United
Unbeaten, but Eliminated on PK's
Both Top Seeds Dropped in Semi's
Clifton, VA -- The Cardinal Cup opened the fall preseason for many teams this past weekend.
Despite the fact that ASC United was the team with the most turnover of players, their goal was simple--prepare for the WAGS
season and win while they're at it.
On Saturday, United did so by handling the VYS Storm with relative ease. The Storm got
an early goal due to a defensive breakdown. But United quickly gathered their nerve and attacked relentlessly for the
rest of the match. Chrystal immediately matched the Storm goal with a downward header off Brittani's corner kick.
Amber followed with a beautiful volley from Katie's cross. Amber doubled her tally with an opportunistic volley and
then completed the hat trick with a penalty kick. The match ended 4-1 but could have been much more lopsided considering
how well United got behind their defense.
Saturday's second match had BAC Fusion play conservative, bunch ball that held United scoreless
until late in the first half when Brooklynne hit a daisy-cutter that found the back of the net. In the second half,
the speedy BAC forward got loose and blew past everyone to finish one and tie the score. But United mixed urgency with
purpose and scored the game-winner when Hannah alertly threw in to a checking Stephany who laid it off to Chrystal.
Chrystal beat a defender and played through to Katie who came running out of the midfield. The through pass was perfect
and Katie beat her defender and slotted it home inside the far post. 2-1 to United.
The Sunday semi-final seemed to be there for United to grab from the start with three terrific
chances in the first few minutes. But this day belonged to the opposing goalkeeper from DCST Storm. She saved
several "sure" goals from shots by United attackers. Chrystal hit some "nearly perfect" bombs that she came down with.
The Storm scored first on a fluky ball that was not cleared. Stephany opened her United scoring account before half
by sneaking in on a confused Storm back line and touching past the Storm keeper.
The second half was scoreless despite many chances, mostly from United. Overtime flew
by as United pounded away but could not break through the many red-shirted bodies in the area. The Storm advanced on
penalties 4-3.
After Saturday's results, most would have had the Fire and United in the final but as it turned
out, the final had the DCST Storm defeating the BAC Fusion 4-2. Soccer, especially in preseason, can sometimes surprise
us.
The Coaches reflected on the tournament. "Looking at Saturday, a win is a win. We
were probably 6 goals better than the teams we played. I chalk it up to nerves and a difficult playing surface.
The field cannot be an excuse when both teams have to deal with it, but it does throw off your rhythm when you want to move
the ball with quickness, accuracy, and timing. When it looked like we had a great combination play on, it broke down
due to that extra touch needed to gain control of the random bounce. Nonetheless, we had enough chances to win."
"I felt that Sam, Dani, and Karli teamed up very well with Hannah to complete our new tandem
of backs. Our midfield is loaded with aggressive running and defending from Chrystal, Brooklynne, Julia, Alyssa, and
Natascha. New signings, Jaimie and Katie give us talented, hard-working, attacking options up front or in the midfield.
Stephany, Brittani, and Amber give us striker experience and a finishing touch inside the box. When Meghan returns,
we will get even more speed. And finally, Aneesha is a tremendous shot stopper and very hard to beat on breakaways.
"Overall, it was still a nice way to see what we have. I expected to win, as always,
but we need to learn from it. The team made it easy for Coach and I because they played with heart. We were very
happy with the play of our new additions, especially in concert with the returning players. I see a lot of trust and
belief in one another. That's big. We have room to improve but there is a very good foundation. The August
Cup and WAGS season will provide stiffer challenges and that will raise our game."
United Put Out the Fire
Ashburn, VA -- Sunday gave United's seniors one more game...one more opportunity to show
what makes them great, as individuals and as teammates. On Sunday, with the help of a young, committed, and talented
supporting cast, the greatest club in the history of soccer clubs wiped out the DSC Fire 6-1. Goals came from Chrystal,
Brooklynne, Amber, and seniors Candice, Jackie, and Laura.
Coach Sheehan said afterward, "This has been such a fun year. We weren't sure a year ago
if we'd have a team after graduating 10 players, but we did assemble a rag-tag bunch that followed the lead of our magnificent
returning seniors. The result was a tournament championship and two apparent third place finishes. That's pretty
remarkable for a U19 team that really only has a few girls that are in that age group."
More exciting was the fact that United had two sister combinations on the team (three if
you count guesting). Also, several players came from ODSL and were key contributors. And I love having a handful
of high schools represented on our team.
"I have to credit the seniors with this too but I'm so proud of the fact that our team is so committed
to my philosophy of attack. You can sit back all you want and defend but teams that don't take risks don't taste victory
as sweetly. No matter what our shape, we go after it."
"I look at Laura coming back from two years of knee rehab to play solid keeper part time
for us and give us that threat from the wing. There's Candice who is absolutely beguiling on the ball and our silent
killer. Jackie, who is naturally a midfielder, adjusted to the back nicely and took total command when we needed it.
Britt, who can plug in anywhere, give you every ounce of hustle she's got, solid captaincy, and a few goals taboot.
Katyna, now nicknamed "the Action Figure" for her amazing athleticism and knack for scoring clutch goals. When you need
relentless pressure up front and a nose for goal, you call on Kara. And finally, Liz (LC), who nearly quit soccer her
freshman year, was our Superwoman this season. Her play up front was always good for at least a goal a game, but
she took the responsibility of midfield play maker this year and showed how naturally free flowing and beautiful this game
can be."
"Coach Pat and I had so much fun coming along on this ride and can't wait to see our returning
players continue to improve so I can write the same things about them after their last one."
United Hit the Wall 4-0
Lusby, MD -- The CSA Collision got an early lead against United and didn't look back in a
4-0 drubbing on Sunday evening. CSA took advantage of subs and more focused motivation in passing United in the division
3 standings. United also had to deal with a 2 hour commute to CSA's home turf.
Coach Sheehan said, "We had one sub and suffered two injuries again. We've been playing
amazing soccer for much of the season but hit a few let down games in the middle of the season. We need to brush ourselves
off and get stuck in for two more games. We have too much pride (and talent) to go down easy."
United Keep Fighting, but Run Out of Time in 3-1 Loss
Springfield, VA -- When the odds stack up against ASC United, it brings out their best.
Unfortunately, it was not enough to get points in the standings this week. But the girls in white took a deep breath
at half-time, made a slight tactical adjustment, and dominated the second half. However the Patriots held on to win
3-1.
United were on the heals a bit in the first half and then went down 2-0. It would have been
3-0 if Laura and Jackie hadn't recovered enough to stop a breakaway. At this point the legs should be feeling even heavier,
but they dug deep and a hurt Katyna found the net just before half.
"Things were not going well due to tired legs and not moving the ball out of the dangerous middle,"
said Coach Sheehan. "But we came out in the second half, unfortunately with no subs, but started moving the ball efficiently.
We had them on the ropes the whole second half."
What made this more amazing for United was the fact that they were doing it on a hot turf field
and Brittani went down with an injured knee. United were really pressing for the equaliser and Brittani was gone to
goal by herself but she was taken down and couldn't return. United really rallied with a player down and nearly got
it done.
The win still keeps United in at least a points tie at the top.
Cool Heads Always Prevail
Sterling, VA -- Annadale Crush came to Sterling to play Ashburn United on Saturday, hoping to
get three points and knock off the division table toppers. But a short-handed team in black hung in the contest long
enough to get inside the heads of the Crush and get three goals in the final 20 minutes to win it 3-0.
Coach Sheehan said, "We had fewer subs than expected and were dealt a blow when Katyna went down
with an ankle injury. But we hung tough in the heat and started to use our heads to get to balls first and earned a
lot of foul calls against us. We really dug deep today and made the best of what we had."
United had trouble offensively on a bumpy pitch and congested midfield, but played great team defense. The
bumps obviously affected the Crush as well. But when things get tough, one team steps up with class and the other does
not. The one with class ended up with the goals again today.
Chrystal got United on the board first with a cracking right-footer from at least 25 yards out. Amber
crossed a ball in later that the Crush couldn't handle cleanly and their fullback had an own goal off her hand. A third
back-breaking goal came when Amber kicked a high, bouncing ball toward goal that the keeper couldn't find a handle on before
it was too late.
United fullbacks, Alyssa, Brooklynne, and Hannah played another full 90 minutes of gutsy, effective soccer.
United made shots difficult for the Crush and Brittani did an excellent job of concentrating on balls on the bad turf in her
box.
"We were far from sophisticated today, but we got it done. We let the scoreboard do the talking...and
as it turns out, the scoreboard was pretty loud today."
"It's Ours to Win!"
Ashburn, VA and Columbia, MD -- At the start of every sports season, there's always a team that
comes out early and sets the tone. ASC United took the double header weekend as an opportunity to be that team.
After disposing of an unprepared Arlington Blue Demons side 2-0, they held off a fiesty CSC Explosion 4-3 to take control
of the division and establish themselves as the team to beat this spring.
"It's ours to win!" said Coach Sheehan. "I give the girls a lot of credit. They
are tired from the week but play with desire and creativity, eager to show off their skills on the pitch. And when
things break down, they band together and defend with strength and grit."
United ball movement overall was very good. On several occasions, ASC moved the ball with
quick touches or timely dribbling runs. Chrystal once again did the work of many in the defensive midfield while young
backs Hannah, Alyssa, and Brooklynne kept things in check.
United goalkeeping was called on in the Sunday game versus the Explosion. Brittani was fabulous.
She stopped several fast breaks with powerful, suffocating stops. She used her head by running seconds off the
clock with the ball at her feet while United nursed a one goal lead with tired lungs.
"Laura was not challenged in goal in the Saturday game, which really helped her run so much
and create scoring chances in the Sunday game. The Explosion posed much more danger and Brittani stepped up. She
saved us on several occasions. I know we were the better side overall for much of the game and could have won by more
goals, but if it wasn't for some of Brittani's stops, we could have lost by two or three!"
Scoring touch came mostly from Amber, who had 5 on the weekend. She scored both in the Saturday
game. She didn't miss a beat on Sunday by scoring the first two and added one more for United's fourth goal on the day.
New striker, Meghan, opened her ASC scoring account on Sunday as well.
"Amber was unstoppable, but I don't want the work of her supporting cast to go unappreciated.
And Amber would be the first to point that out. Many made courageous runs, painful flick-on headers, and gutsy passes
to get us in position to score or stop counter-attacks. This is what makes soccer so great!"
Guts=Glory
Woodbridge, VA -- ASC United had to take on their PWSI Icebreaker opponents with only 12 players.
The weekend proved to be an exciting roller coaster ride that ended on the upswing for the girls in black as they brough home
the gold medals over 5 other teams. United avenged a first round thumping to Hagerstown Freedom in the final game with
a 3-1 comeback win.
Coach Sheehan said afterward, "The girls amazed me with their endurance and desire. The
backs and midfield played every minute and the forwards ran their tails off. I love their effort and Coach Cousland
and I have the ultimate honor of coaching a team that refuse to let us and their teammates down."
In game 1, United faced future WAGS opponent LUYAA SC. LC, who was heavily involved with
EVERY attacking sequence, scored a classic LC goal to get United going. LUYAA tied it, but United got another from LC
to take the lead in the second half. Candice ended a multiple pass build-up in the box by chipping the keeper left-footed
to end the suspence. Brittani had a handful of saves and United earned three points out of the gate with a 3-1 win.
In game 2, United were flat and dominated by a hungry Hagerstown Freedom. Despite some nice
saves from Brittani and a career game from Hannah, United fell 3-0 and went home after day one tired and beat up.
But Sunday brought a fresh start and a wild card berth in the semifinal. United took on
a quality Prince William side that had speed, size, and good technical ability. Strong defending and hustle kept United
alive despite the fact that nothing was happening offensively. Just before half, Chrystal dribbled about 500 yards up,
down, across, diagonal, and sideways until she crossed a ball from the right corner to Katyna who beat the keeper for a toe
poke into the back of the net. The half ended with United holding a precarious 1-0 lead.
Jackie and Brittani secured the box and Hannah, Broolynne, and Alyssa marked hard and defended
the final third with talent and wit. Chrystal and LC continued to hustle up and down the field, playing brilliant transition
soccer. All these players, along with a retreating Katyna and Candice kept Prince William scoreless through several
long minutes of desperation. Finally Amber got a breakaway, and after getting caught, she smartly held the ball up enough
to dish to LC, where she lined up a low drive inside the far post. Soon after, Stephany, with eyes seemingly in the
back of her head, found a diagonally running Maggie for a beautifully worked third goal. Prince William scored with
a few minutes left, but United was now on to the final with a 3-1 semifinal win.
"Coming into the game, I knew it would be tough. No one watching that game for a lengthy
span would think United would be the team to get three goals. But we were brilliant tactically in the final third and
Prince William was not. Jackie, playing injured was a rock as usual. And Brittani was a force. She gave
us more and more confidence to go forward each minute all weekend."
The final was a dominating performance by United. It did not start well with Hagerstown
pouncing on a fluky miscommunication in the back. But Brooklynne, filling in at sweeper for Jackie, rose to the occasion.
Chrystal tied the game with blast from 20 yards out. She then decided to take the game over. We added some width
and skill in the midfield with Candice and Maggie. Both danced around Hagerstown defenders to set up attackers.
Katyna gave United a second half lead when she turned on a volley from the edge of the box and
beat the tall keeper high. Later, Candice weaved through two defenders and chipped the back line perfectly to Katyna,
who bravely chipped the keeper for the third and final goal. United held on and the gold medal was theirs.
The coaches said, "It's just a great feeling and that pride is what it is all about. Every
player, today in particular, was dedicated to the cause. Many played their best weekend of soccer that we can remember."
Finish Strong
Olney, MD -- Seven returning seniors from United's beloved squad returned for one more
year with a supporting cast of 8 young, eager soccer players. Their quest--to take on a higher level in WAGS together
and see where the journey took them. They'd sit amongst the top if they showed trust in each other and the desire to
win. After Sunday's 7-1 beat down of the OLNY Tigers, the young United team finished in the top 3 in the division, only
2 points behind second place.
After falling behind 1-0, United woke up and found the acres of space on the wings through heads
up distribution from the midfield and backs. Amanda and Candice found the net twice each, while LC, Maggie, and Chrystal
scored one time each. Amanda became the tenth United player to score this fall when she floated one in to give United
the go-ahead goal late in the first half.
Special recognition must be given to Katyna and Kara for playing provider on the wings all game
long. They didn't get goals, but set them up for teammates. Their play is critical to making the 1-4-1-4 formation work.
Coach Sheehan said, "It was a great finish to the season, winning three out of our last four.
If we get a call or two in either of our 2-1 losses in the first few weeks, we could be in second. Heck, as good as
Winchester was, I think we could take them too. If there was a playoff tournament at the end of the season, I don't
think anyone would want to face us. But either way, I'm very pleased with the season overall. The girls really
made it happen in the end."
Not Today, Lightning
Ashburn, VA -- About a month ago, the GRFL Lightning were very lucky to escape with a win against
ASC United. They benefited from a missed offside, a miracle long shot, and a missed penalty kick call against them.
The win that day gave them a hold on first place...until today. United claimed a big three points with a 3-1 victory.
The Lightning luck ran out and they were not the best team today. United made a statement,
in a new formation, and tied a season high for goals with three. The win put United in striking range of a top three
finish with one game to go.
United, dealing with several sick players, especially in the back, played a 1-4-1-4 in hopes
of clogging the middle and attacking mainly with a diamond up top. But it wasn't so much formation but gutty determination,
alert team play, and overall focus that got the job done today.
The game started with the Lightning being first to a low cross and knocking in a nice
shot past a diving Laura. But Laura and company regrouped and were determined to pitch a shutout the rest of the way...which
they did. United nearly scored two after that but the Lightning were able to knock two off the goal line to preserve
a one goal lead at half.
But United came out in the second half and took control. Laura had to make a big save
after Chrystal hammer headed LC corner to tie it. The girls in gold stayed very organized and stout in the back with
sweepers Jackie or Brooklynne left with very little to do other than keep everything covered in front of them with a very
effective Amanda and Brittani. The hustle up front with Chrystal, Kara, Candice, and Amber kept the Lightning on
their heels and allowed Hannah, Maggie, Alyssa, and Britt to get wide and forward. This was a subtle thing that made
a huge difference. United pulled ahead and put it away on another goal from Chrystal and one from Candice. After
that, the Lightning threw in the towel and United won 3-1.
"I'm really proud of this win. I've always been an opponent to playing with a lot in the
back, but we scored three goals and the girls seemed to be very comfortable with it. In the first meeting, the Lightning
gave us a lot of trouble centrally so we wanted to make sure that was covered. Plus, we were able to get behind them
a lot on the wings. But our mentality was the real reason for the win. We had to make up for last week and remind
ourselves of how talented we are. I'm just really happy and excited for the finale next week."
Legend Pound United
Sterling, VA -- ASC United did not show up for their game on Sunday. The Sterling Legend
did and posted an emphatic 5-0 win. United made some mistakes in the back and launched attacks with very little diversity
and inspiration. But despite that, United could have been well in the game with some decent chances. Instead,
they faced a 3-0 halftime deficit.
Coach Sheehan said, "We all laid an egg today. The effort was poor and we fell behind
early. We picked it up, but overall, not with enough heart to defend our pride. The good news is that it was not
the last game of the season and we are going to remind people that we know how to possess, pose attacks, and shut people
down."
A Win is a Win
Ashburn, VA -- ASC United got an early 2-0 lead and held on to beat the dangerous LMVSA Patriots
2-1 in a very physical game on Sunday. The win puts United in striking distance of a top 3 finish. The goals came
from Amber turning on a loose ball in the box and Chrystal, who carried down the middle from the central midfield to bury
a breakaway.
"I was glad to see that we could be the team to get an early lead AND hang on to finish the
job," said Coach Sheehan. "We were definately under pressure after taking the lead. I'd have to admit that we
may have been outplayed as far as possession goes. But we got another tremendous defensive performance from Jackie.
Laura made some good saves and the supporting defenders made enough plays to hold out the pressing Patriots."
The United forwards did a great job of coming back to help and what the girls in white may have
lacked in solid ball movement, they made up for with heart and physical play. Chrystal gave United 90 minutes of fury
and the Patriots could not solve her.
"At the end of the game, the Patriots were really making things interesting but we made some
smart plays on the sideline to ice it. LC had a great game in the midfield and made some subtle, but very important
plays in the final minutes."
United pull into a three way tie for fourth place and match up against the Sterling Legend next
Sunday.
Despite Two Loses, United Hang Tough
Great Falls and Winchester, VA -- ASC United faced the top two teams this weekend back-to-back.
They came away with no points, but earned a lot of respect despite the scores.
Coach Sheehan afterwards said, "I expected to win both games and we should have won big on Saturday.
Sunday's match-up was very tough. But I believe that every player dug deep and found something in themselves and in
each other. We can build on that."
On Saturday, United dominated the GRFL Lightning but gave up a goal against the run of play
to go down 1-0 before half. In the second half, scoring frustration continued with Great Falls packing the box with
nine players in front of their 6 foot tall keeper. Candice danced into the box and got hacked with no call. The
Lightning got yet another one against the flow of play on United's only mistake in the back. United finally got a goal
when Maggie courageously drew a foul on the last defender (but no red card) and Jackie converted from the spot. The
girls in white furiously attacked but time ran out and the game ended against United 2-1.
So Sunday, United had to regroup and play the top team in the division. The Winchester
United were very attack minded and took advantage of a small field with aggression and quick passing. Before too long,
despite decent play by United, Winchester was up 4-0.
But United, led mostly by a very impressive Chrystal, fought back and Amber beat the keeper
high for a goal before half.
"At halftime, we discussed some adjustments and hoped to continue the momentum. We were
not going to make this an easy win for them. Unfortunately, they got two quick, nice goals on us. But I was so
proud of how we stayed with it. New teams face this and have to learn from it. We definately deserved the two
goals from Candice. We got some nice stuff going on transition. We really fought hard and I'm proud of everyone.
Nobody is satisfied because we expect to win, but the comeback was very admirable."
Before United went on their championship runs in 2005 and 2006, they had to endure a game like
this. But that score was 4-0 against a lesser team than Winchester's.
"If we continue to make adjustments and play with this kind of heart, we will find ourselves
in the win column again."
United "Post" Comeback, But Fall Short in the End 2-1
Arlington, VA -- In a game where a record may have been set for balls off the post and crossbar,
ASC United fell in the rematch with the ARL Blue Demons 2-1. The girls in white had more possession and looked more
organized, but could not break through the crowded box.
"I thought we were not aggressive enough in the first half, despite some good building up the
field," said Coach Sheehan. "In the second half, you could tell we were the team that wanted the game but it's hard
to break through a team that packs it in and nurses a 2-0 lead. I'm glad Kara found Katyna for the goal that got
us on the board because we deserved it. However, we need to work on a lot of things in order to make the possession
pay off."
"Laura made some very nice saves and Jackie was her typically strong self. She and Britt
have the backs improving each week. And what can you say about Candice. Saying she was impressive is a vast understatement.
In the last four years, I could count on one hand the number of times I've had to correct her. Brilliant."
United nearly got the equaliser in the final minute when Maggie hit a beautiful high shot
over the keeper's head that ever so gently hit the underside of the crossbar.
"Maggie had her best game so far in a United shirt. I thought her shot hit the bar in
the back of the net. Unfortunately, it didn't. But we learned more today and can use it to get better. With
more experience together, we will be more prepared to win a game like today."
United Gut Out a 1-0 Win to Start WAGS Season
Ashburn, VA -- ARL Blue Demons entered Sunday's contest fresh off a tournament championship
over Labor Day weekend. But they got knocked off by ASC United in week one of the WAGS season. A second half goal
and tough defending made the difference in the end.
The lone goal came after Brittani made a diving save to her right, got up and delivered a long
bouncing punt to LC. LC drove to goal and put a hard shot to the far post. The ARL keeper made the initial stop
but Kara was there to punch in the rebound.
"It was a sound effort from all lines of defense, but particularly the midfield," said Coach
Sheehan. "Chrystal, Amanda, and Britt did a lot of dirty work in a clogged central third."
Both teams got chances in each other's penalty areas but United earned a few more and therefore
got the one they needed. Both keepers were outstanding and it was a hard fought game all around in very hot weather.
