Nomads Spell Success

March 31, 2008

Reported from http://soccer.xksandiego.com/ (Great source for local San Diego Soccer News).

No matter how you spell it, Sarah was the name of the game Sunday as the Nomads Girls 90-91 handed Santa Clarita United a 2-0 loss in the Nomads Coaches Showcase GU-17 Premier I championship at UCSD. Goalie Sarah Garland (Westview HS) recorded the shutout, while Sarah Grable (Bonita Vista HS) and Sara Bolton (Carlsbad HS) scored the goals that led to victory. Both teams will likely feel the bruises this morning after a very physical match, with neither giving up the title easily.

Bolton gave the Nomads the early lead when she knocked in a free kick in the 17th minute from about the 40-yard line. The shot sailed into the net uncontested. Besides a good eye for a goal, Bolton settled tougher balls and doled them out accordingly. Next up was Grable. She earned an good look at the net in the 61st minute to give the Nomads a comfortable lead. Grable also had several top-notch breakaways with close looks. Alex Moran (Torrey Pines HS) also contributed. She has a knack for going one-on-one with the keeper and distributes balls to the right foot. Moran is a workhorse up front and splits touches with Laura Wyatt (Bishop’s HS).

Garland stood guard at the post for all but eight minutes and her dialogue from the goal kept the defense in the right position. Her handful of saves kept Santa Clarita’s offense off the mark, as did Courtney Ryan (Coronado HS) and Tess Plant-Thomas (La Jolla HS), who provided the defense and the clearance to assist Garland. Mary McWalters (Westview HS) showed her stealth positioning herself between a few players and winning the balls needed to change possession positively for the Nomads.

Santa Clarita wasn’t without its own success stories. Chloe Matile McDaniel did her part getting to the loose balls and Courtney Belsheim’s energy never faltered. Brittany Kurfurst helped control the flanks, which wasn’t an easy task with the Nomads’ Lauren Elise Judal (Marian Catholic HS) providing pressure on the touch-lines throughout the game.

Part of the Nomads continuing success is their communication. The squad’s consistent chatter and specific directions to teammates helped the Nomads be successful at all phases. Next up, the Toyota College Classic.

Nomads Road to Success

Semifinals

Nomads 1, Westside Breakers 90 White 0
Goals-N: Grable. Shutout-Garland, Olsen

Quarterfinals

Nomads 2, Arizona Rush 91 Nike Girl 0
Goals-N: Grable (2). Shutout-Garland, Olsen.
Second Round

Nomads 3, San Clemente United 0
Goals-N: Grable, Edwards, Moran. Shutout-Garland, Olsen.

First Round

Nomads 2 , Australian All-Stars 0
Goals-N: Bolton, Wyatt. Shutout-Garland, Katie Olsen.

Nomads 3, 91 Ladybugs (Ariz.) 0
Goals-N: Grable (2), Jasmine Edwards. Shutout-Garland, Olsen.

Other Nomads’ Success: The GU-18 team earned a 3-0 victory over Conejo Valley United Pride in the GU-19 Premier II finals on Sunday at UCSD. -Amberly Richardson