05.17.09 Azzuri Decisively Beats First Place PSV Union FC 3 - 0 in NorCal Spring League Premier Group!
Azzuri continues to improve each game in the very strong Premier Group in NorCal Spring League. After registering two consecutive ties against formidable NorCal league-leading opponents, Azzuri showed grit and heart and began an assault on PSV Union FC from the getgo. It marked the second time Azzuri played Union FC on a very hot day. In their first Spring encounter, PSV Union FC triumphed on a last second goal. This time, the Azzuri girls were determined to win and win decisively.
The Azzuri started by stopping Union FC's passing game in its tracks, and by matching the physicality of the Union players. The Azzuri girls played their style and continued to pressure PSV Union FC, registering multiple shots on goal and corner kicks. The first Azzuri goal came on a cross from the left side that Sarah immediately shot with her left foot from outside the box. The goal keeper dived early to stop the ball but the ball took a funny bounce over the goal keeper and into the goal. The Azzuri then scored off of a free kick resulting from a foul outside the goal box---a well-placed shot that was over the goal keeper's reach, thus giving the Azzuri a 2 - 0 advantage at the half.
The second half started much the same as the first half ended with Azzuri playing solid defense while continuing to look for opportunities to score. And although PSV Union FC started pushing players up to try to score and registered more shots on goal, the Azzuri girls stopped most of these shots or forced them harmlessly wide. The Ladies in Blue then put the game out of reach by scoring their third goal in the second half.
Chelsey stepped in and played a great game filling in for Mari who missed her second game against Union FC. Mack was extremely strong on defense and stopped or prevented many shots on goal. Lauren and her secretaries of defense, lead by Caitlin, registered their 24th shutout and 16th overall in league play.
The Azzuri moved to 1-2-2 in NorCal Premier League Spring action!
