Purple Piranhas Soccer Team 1881 • Sponsor: Mark Joiner, D.D.S. Orthodontics Coaches: Lisa Palm, Sam Clarkson, Bonnie Ho'opai League: Santa Cruz City Youth Soccer Club

Game Schedule

Date	Time	Home	Visitor	Field	Snack
Sep 19	8:30 am	1881	1885	Depot Park South	Tracy V.
Sep 26	1:30 pm	1881	1883	Delaveaga Elementary	Sophia J.
Oct 3	8:30 am	1886	1881	Depot Park South	Jeannie W.
Oct 10	8:30 am	1885	1881	Delaveaga Elementary	Joanne H.
Oct 17	1:30 pm	1887	1881	Delaveaga Elementary	Audrey S.
Oct 24	(no game for us)
Oct 31	8:30 am	1884	1881	Depot Park South	Lisa B.
Nov 7	8:30 am	1882	1881	Delaveaga Elementary	Sharon H.
Nov 14	7:00 pm	1881	1884	Harvey West 4	Scott L.
Nov 21	1:30 pm	1881	1885	Delaveaga Elementary	Sean P.

(click here for full SCCYSC GU10 schedule)

Game 10 - Nov. 21

This was our big game. Team USA had beaten us twice in the last 2 minutes of the game and we knew we could do better! The game started off a bit slow as our players were a bit nervous then it started to improve once we had many shots on their goal. In the 2nd quarter, it was Lauren Hubbell who had a break away with the ball, rushed the goalie, and made our 1st goal! High pitched Piranha screams were heard from miles, or so we were told!! That made us feel great, but we still had a 2nd half to go.

Delicious fruity whipped cream desserts in soccer cups were provided by Molly's mom and dad and our girls were back on the field again. It felt like the longest 2nd half ever. Ellie and Maya rushed the goalie and it rolled to the goal. The goalie ran back to pick it up-the referee did not call it as a goal but our players said it did go over. We had substitutes all ready to go in but there were no whistle times for us to sub until the last few minutes of the game.

When that final whistle blew, cheers came from the crowd and our team as we ended our season having beat Team USA 1-0!!! Everyone was so proud of themselves and excited we could end on this positive note, with our season ending 4 wins, 4 losses, and 1 tie!

Go Purple Piranhas!!

Some pictures from the game and after-party (click any of them to go to the full gallery):

Game 9 - Nov. 14

If all of our games were played at night with 11 players on the field, we would have an amazing season. The girls were on fire and so ready to get at least one goal.

Our offense started very quickly and had numerous shots on goal. Finally, Amber kept pushing ahead and scored our 1st goal to set the tone of the game. Molly was not going to leave the field without scoring so she accomplished that by charging ahead. Maddie started as goalie but was not too busy because our strong defense led by Maya and Zoe kept her protected. The first half ended with Haley kicking high into the goal, making it 3-0. Haley played her best game of the season as nothing went by her and she passed all the winning shots to the forwards.

Purple Piranhas were so excited for the 2nd half and the Blue Herons came on strong. They had at least 6 shots on Stella at goalie but she stopped everyone without hesitation. Our final goal was made by Maya who "stayed on the left" to receive a perfect shot from Sierra across the goal.

Fiona received Coaches' Award for attacking the ball. I had said I would give awards to those who scored but decided EACH player made these goals possible so everyone will have a prize on Tuesday. That was the game of our season and I am so proud of our players!

Some pictures from the game (click any of them to go to the full gallery):

Game 8 - Nov. 7

Coach Bonnie led the team that day. The Purple Piranhas played very well, but were no match for the hard kicks of Team Big Feet (I don't know their names but heard they had big feet). The other team scored two goals quickly at the start of the game then another in the 2nd half, with the final score of 0-3.

Coaches' Award went to Lauren H. and Ellie.

Game 7 - Oct. 31

Our festive game began with the girls getting their hair sprayed purple and sparkly. Everyone was enthused for a great game against the Blue Herons. Although we dominated the field, we could not get a good shot into their goal. The game ended at 0-0.

Mid-Season Update

We have had a wonderful season so far. Although our record is 2 wins and 3 losses, the losses do not reflect the level of the girls' play or attitude! All the girls come with great energy and motivation to the games and practices, which makes our job as coaches so fun! I "tested" most of them on positioning yesterday so hopefully the Purple Piranha chart helps them better understand how to be spread out.

Tomorrow's practice will be Halloween-themed and please pack layers of clothing in case it stays this chilly. Saturday's game is at 8:30 at Depot Park. I will have purple hairspray for them so please get to the field at 8:00 so we can primp and practice!

Next Wednesday, I am traveling back East with my daughters to see my parents who have had some health challenges. I will not be coaching next Thursday (5th)or Tuesday (10th) or the Saturday, Nov.7 game. Bonnie sprained her ankle playing at her own soccer game while Sam has a last minute trip to NY and should return by the game. I will know before Tuesday if we need a parent or two to help cover these activities.

A fun addition to our practice next Tuesday will be some players from Greg Willis' Under 12 girls' team. We will do drills with them and the scrimmages are always challenging!

Please let me know if you have any questions and thanks for supporting your Purple Piranha!!

Sincerely,
Lisa, Sam and Bonnie

Game 5 - Oct. 17

The humidity did not stop the Purple Piranhas from playing a very strong game against the Yellow Dragons. Our players made some beautiful passes and really backed each other up to keep the ball in the Dragons' defense. One breakaway allowed a goal for the Yellow Dragons so we are learning how to stay defensive, even when we are tired!

Coaches' Award for Attacking the Ball was given to Maya and Haley, who both kept on top of the ball.

No game this Saturday during our Halloween Festival and practices will be the same this week and next.

Thanks!
Coach Lisa

Game 4 - Oct. 10

Coach Sam said the Purple Piranhas played a really strong game against Team USA and that we dominated their side most of the game. The same result of a last minute shot slipping through our defense resulted in a 0-1 loss. We are looking forward to facing Team USA one more time in November!

Coaches' Awards went to Stella and Amber for their Solid Kicks on the field. Thanks to Sam for coaching while I was at Saturdoon and to the Hayes for their great food!

Thanks!
Coach Lisa

Game 3 - Oct. 3

We had gorgeous weather during our game against the Maroon Monkeys at Depot Hill. The Purple Piranhas played a great game and tried to work on getting many shots on goals. Our three successful goals were made by Lauren B., Stella, and Zoe with a final 3-0 score. Coaches' Awards for shots on goal went to Maddie and Lauren Banks. It was great to put all the players in offensive positions to see them play more aggressively! Thanks to the Wholey family for their delcious snacks and table settings!

We also had fun getting our team and individual pictures. We will have them for you at the end of the season- your registration fee includes the pictures so no extra ordering is needed!

Thanks!
Coach Lisa