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OCTOBER 27
United Quest Mines Georgia FC Gold for 2-1 Victory
Winning can get to be a habit when you play soccer like the United Quest 88 White team has played for the last several weeks. With a four game unbeaten streak on the line, Quest took the field against a very capable Georgia FC Gold team that was equally determined to stake a claim for their spot near the top of the Athena B table. The first half was a bit shaky for United as they found themselves matched up against a fast, very athletic team that seemed to enjoy playing on their home turf. Less than ten minutes into the match, GFC scored the first goal, stunning the usually solid Quest defense. The next ten minutes were critical for United as they withstood an onslaught on their goal, but never cracked to concede a second tally. At the midway point of the half, United equalized off of a score by Alex Russ-Stefancic who sent a set-piece free kick from just outside the penalty area to the lower left corner of the goal. Her shot seemed destined to be saved by the keeper, but the ball punched through the well-positioned goalie's hands and between her legs into the back of the net. The 1-1 score would stand until the half-time whistle sounded. GFC had managed seven true shots on the United goal to just three by their visitors, but the score was even nonetheless. The second half would feature shifts in momentum and what is becoming a United trademark, a decidedly revved up Quest attack. A previous edition of this team might have wilted late in the second of two weekend matches, but coach Kyle Cornell's preseason fitness regimen and training is paying dividends late in this season as it seems the United girls never run out of gas. Less than ten minutes into the second half, forward Amanda Masters grabbed the second United goal to push her side ahead 2-1. For the rest of the half, United seemed to dominate play while the increasingly fatigued GFC squad wore down. Quest put ten shots on goal in the second half, but a fine performance by the GFC keeper kept them in the match. As the Gold frontrunners faded, so too did their chances of coming back to claim the game. Quest survived late surges with steady defense, and a ball control offense that frustrated their hosts. Forward Jordan Weaver, a DNP for the previous match due to illness, put great pressure on the GFC goal late to help prevent the Gold team from getting any offensive possession. When the final whistle blew, the United girls were the proud owners of a five game unbeaten streak and the coveted #1 spot at the top of the Athena B table.
OCTOBER 26
United Quells AFC Lightning's Thunder
The United Quest 88 White squad traveled to McCurry Park Saturday afternoon for the first of two important weekend league matches, and when they departed later that day they left the record of AFC Lightning Silver tarnished with a 3-0 loss. United has found an offensive rhythm to match their stingy defense, and the combination is bad news for their opponents. AFC came into the match with a four game unbeaten streak, but Quest countered with their own three game streak and a sense of purpose that would not be denied. The Lightning had forwards that did justice to their name, but United's back four and scrappy midfield have solidified into one of the hardest defenses for opposing teams to breach. At the offensive end, the team is quickly learning the value of balanced team play, as well as the effectiveness of a well-timed pass. Forward Sierra Green has become a creative player with her back to goal, and opposing fullbacks are frequently forced into awkward challenges by her ability to hold the ball under pressure. Once such challenge in the area resulted in United's first opportunity to score when a Lightning defender took Miss Green down inside the penalty area. Veteran 88 White midfielder Meagan Dilbeck stepped to the penalty mark and confidently fired a low, hard shot that was just barely saved by the AFC keeper, but the play set the stage for an exciting scoring chance that would come only moments later. After a quick exchange of possession sequences, United moved on the attack that would put them ahead to stay. Forward Amanda Masters ran diagonally onto a ball that had been played into the forward left flank and dropped the ball back to an onrushing Meagan Dilbeck, who promptly cut right to elude one defender, set her plant foot, and rifled a brilliant shot past the same AFC keeper who had denied her penalty shot only moments before. Miss Dilbeck and Quest were deservedly up 1-0. AFC tried to seem threatening for the rest of the half, but were repeatedly turned away by United's well-organized defense. United's scoring in the second half would be jump-started by yet another foul in the area, with Sierra Green once again suffering a hack for her skillful efforts. This time, the Lightning keeper would not fare so well, as midfielder Carolyn Craddock stepped to the mark and powered her shot into the back of the net for a 2-0 Quest lead. Not wanting to be forgotten, regular offensive fireplug Alex Russ-Stefancic got United's next good chance on goal when she received a nice ball from Amanda Masters and struck it well to beat the AFC keeper one last time. United was now up 3-0, and despite some late, feverish attacking by the AFC side, that margin would stand as the final when the whistle blew to end the match. The Lightning had displayed fine form in stretches to prove that their stay near the top of the table was not unwarranted, but United Quest was more than equal to their skill and determination as they took their own step toward the top of the group.
OCTOBER 19
United Keeper Silences Cannons Late To Preserve 2-2 Draw
After twice taking and relinquishing leads against the Coweta County Cannons Gold, United Quest firmed up its set-piece defense late in the match to preserve a hard-fought draw. Forward Alex Russ-Stefancic had gotten the Quest team going fairly early in the game with a nice finish off a fine assist from midfielder Ali Schultz, but this match would prove to be a test for both teams. The 1-0 Quest lead would hold up for most of the first half, but the Cannons Gold squad managed to catch United's keeper precariously halfway between her goal and the edge of the penalty area on one attacking sequence that saw the ball just barely squirt through for the tying score. Throughout the opening half, United attacks were well-coordinated and looked threatening until the final eighteen yards of turf where the Coweta defense seemed to draw a brave line of defense. There was plenty of action through the midfield, however, as both teams worked hard to crack through their opposites' defense with little success. The fine finishing flare that United had displayed in their two previous matches was not on display against a determined Cannons back line that clearly had come to play a serious match. Nonetheless, Alex Russ-Stefancic would strike again for Quest early in the second half, this time off of a nice assist from Jasmine Noel, but once again the lead would not hold. Up 2-1, Quest played very strong defense until they suffered a mild breakdown too near their own goal. With a ball loose in the United penalty area just outside the six yard line, no Quest defender could get a solid foot on the ball to make a clearance. With players on both teams scrambling to make a play on the ball, one of the Coweta frontrunners crashed into the fray to poke at the ball. That one desperate stab sent the ball into the back of United's net to bring the score to 2-2. For the second time in the match, Quest had surrendered what might be charitably described as an unfortunate goal. No strangers to the wacky goal being scored against them, the girls did not hang their heads. Instead, they played strong soccer until the final whistle. Ali Schultz nearly put Quest back up with a beautifully redirected header, but somehow the Coweta keeper managed to snare the ball before it crossed the goal line. At the defensive end, the team corrected its marking and organization on opposing corner kicks and crosses to shut down a fired up Cannons side. Twice, late in the match, goalkeeper Michelle Krengel leapt confidently in the air, high above the surrounding players, to cut off dangerous corner kicks that previously might have fallen threateningly into the area. It was an inspiring finish to a well-played, hard-fought match, and clearly displayed a growing, improving, and commanding presence between the posts when the Quest side needed it most. In the end, United walked off the field sharing the 2-2 tie with each player knowing how little separates them from the best in the league. Each week the girls of United Quest grow as players and as a team, and they build on what is beginning to look like a very positive soccer legacy.
OCTOBER 13
United's Quest For Offense Over
Although the TYSA Triumph Green squad is experiencing rebuilding pains this season, no team had yet overwhelmed them the way United's 88 White squad did during an 8-0 spanking on this Sunday afternoon. It has become a bit like a broken record to compliment the Quest defense, but it is a refreshing change to be able to sing the praises of what is developing into a cohesive offensive attack. In a first half that featured Quest out-shooting their opponents 10 shots to 1, forward Alex Russ-Stefancic was a one-girl wrecking crew as she once again started the United scoring from the penalty mark. After she made it 1-0 Quest from the spot, she came back six minutes later to ring up TYSA's defense for a 2-0 Quest lead. But, it would not be a one-woman show. Midfielder Ali Schultz cracked a nice shot into the Triumph net off of a Meagan Dilbeck assist to make it 3-0 Quest at the half-hour mark, and fewer than five minutes later, forward Sierra Green hammered in another goal, this time with an assist from Carolyn Craddock, to make it 4-0 at the half. In between these offensive flourishes, the United defense was up to its usual tricks keeping TYSA off-balance and non-threatening for the first 35 minutes. Even when one defender was beaten, there was always another covering for her teammate. Caroline Poirier and Alena Reich kept things well-organized and outside backs Estela Negron-Flores and Jasmine Noel continued their dominance of the defensive flanks. On the few occasions when the ball did make its way into the penalty area, keeper Michelle Krengel was quickly off her line to cover the ball. In the midfield, Carolyn Craddock helped create numerous creative attacks with help from very active teammates Ali Friedman, Andrea Sikora, Meagan Dilbeck, and Sierra Green. When the second half got under way, and with TYSA's ride home already looking to be a long one, the United team came out gunning to build even more confidence in their attack. It didn't take long for Alex Russ-Stefancic to grab a third goal, to make it 5-0 United, against a TYSA defense that was still a little shell-shocked from the first half. Then, a few minutes later, and barely 15 minutes into the second stanza, Carolyn Craddock served up her second assist of the day with a nice ball into the path of a speedy Erin Holt who neatly slotted the ball by the Triumph keeper to make it 6-0 Quest. Miss Russ-Stefancic got her fourth on the day when her well-placed corner kick was allowed to bounce just outside of the goal and into the net without anyone from either team making contact. A stunned Triumph keeper could only turn and retrieve the ball from the goal as the referee marked down a 7-0 United lead. With just over six minutes left in regulation, Ali Friedman decided it was time to get into the scoring act when forward Amanda Masters laid the ball back to her and she promptly drove it over the defense and between the posts to bring the score to its eventual final tally of 8-0 United Quest. United continued to test the TYSA keeper even as the clock was winding down as forwards Jordan Weaver and Erin Holt continued to pour on the pressure. Amanda Masters came up from midfield to redirect a couple of late shots that weren't quite placed properly and the keeper came up with two stops late to restore some of her confidence and keep the score from further bloating. With their defense and offense running in tune, United should be feeling good going into their next match.
OCTOBER 12
United Quest Defense Again Stellar; Offense Steps Up
On a day that would further embellish the stellar reputation of the United Quest defense, the girls finally rolled out an equally impressive offense. After having lain dormant for most of the season, the top half of the Quest formation found new life at the expense of a very well-coached, well-organized, athletic Metro North Navy side. Though it is too early to predict that the United scoring slump is fully in the past, the much anticipated offensive firepower was on full display for most of this competitive match.
United came out strong and displayed their trademark possession style throughout the first fifteen minutes of the match. Metro was equally determined to establish their game, however, and the match seesawed from end to end with both sides creating threatening opportunities. Communication was very good throughout the formation as time after time Quest flank players worked one touch passing sequences up both sides of the pitch. Forwards Erin Holt and Sierra Green were very active up top, but service to the front line was still evolving while they were in the attack. Metro defenders managed to foil the entry pass at the end of most of the attacks, or their confident looking keeper was there to swallow up any rollers that got through. One promising chance saw Erin Holt's right-footed shot sail wide left to scare the Metro sideline. On this day, time was on United's side as they continued to build a nice rhythm that would ultimately result in the ever-elusive first goal. Midfielders Ali Friedman, Andrea Sikora, Ali Schultz, and Carolyn Craddock worked the middle part of the field with a style and determination that began to wear down the Metro central defenders. United revved up its offense late in the half to produce several great scoring opportunities. Two players off the bench nearly connected for the game's first tally when forward Amanda Masters served a well-placed cross to the feet of the onrushing Alex Russ-Stefancic who just missed connecting on a finishing strike. It wouldn't take long for Miss Russ-Stefancic to create another dangerous chance in front of the Metro goal, and only the hard foul of a defender kept her from being in one-on-one with the keeper. Having taken the foul inside the penalty area, Russ-Stefancic stepped up to the penalty mark, took her time, and placed her kick over the arms of the keeper and high into the net. It was 1-0 United. Metro North countered the score with some of their most aggressive sequences of the game, and one such attack culminated with an unmarked striker turning on the United goal and unleashing a very hard shot that skimmed off the top of the Quest crossbar. Another Metro attack was thwarted by keeper Michelle Krengel when she moved into a vulnerable space to cut off a nice shot with a confident catch. Defenders Jasmine Noel, Estela Negron-Flores, Alena Reich, and Caroline Poirier once again proved a hard shield to penetrate as good-looking Metro attacks were easily turned away with pressure-releasing outlet passes and sure-footed clearances. Sierra Green and Meagan Dilbeck played dual roles as both unselfishly worked hard at defense and offense, tracking back to defend when appropriate and helping to push the ball forward when the team needed timely assistance to propel their attack. Forward Jordan Weaver provided fresh legs to concern the Metro defense, and as the end of the half approached the Metro defense was tested several times. One sequence saw the ball squirt though several defenders where Alex Russ-Stefancic settled the ball and turned to crack a left-footed shot just under the diving keeper's body. United would go into the half up 2-0 and full of confidence.
If anything, United were a more determined side once the second half commenced. Having seen 2-0 leads evaporate in the strangest ways during past matches, the Quest girls were resolved in their plan to not only hold a lead but increase it. Their scrappy, athletic opponents had other ideas, however, and made several threatening forays into the Quest half before United fully regained their first half composure. With the Metro North keeper well off her line on several possessions, midfielder Carolyn Craddock decided to test the keeper's mobility with a long, hard strike. As the flight of the ball carried it goalward, it became clear that if the keeper even recovered she would still have to make a very good play to keep the ball out of the net. When the ball caromed off her fingers into the net the score went to 3-0 United, and there was a sense that on this day the Quest offense would not be denied. Still, it is fitting that one of the most impressive moments of the day belonged to a United defender. With a mad scramble for the ball occurring eighteen yards away from the left corner of the Quest goal, and with their keeper aggressively off her line, a hard shot was unleashed by a Metro North forward that seemed destined for twine. However, like the seasoned player she is, Caroline Poirier had moved into her goal mouth to protect against just such an occurrence, and when the hard shot came in she headed it off the line to preserve the United clean sheet. Several more promising United attacks later, and after nearly connecting with a teammate with a nice cross, Amanda Masters was the pleased recipient of a nice pass over the defense that put her in on the keeper one-on-one. After measuring the keeper's approach, Miss Masters calmly slotted her shot under the dropping keeper's body and into the net. The score was 4-0 United and a demoralized Metro squad had but a few attacks left in them before the final whistle sounded to end the match with the final score unchanged. United had their first league shutout. Their defense had been superb, and their offense had awakened from its hibernation ready to feed on an unwary defensive adversary. In short, it was a good day to watch soccer and even a better day to play it.
OCTOBER 5
League Leading Inter Atlanta FC Take Advantage Of Long United Quest Layoff
Having not played a match in two weeks, the United Quest 88 Whites played much of their match with Inter Atlanta out-of-sync with one another. A team that is typically well-organized and fluid on the pitch, Quest displayed little of their version of the "beautiful game." Although they played evenly with Inter Atlanta for most of the match, once again a few key moments led to their undoing on the field. Fullback Estela Negron-Flores, playing in place of injured keeper Michelle Krengel, put in a stellar performance in goal to provide some of Quest's best moments on the day. She could not be faulted on Atlanta's first goal as an Inter forward got around the defense and drilled a beautiful near post shot to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. United mounted several promising attacks throughout the game, but were lacking the final component at every turn. Inter bagged their second goal on a play more typical of the goals scored on United this season. Once again, the Quest keeper could not be faulted after a failed defensive clearance led to a semi-shanked, semi-blocked, spinning, blooping ball that hung high in the air before dropping at a severe angle, just sneaking under the crossbar, and into the net. Inter Atlanta was up 2-0 and the teams seemed content to endure the classic time-wasting tactics of the opposing coach as he subbed one player into the match at every dead ball situation. Mercifully, the final whistle ended the affair and shifted the team's attention to the evening of dancing festivities ahead. Luckily for all, they fared better on the dance floor that evening than they had in the game before. With the meat of their league schedule looming, all of the girls are feeling a little pressure to get back on track. If the past is any indicator, then the next team United faces is going to be in big trouble.