.. Allison Staniec, Emma Rosen, and Kristina Palazzolo worked hard in the midfield and on offense. Bergenfeld has now scored goals in five straight games and has seven of her team’s nine goals. None were bigger than Saturday.
The Gold Rush faces a rematch with the Yellow Tigers in a semifinal playoff match, Saturday.
Saturday, May 08, 2004
Spring 2004 Game 5
All good things have to eventually come to an end and so on an a sweltering May afternoon, the Scotch Plains U11 Girls soccer team the Gold Rush finally gave up more than two goals and in the process lost their first game of the Spring 3-1 to the Purple People Eaters at Evergreen Field in Scotch Plains Saturday. It was the first time in more than two years totaling over 30 games that the Gold Rush defense had given up more than two goals and dropped them to fourth in the league standings with a 1-1-3 record.
The one positive streak that continued came when Brooke Bergenfeld connected on breakaway goal in the second half, her fifth goal of the spring and the fourth straight game she has scored. Bergenfeld took a great lead pass from Sarah Lazarus to cut the Purple lead to 2-1 midway through the second half but the Gold Rush could get no closer.
The Gold Rush were playing for the first time in three weeks and due to foul weather
the past several Wednesdays had not practiced in three weeks. Their rust showed as they
had no answer for the booming kicks of Danielle Schweizer and crisp passes of Laura Bruce. The Purple is now 4-1 and showed why they finished first in the regular season.
Eve Rosenheck and Jessica Moore shared time in the goal. The defense of Lazarus, Margie Diaz, Delaney Reimers, Priya Kamdar, Sara Payne, Melina Gaglias, Chloe Thomas and Moore fought valiantly against the strong Purple attack. Allison Staniec, Stephanie Robak, Emma Rosen, Amanda Rodriguez and Kristina Palazzolo worked hard in the midfield and on offense.
The Gold Rush face a rematch with the White Tigers in their opening playoff match, June 5.
The one positive streak that continued came when Brooke Bergenfeld connected on breakaway goal in the second half, her fifth goal of the spring and the fourth straight game she has scored. Bergenfeld took a great lead pass from Sarah Lazarus to cut the Purple lead to 2-1 midway through the second half but the Gold Rush could get no closer.
The Gold Rush were playing for the first time in three weeks and due to foul weather
the past several Wednesdays had not practiced in three weeks. Their rust showed as they
had no answer for the booming kicks of Danielle Schweizer and crisp passes of Laura Bruce. The Purple is now 4-1 and showed why they finished first in the regular season.
Eve Rosenheck and Jessica Moore shared time in the goal. The defense of Lazarus, Margie Diaz, Delaney Reimers, Priya Kamdar, Sara Payne, Melina Gaglias, Chloe Thomas and Moore fought valiantly against the strong Purple attack. Allison Staniec, Stephanie Robak, Emma Rosen, Amanda Rodriguez and Kristina Palazzolo worked hard in the midfield and on offense.
The Gold Rush face a rematch with the White Tigers in their opening playoff match, June 5.
Saturday, May 01, 2004
Spring 2004 Games 3 and 4
The month of May commenced with the type of weather which prompted the hall of fame baseball player Ernie Banks to utter “It’s a beautiful day, let’s play two.”
So echoing Mr. Cub’s sentiments but bowing more to a Girl Scout away weekend in two weeks, the U11 Scotch Plains girl’s soccer team, the Gold Rush wound up playing two games on May Day. The second game turned what would have been a frustrating day into a happy one as the offense finally awoke from its season long slumber to explode for two goals in each half to defeat the Blue Beckham 4-0 at School One. The victory improved their record to 1-0-3, which included their third consecutive tie, 1-1 earlier that day.
In the afternoon game, Brooke Bergenfeld connected for her third and fourth goals of the season in the first half to give the Gold Rush their first lead of the season. They continued to pour it on in the second half as Emma Rosen and Amanda Rodriguez both connected for their first goals of the spring season. Rodriguez’ goal was retribution for a number of agonizingly close calls and Rosen’s goal prompted a celebratory handstand. The goal keeping duo of Eve Rosenheck and Jessica Moore were barely tested as the defense of
Sarah Lazarus, Margie Diaz, Delaney Reimers, Priya Kamdar, Sara Payne, Melina Gaglias, Chloe Thomas and Moore kept attacks at a minimum.
They teamed well with Allison Staniec, Stephanie Robak, Christine Murphy and
Kristina Palazzolo to provide scoring chances for the offense. As the margin widened there was numerous switching of positions but the quality of play remained high.
The opening game was entirely different in every way possible. The Gold Rush fifth graders were pared against the team that had their fourth graders from last fall while the current fourth graders were paired against their former teammates the fifth graders. As would be expected with two teams still getting acquainted, the teams played a sloppy game. The Red Storm struck first when Isabel Crystal took a great through pass from Donna Amore and converted a breakaway with a perfectly placed shot in the corner.
Bergenfeld saved the Gold Rush by converting from close range in the second half on a
play set up by Lazarus, who made several long runs with the ball. Rodriguez made several great plays and only bad luck and fine saves prevented her from getting the game winner. The rest of the lineup was the same as the afternoon game but the result was finally different. The results improved the core group to a gaudy 18-2-8 over the past two years.
The Gold Rush return to their once a day schedule on May 8.
So echoing Mr. Cub’s sentiments but bowing more to a Girl Scout away weekend in two weeks, the U11 Scotch Plains girl’s soccer team, the Gold Rush wound up playing two games on May Day. The second game turned what would have been a frustrating day into a happy one as the offense finally awoke from its season long slumber to explode for two goals in each half to defeat the Blue Beckham 4-0 at School One. The victory improved their record to 1-0-3, which included their third consecutive tie, 1-1 earlier that day.
In the afternoon game, Brooke Bergenfeld connected for her third and fourth goals of the season in the first half to give the Gold Rush their first lead of the season. They continued to pour it on in the second half as Emma Rosen and Amanda Rodriguez both connected for their first goals of the spring season. Rodriguez’ goal was retribution for a number of agonizingly close calls and Rosen’s goal prompted a celebratory handstand. The goal keeping duo of Eve Rosenheck and Jessica Moore were barely tested as the defense of
Sarah Lazarus, Margie Diaz, Delaney Reimers, Priya Kamdar, Sara Payne, Melina Gaglias, Chloe Thomas and Moore kept attacks at a minimum.
They teamed well with Allison Staniec, Stephanie Robak, Christine Murphy and
Kristina Palazzolo to provide scoring chances for the offense. As the margin widened there was numerous switching of positions but the quality of play remained high.
The opening game was entirely different in every way possible. The Gold Rush fifth graders were pared against the team that had their fourth graders from last fall while the current fourth graders were paired against their former teammates the fifth graders. As would be expected with two teams still getting acquainted, the teams played a sloppy game. The Red Storm struck first when Isabel Crystal took a great through pass from Donna Amore and converted a breakaway with a perfectly placed shot in the corner.
Bergenfeld saved the Gold Rush by converting from close range in the second half on a
play set up by Lazarus, who made several long runs with the ball. Rodriguez made several great plays and only bad luck and fine saves prevented her from getting the game winner. The rest of the lineup was the same as the afternoon game but the result was finally different. The results improved the core group to a gaudy 18-2-8 over the past two years.
The Gold Rush return to their once a day schedule on May 8.
Monday, April 19, 2004
Spring 2004 Game 2
Although the personnel has greatly changed since last fall, the Scotch Plains
U11 Girls soccer team the Gold Rush, still maintains a penchant for playing
ties and avoiding losses. After going 4-1-4 when the leaves were falling, the
team has greeted the budding of trees in early spring with two consecutive
ties, including a 1-1 deadlock
at Evergreen Field in Scotch Plains Saturday.
The latest effort played on another sunny morning came against the overwhelming
league favorites, the Yellow Tigers who were nearly the exact team that had
given the Gold Rush their only loss last fall, a 2-0 whitewashing.
This time the Gold Rush, with players still getting acquainted with one
another, seemed to play better as the game went along. With Christine Murphy
ably filling in for Eve Rosenheck in the goal, the Gold Rush managed to reach
halftime scoreless, making a full game and a half with no goals for either
team.
Although the Gold Rush led by Amanda Rodriguez, Stephanie Robak, Emma Rosen,
and Kristina Palazzolo continued to pressure the opposition goal, the Yellow
Tigers scored first on one of their patented counter attacks. The Gold Rush
came back as their pressure finally paid off in a goal by Brooke Bergenfeld,
who adeptly lofted the ball over an assembled mass of players in front of the
goal. Pushing hard to try and win the game left the Gold Rush open for another
counterattack that almost won the game for the Yellow Tigers but a great effort
by Rodriguez forced an easy shot for goalie Jessica Moore to save and the game
ended with a well earned tie.
Besides the aforementioned players Allison Staniec, Sarah Lazarus and Margie
Diaz excelled in midfield while the defense led by Delaney Reimers, Priya
Kamdar, Melina Gaglias, Chloe Thomas and Moore kept attacks at a minimum.
U11 Girls soccer team the Gold Rush, still maintains a penchant for playing
ties and avoiding losses. After going 4-1-4 when the leaves were falling, the
team has greeted the budding of trees in early spring with two consecutive
ties, including a 1-1 deadlock
at Evergreen Field in Scotch Plains Saturday.
The latest effort played on another sunny morning came against the overwhelming
league favorites, the Yellow Tigers who were nearly the exact team that had
given the Gold Rush their only loss last fall, a 2-0 whitewashing.
This time the Gold Rush, with players still getting acquainted with one
another, seemed to play better as the game went along. With Christine Murphy
ably filling in for Eve Rosenheck in the goal, the Gold Rush managed to reach
halftime scoreless, making a full game and a half with no goals for either
team.
Although the Gold Rush led by Amanda Rodriguez, Stephanie Robak, Emma Rosen,
and Kristina Palazzolo continued to pressure the opposition goal, the Yellow
Tigers scored first on one of their patented counter attacks. The Gold Rush
came back as their pressure finally paid off in a goal by Brooke Bergenfeld,
who adeptly lofted the ball over an assembled mass of players in front of the
goal. Pushing hard to try and win the game left the Gold Rush open for another
counterattack that almost won the game for the Yellow Tigers but a great effort
by Rodriguez forced an easy shot for goalie Jessica Moore to save and the game
ended with a well earned tie.
Besides the aforementioned players Allison Staniec, Sarah Lazarus and Margie
Diaz excelled in midfield while the defense led by Delaney Reimers, Priya
Kamdar, Melina Gaglias, Chloe Thomas and Moore kept attacks at a minimum.
Monday, April 12, 2004
Spring 2004 Game 1
Usually the first game of the spring soccer season is a chance for parents and players to renew acquaintances. But at the 2004 opener for the Scotch Plains U11 Girls soccer team the Gold Rush, played on a brilliant early morning two days after taxes were due, it might have been more appropriate for a band to play “Getting to know you”.
The team was inexplicably broken up, with the fifth graders paired with the fourth graders from the Red Storm. Despite having one practice together with half the new team present, the team of virtual strangers was able to tie the White Tigers 0-0 in a game with much more action than the score would indicate.
The Gold Rush’s leading scorers from last fall Brooke Bergenfeld and Amanda Rodriguez both showed mid season from and came close on numerous occasions to scoring. They teamed well with Allison Staniec, Stephanie Robak Emma Goldberg, and
Kristina Palazzolo to create offensive chancesa.
The two goalies, Eve Rosenheck and Jessica Moore, who were instrumental in the team’s strong finish last fall, made several saves The defense led by Sarah Lazarus, Margie Diaz, Delaney Reimers, Priya Kamdar,Melina Gaglias, Chloe Thomas and Moore kept attacks at a minimum.
The team was missing Christine Murphy and Christina Bobyack.
After playing in light green uniforms the past year, the Gold Rush were in their familiar gold uniforms. It would have helped to have names on them.
The team was inexplicably broken up, with the fifth graders paired with the fourth graders from the Red Storm. Despite having one practice together with half the new team present, the team of virtual strangers was able to tie the White Tigers 0-0 in a game with much more action than the score would indicate.
The Gold Rush’s leading scorers from last fall Brooke Bergenfeld and Amanda Rodriguez both showed mid season from and came close on numerous occasions to scoring. They teamed well with Allison Staniec, Stephanie Robak Emma Goldberg, and
Kristina Palazzolo to create offensive chancesa.
The two goalies, Eve Rosenheck and Jessica Moore, who were instrumental in the team’s strong finish last fall, made several saves The defense led by Sarah Lazarus, Margie Diaz, Delaney Reimers, Priya Kamdar,Melina Gaglias, Chloe Thomas and Moore kept attacks at a minimum.
The team was missing Christine Murphy and Christina Bobyack.
After playing in light green uniforms the past year, the Gold Rush were in their familiar gold uniforms. It would have helped to have names on them.
