It was day two of the id2 program and Portland, Oregon was again playing host to the very best 2001 female soccer talent the country has to offer. At sixty degrees and sunny the Bo Jackson turf field at Nike World Headquarters was offering perfect conditions for these future greats to showcase their talent. Two matches were played out and the soccer was superlative. Interestingly, the original team rosters had been shuffled and re-constructed although the coaches her hush-hush as to the reasons behind it. Here’s what happened:

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Match 1:

With the new allotment of teams the number system broke down and we were left with team Green playing team Yellow.

Team Green: Kristin Daniels, Maya Fernandez-Powell, Olivia Dowell, Kylee Geis, Celiana Torres, Lauren Rosen, Nicole Souply, Katie Duong, Madison Carter, Remi Clarke, Kaya Frazier, Alexis White, Hannah Richardson, and Mckenna Saul.

Team Yellow: Nikki Lee, Alexa Long, Mya Fregoli, Krystal Kaufman, Gabriela Maas, Katie Soderstrom, Marianna Annest, Natalie Viggiano, Rachel Rasins, and Nadiah Martinez.

The coaches started both teams in a 3-4-3 lineup and the play resulted in a much more direct style of football than the boys’ games the previous day. As opposed to the boys’ games, the girls’ defensive line found themselves with one less defender and were challenged by another striker providing additional pressure. Therefore, the back line had less time on the ball and were encouraged to play longer passes into a holding forward or find a presenting midfield option.

The game took an unsteady start and the teams looked to be evenly matched. The pace of the game was intense as hold-up forwards took the role of receiving possession, laying the ball off to an advancing central midfielder, and then spinning off into space. The first goal of the game came from such an attack as team Green took the lead. After getting ever so slightly in behind the defense Alexis White managed to turn a loose ball into an assist as she pushed the ball into the path of Hannah Richardson who launched an impressive left footed, low and hard strike to the far post where goalie Jessie Selbie didn’t really have a chance.

The next goal followed shortly after as the mirroring 3-4-3 formations continued to yield a fast paced attacking match. The goal started with Nadiah Martinez who was able to force a turnover and eventually play the ball in to give Rachel Rasins a chance. At first glance it appeared there was little Rasins could make of the cross but at full stretch and top speed Rasins managed to bridle the incoming cross with her left foot. The ball sat up nicely for her just inside of the box and Rasins smashed in a volley with power and placement into the right corner of a goal. There was little goalkeeper Michelle Snow could do to prevent the goal. Yellow had equalized at 1-1.

The offensive tempo mellowed slightly and the center of the park began to open up. In that void a composed and talented Celiana Torres. Torres had an impressive performance throughout and her skill allowed her to dictate play at various times throughout the match. With good awareness and vision Torres was an effective player at switching the point of attack and doing it quickly. Moreover, her quiver showed diversity as she was able to get the forwards the ball with various chip passes and needle threading through balls. She offered a flashy highlight on the ride side of the field as she escaped from high pressure by nutmegging her defender with a cheeky outside of the foot tap between the legs.

The go-ahead-goal came from Yellow team member Nikki Lee. A sort of loose ball bounced invitingly and although the first touch wasn’t perfect the defender missed the tackle and Lee was able to finish the six yard volley with only the keeper to beat. Lee’s performance was solid throughout as she showed good judgment at left back and her dribbling allowed her to be offensive threat as well.

Yellow started to emerge as the better team and the thought was punctuated by a tremendous goal from Nadiah Martinez. Martinez received the ball just outside the box, took a touch inside and at an angle of 90 degrees to the goal was able to spark a scorching strike into the upper right of the net.

The match would end 3-1.

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Match 2:

Match two commenced with the following rosters:

Green: Ally Jackson, Isabella Camarata, Carlee Allen, Kendall Bates, Nohemi Mendoza, Sara Bermudez, Tera Ziemer, Olufolasade Adamolekun, Jacqueline Bruder, Madison Louderback, Gabby Juarez, and Jessica Wright.

Yellow: Madison Ellsworth, Jordan Taylor, Chai Cortez, Teresa Richardson, Sophia Mendoza, Audrew Weiss, Jenna Nighswonder, Nicole Mossmer, Laura Fuentes, Brooke Berdan, Samantha Sklarski, and Grace Stine.

Although the formation’s appeared to change throughout the game it appeared that both Green and Yellow coaches had opted with a 4-4-2 for this matchup. Moreover, this match proved to be the first of the id2 series where the defining battles were fought on the wings. Both team’s had talent with outstanding pace on their widths and they tried to make use of it. Sophia Mendoza was an early source providing problems for team Green and runs at the backline opened up two early opportunities resulting in shots saved by the keeper.

Despite Mendoza’s early efforts Green notched the first goal. Madison Louderback initiated the play and sent the pass into Nohemi Mendoza who lifted the ball over the defender with her first touch and shot to beat the keeper at the far post.

The goal proved to be the only one of the game. The result may have been different if there was a referee to award Audrey Weiss with some well-deserved penalty shouts. Weiss displayed a dynamic second half performance against team Green’s back line. Although a physically small player, Weiss impressed with her strength and tenacious play. She won possession for her team on several occasions and was able to turn and run at the defensive line creating several opportunities.

All and all it was two fantastic performances from the players involved and it’s this author’s opinion that this upcoming generation of female football talent has what it takes to continue our dominance in the sport.