Game Summary for

NGSA Stampede (1) vs. Hampstead (0)

Melissa and Bari shared time in net in what turned out to be a quite game for them. The Stampede held posession for most of the game and outplayed Hampstead.

The Stampede had a number of good chances from Ashley, Stephanie and Michelle. In the second half, Stephanie made a good long run up the field and fed Michelle who's shot found the back of the net. This was the only goal of the game.

The entire team played very well. Olivia and Melissa (2 new players) had very good first games with the team.

Game Summary for

NGSA Stampede (1) vs. Derry (0)

Another game where the Stampede outplayed their opponent. Good games from Melissa, Kari and Meghan on defense. Derry's keeper had her hands full as the Stampede pounded shots at the Derry net.

The one goal of this game came when the Stampede defense sent a good pass up to Ashley who pushed it up the field to Michelle who ripped a solid high shot through the outstretched hands of the Derry keeper.

Another impressive team effort for the Stampede with everyone playing well.

Game Summary for

NGSA Stampede (0) vs. TriTown (0)

The toughest game of the weekend for the girls. TriTown was a very good team last year and they seemed even stronger today. The game ended in a 0-0 tie thanks to the outstanding play of the TriTown keeper who made a few exceptional saves on very good shots by the Stampede.

Michelle, Ashley and Stephanie each had chances. The save of the game (very near the end of the game) for TriTown came on a high shot from Michelle that the TriTown keeper just got her hands on. It dropped behind her, but she was able to recover and keep it out of the net.

Another well played game against an excellent opponent.

Game Summary for

NGSA Stampede (2) vs. Merrimack (1)

The Stampede came out shooting against Merrimack with a couple very early shots that the Merrimack keeper did well to save.

Michelle picked up the first goal when she brought the ball up the right side and, near the end line, ripped off a sideways shot that got past the defender and the Merrimack keeper.

Later in the game Michelle nicely setup Stephanie who sent in a good shot past the Merrimack keeper to put the Stampede up 2-0.

Merrimack did counter with 1 goal, but the Stampede hung tough and walked away with the victory.

Game Summary for

NGSA Stampede (0) vs. Merrimack (2)

The girls came out a little flat in this early morning rematch against Merrimack. After having a very strong game against Merrimack in the Jamboree, they were outplayed in the first half by a wide margin. Perhaps they were still waking up...we did see Kari yawn once or twice.

Melissa and Bari shared time in net during the first half and had their work cut out for them. Merrimack sent in many high quality shots. While both girls had a number of saves, two shots got by, giving Merrimack a 0-2 lead at halftime.

Melissa A was excellent on defense, foiling a number of good chances by Merrimack.

Bari spent a superb second half in net, making save after save. This was one of her best games and she should be quite proud of how well she performed.

The Stampede were much more lively and awake in the second half which evened things out a bit. The Stampede may have even had the edge in the second half. Stephanie and Michelle both had a couple solid, outstanding shots that were saved by the Merrimack keeper.

Merrimack's defense did a superb job of shutting down Ashley, Stephanie and Michelle up front, as well as Alexa, Alex and Nicole in the middle as they attempted to get the ball forward. In most cases, Merrimack had 2-3 players on whichever Stampede player had the ball. While there were a few occasions that nice footwork by the girls helped them past a couple of defenders, Merrimack's swarming defense held strong.

Despite a valiant performance in the second half, the girls were unable to make a comeback.

Game Summary for

NGSA Stampede (1) vs. RC United (0)

The girls' first victory of the Londonderry tournament against a good RC United team...now that the Stampede players were fully awake!

Michelle tallied the lone goal in this 1-0 victory.

Game Summary for

NGSA Stampede (1) vs. Derry (3)

Derry played a much tougher game today than they did in the Merrimack Jamboree...and the Stampede were just a little off their game today.

Michelle (the new player) picked up her first goal after a nice centering pass from Ashley through a crowd at the top of the 6 yard box. Michelle turned and sent a left footed shot past the Derry keeper.

Derry came back with a goal of their own...a nice shot to the corner.

Derry picked up their second goal on a somewhat questionable call when Melissa P appeared to have posession of the ball, but pressure from a crowd of Derry players knocked it free and sent it into the net. A later goal from Derry was disallowed when the linesman noticed a Derry player run into Melissa in the 6 yard box as Melissa she was picking up the ball.

The final Derry goal was a brilliant high shot that Melissa had no chance to reach.

Game Summary for

NGSA Stampede (1) vs. Londonderry (0)

The girls were back into their good form against Londonderry, billed as a strong, fast team.

Melissa P had a very quiet first half in net. Whenever the ball came into the Stampede end of the field, our defense of Melissa A, Meghan and Kari got it right out with lots of help from Olivia, Nicole and Michelle in midfield.

The girls had a number of excellent shooting chances in the first half from Michelle L, Ashley and Stephanie, but they just couldn't find the back of the net.

The most exciting (and frustrating) chance of the half came when the ball was sent up to Michelle L who beat the defenders, drew the keeper out and sent her shot past the keeper. As it rolled past the keeper to the net, a Londonderry defender came racing over and managed to just clear the ball, much to the frustration of the parents who were all *so* sure the ball was heading into the net. The conclusion was reached that the root cause of all the parental heartache over this was the rather long grass that slowed the ball down after Michelle's shot...

Bari replaced Melissa in net during the second half. Londonderry had a stronger second half, getting off a couple shots on Bari who, again, had a great performance in net, making a number of good saves.

Midway through the second half the only goal of the game came when Ashley took the ball on the left side, turned back and centered the ball to Michelle L who dodged 2 defenders and stuffed the ball into the corner.

The Stampede held strong through the rest of the half, with a key defensive header from Kate and some nice long clearances out of the back by Kari, Melissa A and Nicole.

Game Summary for

NGSA Stampede (2) vs. Timberlane (1)

A rather warm and tiring day for the girls, but they played very well against a good Timberlane team.

Timberlane picked up the first goal, but the Stampede came back with one of their own. Michelle picked up the goal off a pass from Ashley.

In the very tight second half, Michelle picked up her second goal off a feed from Melissa (??).

After a few close calls near the end of the game, the Stampede emerged with a good victory.

Game Summary for

NGSA Stampede (2) vs. Bow (4)

Another game in opressive heat...the parents were just *dying* on the sidelines. Oh, and the girls seems a little tired too. They played 4 quarters instead of 2 halves to ensure the girls all had enough rest and water.

The first 2 quarters were very nice, even play with the Stampede going up on an early goal under less than desirable circumstances. Stephanie got the ball up to the right side of the net, then everyone seemed to stop...she shot and it went in. Turned out that a Bow player went down injured and most of the kids immediately stopped playing (including the Bow keeper). It all happenned quickly and was a little confusing for everyone (including the players).

In the third quarter the Stampede looked exhausted and Bow was pressuring quite a bit. There was one flurry for the Stampede in front of the Bow 6-yard box where probably half a dozen shots were taken, but none went in. Following that the girls just looked tired and Bow pounded them with 3 unanswered goals.

In the fourth quarter, Bow picked up another goal, but the Stampede found their second wind and started pressuring more. In one such incident, Stampede pressure forced a Bow defender to pass back to the keeper and she picked up the ball. Michelle took the resulting free kick from about 4 feet from the goal line, sent it to Nicole waiting alone at the top of the 6-yard box and Nicole blasted it into the net.

A later free kick from the top of the 18-yard box by Nicole was stopped by an unfortunate Bow player (who's probably STILL feeling the effects of getting in front of that shot).

The Stampede had a couple breakaways, but couldn't quite pull the trigger in time or had their shots saved by the Bow keeper.

Game Summary for

NGSA Stampede (0) vs. Amherst (3)

The Stampede encountered a better team today, a team that just outplayed them and outshot them.

Melissa P and Bari performed well in net, making numerous saves. Melissa A and Meghan we outstandig on defense, breaking up many chances that Amherst had.

Ashley and Michelle did a fine job up front with Ashley showing some of her good foot skills today.

From defense, through midfield and up to the forwards, there were many instances of excellent passing from the Stampede. Despite a 0-3 loss, the girls have nothing to feel bad about, they played a solid game against a better team.

Game Summary for

NGSA Stampede (4) vs. Timberlane (4)

A quiet first half followed by a goal scoring binge by both teams in the second half resulted in a 4-4 tie for the Stampede today.

Melissa P started in net, spending the first half making a few good saves.

Michelle picked up the only goal of the half when she received the ball in the box (assist is unknown) and sent it home for the Stampede.

The remainder of the half saw good defense from Melissa, Kari and Meghan that kept Melissa's time in net reasonably quiet. Up front, the stampede had a couple chances from Stephanie, Michelle and Ashley. Timberlane had one defender in particular who seemed to be everywhere breaking up plays.

In the second half...who knows what got into each team, but 7 goals were scored. The elation...the dejection...it was back and forth down to the last minutes of the game. Both defenses seemed to brek down a little and this led to a wild half for Bari in net. But she, again, put in an amazing half in net.

Timberlane started things as one of their forwards blew right through the Stampede and sent a solid high shot over Bari.

Ashley equalized just a few minutes later on a wild play. Michelle broke through, but the Timberlane keeper came out to shot her before she got a shot off. The ball went off the keeper and was deflected (possible by Stephanie) to Ashley who was coming in from the right side. Ashley one timed the ball over everyone into the top of the net. This put the Stampeded up (briefly) 2-1.

Within what seemed like seconds, Timberlane had another goal. A few minutes later a handball in the Stampede box resulted in a penalty kick. Bari came up big with a solid save on the PK.

Shortly after the PK, a low shot to the corner of the Stampede net looked like it would get through, but Bari came up with a stunning kick save. Another tough, high shot from Timberlane. Bari was there to get a hand on it, but it fell, with her, back into the net making the score 2-3.

Kate then picked up a nice assist when she sent a long pass up to Michelle who beat the keeper and left-footed a shot into the net tying the score at 3 each.

But it wasn't over yet. Timberlane picked up another one within minutes to go up 3-4. With only a few minutes left, the Stampede picked up another one as Nicole took a back from the defense and sent the ball up to Michelle. She shot and the keeper blocked it, but it went off someone on Timberlane and into the net. This made the final score 4-4.

Stephanie and Olivia both had excellent games today. Stephanie had a few good shooting chances and did a great job getting past Timberlane defenders to push the ball forward. Olivia was very good in midfield...calm and patient, sending up good passes to the forwards.

Game Summary for

NGSA Stampede (7) vs. Hampstead (0)

The Stampede were the far better team today and easily defeated Hampstead 7-0.

Melissa P started in net and touched the ball once in the first half. The Stampede defense and midfield held the ball well and Hampstead rarely, if ever, made it to the 18-yard box. Melissa A, Olivia and Michelle M had particularly strong games today.

Olivia started off the scoring with a quick turning shot from just inside the 18-yard box.

Only a minute or two later, Michelle L sped down the field on a breakaway and beat the charging Hampstead keeper to put the Stampede up 2-0.

The Stampede kept control of the ball for the most part with the defenders feeding the midfielders and the midfielders feeding the forwards nicely. Ashley and Stephanie ran constantly in support up front, sending in some nice crosses and centering passes.

Midway through the first half Alexandra stuffed a shot under the Hampstead keeper to put the Stampede up 3-0. Shortly after that Nicole drilled a shot from the left side into the top right corner. It's unlikely the Hampstead keeper even saw it.

With Bari out today, Melissa P remained in net in the second half. The Stampede kept up the pressure, keeping Melissa P's day a quiet one. They picked up their 5th goal when Michelle L slid the ball out to the left side to Stephanie who crossed it to Ashley on the right who then put it into the back of the net. A nice display of teamwork and passing.

Michelle L picked up a very well done goal off a throw in from Nicole. Michelle L one touched the throw in and sent it right past the suprised Hampstead keeper. This put the Stampede up 6-0.

At this point, Michelle L relaced Melissa P in net.

The final goal of the day came when Ashley centered the ball to a waiting Alexandra just outside the 6-yard box and Alex one touched it into the net.

Towards the end of the game the Stampede eased up and Hampstead managed to retain more posession. Michelle L had a couple saves and made good solid clearances up to Kari and Meghan (now playing midfield).

Meghan had a good solid game on defense and looked quite good in her time at midfield. Aimee was hustling all day and had another solid game.

Game Summary for

NGSA Stampede (1) vs. Hampstead (0)

The last bits of hurricane Kyle skirted across the area leaving us with a cold, dreary York, Maine afternoon - drizzle, showers, wind, cold, etc. But as the old saying goes, a bad day at the beach is better than a good day at work.

It was a tough first game for the Stampede against Dover, the eventual tournament winners. This was a day when Dover was on and the Stampede were off. Perhaps a little too much swimming and fun earlier in the afternoon...

The Stampede did pick up the first goal and were on fire for the first 10 minutes. Michelle L notched the goal for the Stampede.

It was sort of all downhill after that. A number of girls had tough days where things just weren't working for them. Melissa P was netminder for the first half and did well in the cold and rain. Midway through the second half Bari replaced Melissa P in net.

Dover tied the game after about 15 minutes and continued to dominate for the remainder of the game. There were a couple chances for the Stampede, but things just didn't work out for them today.

So...following the game the Stampede girls and parents went on to have a great pizza party back at the hotel. While there, the girls simply overtook the pool. Their conquest of the pool came complete with synchronized jumping onto the pool (just what was *that* all about?) and a girls-made whirlpool that was outstanding - it even sucked in another kid who was just watching! Now they were ready for the next game!

Game Summary for

NGSA Stampede (3) vs. Hampstead (1)

The whole cold, dreary Maine thing was still happenning on Sunday. The girls were cold and wet, the parent were cold and wet, but Coach Peter steadfastly remained in shorts.

Hampstead was a known foe whom the Stampede had already beaten in the Merrimack Jamboree and earlier in the regular season.

Michelle picked up the first goal of the game on a solid outside shot (assist unknown). Michelle almost picked up the second goal, but further review and discussions showed that, it was actually Ashley who got the goal with Michelle picking up the assist. Michelle took a great shot from a very tight angle on the left side. The ball skimmed under the crossbar and came out in front of the net where Ashley smacked it in. It was initially thought the first shot was in, but it never entirely crossed the line.

The third goal was indeed Michelle's.

Late in the game a Hampstead player made a couple great moves into the center of the field, beating 2 Stampede defenders and drilled a nice low shot to the corner. That would be Hanmpstead's only goal of the game.

Melissa and Bari again did a fine jobs in net while Melissa and Meghan has great defensive games. Kate, arriving a little late after her Mom made a wrong turn driving up to the game, hustled very well during her time in the second half.

Game Summary for

NGSA Stampede (6) vs. York (0)

Game three followed game two by about an hour, just enough time to get the girls back to the hotel, dried out and then shuttled back into the rain (see previous game report for all the cold and dreary references).

York was an unknown for the Stampede as they had never played this team before. As it turned out, the Stampede crushed them.

The details were lost on most of the goals and, more importantly, who had the assists (there was far too much rain and wind to be writing all this down). This was a game of excellent passing and setups. Stephanie and Ashley worked magic on the wings while Michelle charged up the middle.

Michelle had four goals on the day, while Ashley picked up one and Alexa picked her first goal of the season.

Olivia, Michelle M, Aimee and Nicole were rock solid in the middle of the field. Kate, Melissa A, Meghan (who even had a stint at forward) and Kari played well today on defense. Melissa P and Bari split the time in net. Both had a couple good saves. No small task considering the weather.

After the game the girls headed back to the hotel for a cookout and another few hours in the pool. There were more whirlpools (with a lot of singing this time) and a game of water volleyball. They all slept well that night...

Game Summary for

NGSA Stampede (0) vs. Bow (2)

A tough loss for the girls today, but they played brilliantly and evenly against a Bow team that was fortunate enough to pick up 2 goals.

Bari put in another fantastic game in net, making a number of very nice saves. She's better every game...

Both sides had some good posession in the first half and each had shooting chances. Very late in the first half, Bow picked up their first goal after a goal kick was intercepted. It was a well taken shot.

In the second half we saw more of the same, with both sides having good posession. Stephanie missed a bit of time as she wasn't feeling well, but she was solid while she was in. She, Michelle and Ashley (whom Bow just left open on the right side most of the game) passed very well up front.

Alexandra and Kate had their best games of the season, even with Kate playing on indoor shoes! They hustled well, broke up Bow's plays and passed very well.

Late in the second half Bow picked up their second goal on a nice outside shot from the left that went across the net and way over Bari's head. There was no way anyone was stopping that shot.

The girls played very well against a good team.

Game Summary for

NGSA Stampede (1) vs. Amherst (3)

The Stampede faced a strong Amherst team in the rain and cold and played a fantastic game, better than in their first meeting with Amherst.

Melissa P spent the entire game in net and played outstanding, making a number of great saves. Melissa A and Meghan (tasked with marking the best player on the Amherst team) had fantastic games on defense.

The Stampede held their own throughout the first half, with the defense holding up very well, Melissa P making some very good saves and Stephanie, Michelle L and Ashley creating chances up front.

In the second half, with the score still 0-0, the Stampede got the ball into Amherst's box and, off a rebound or deflection, Stephanie stuffed the ball into the net to put the Stampede up 1-0.

The lead didn't last long as Amherst managed a goal of their own just a couple minutes later. The Stampede still held strong, but gave up 2 more goals (both in close with the ball bouncing around in the box) making the final score 1-3 in favor of Amherst.

Game Summary for

NGSA Stampede (0) vs. Hampstead (2)

Today was the fourth meeting between these two teams this year. A clear, crisp Fall day - great weather for a soccer game, and on a field better than we've seen all season. Hats off to Hampstead for providing such a great field.

Melissa P spent the game in net again and did a fine job. Both goals were completely beyond her control.

Hampstead put up much more of a fight today and made it a very tough game. Michelle L and Ashley both had scoring chances in the first half, but couldn't find the back of the net. The Stampede did appear to be controlling the ball much more than Hampstead in the first half.

In the second half, Hampstead took more posession, but the Stampede defense held strong and played well, with Kari, Melissa and Meghan again putting in very good games. They do a great job of covering for each other and switching positions when needed.

Hampstead scored on a long rang shot that was well over Melissa P's head. Unless she was a foot taller, she had no chance. It was a well taken shot by Hampstead.

With time almost expired, Hampstead picked up their second goal when one of their forwards managed to get behind the Stampede defense for a 1-on-1 with Melissa P. The shot went deep to the corner and there was no way Melissa P could have even gotten a hand on it. Another well taken shot.

A well played game and the coach was pleased with the girls' performance. The season has ended. We look forward to the team party, the NGSA party, a little time off and then on to indoor soccer.