Shockwave Wins, Draws
Good Ending to Spring League Season

May 13, 2007 - On Saturday, Shockwave finished the 2007 League season by avenging two previous losses to Blue Valley Tottenham and Omega just three weeks ago.  Losing a doubleheader in league is tough especially when we felt those games should have gone differently.  Since then, however, the team has worked very hard and played the kind of soccer we know we are capable of.  The results have have been good, too as the team has put together a string of 4 victories with 2 draws and no defeats.  In those last 6 games, we have outscored our opponents 16-8.

Saturday's first game against Omega was a tough, physical battle on and off the ball.  In the end, the deadlock remained as the teams each earned a point in the 2-2 draw.

In game two against Blue Valley Tottenham we were determined to go on full attack throughout the game.  After a few games trying to adjust the back line, we went back to our lockdown style that has worked so well in the past.  After a halftime talk with the score tied 1-1, Shockwave really forced the play in the second half.  Our backs really got in support of the frontrunners and they were supported by the goalkeeper.

The play of the day was a beautiful midfield free kick by Kayla Arvidson that found Jaimie Myers waiting on the post for an easy redirect into the net.  Shockwave went on to a convincing 4-1 victory.

Governor's Cup Sunday Rained Out
Ugly Weather Wins Again

May 6, 2007 - For the second time this spring a major Midwest soccer tournament fell victim to uncooperative Kansas weather.  After a Saturday where the top teams in the girls U12 division were in a dead heat to see who would advance, early morning thunder was a signal that Sunday would be a washout.

For Shockwave, it was a very good outing as we played more relaxed and worked together much better as a team.  Everyone had good games on Saturday with special congratulations to Jeana Johnson who scored goals in both games.

Next weekend, the final two league games of the spring season.  The early forecast is for partly cloudy skies and temperatures in the 70's.  Let's hope.

Shockwave Takes Two
Toughness Returns

April 29, 2007 - The Shockwave girls scored 6 goals in two games and won twice Saturday in Olathe.

In game one, Shockwave had numerous opportunities and made the best of two of them in a 2-0 win over the Blue Valley Stars.

Game two against a tough KC Comets team was a test of wills.  The Comets were able to make a game of it up until the last few minutes.  That's when Shockwave showed true courage and determination.  A beautifully placed corner kick by Arin Morse was buried by Danielle Poblarp for the deciding goal.  This is not the first time these teammates have combined for a corner kick goal, so it was great to see them connect again.  With the defense pulled back, Jaimie Myers intercepted a Comets goal kick and guided in the insurance goal with less than a minute remaining.

It was a total team effort with many great passes and defensive stops.

This game showed the kind of mental and physical toughness that Shockwave is known for.

March 25, 2007 - The Shockwave girls kicked off the season with two games Sunday in Olathe.  Both games were highlighted by the team's toughness and ability to keep ball possession in the attacking half the majority of the game.

After a 1-0 victory in the first game the girls got a short break before taking on a tough Rush team.  Again, we maintained possession and pressured well.  We had numerous shots that were within a hair of the goal and two that hit the post.  It's unfortunate when the opponent is able to score outside the flow of the game, but that's what happened as a couple of breakdowns allowed the Rush to find the net once in each half.

In the second half it was clear that two games separated by only a little more than an hour had taken its toll.

Without a doubt, it is tough playing doubleheaders.  But, if we keep a positive attitude it will continue to make us a strong tournament team.

Shockwave Takes 3rd at Governor's Cup
Topeka Select Teams Claim 8 GovCup Medals

October 29, 2006 - Congratulations to the Topeka Select Shockwave girls who, in their first 90 days together as a team, have made it to the medal round in each of their first three tournaments.

Shockwave began the weekend by battling to a 0-0 draw against the KC Fusion, winners of Division One in Kansas City's Premiership.  The team had the best of the opportunities during the game, but could not find the net.  Victories against Gladiator Wolfpack and EFC Force put the team in the semi-finals and gave Shockwave their third medal in as many tries.

Shockwave joined five other Topeka Select Girls teams and two Topeka Select Boys teams who received medals over the two-weekend tournament.

Well done to all!

Heartland Weekend #4
Best Game of the Season

October 13, 2006 - When Shockwave arrived for the first game on Saturday against the Omega, I could tell this team was ready to play.  And play they did.  With great pressure on the ball, we were able to play almost the entire game on our attacking half of the field on the way to a convincing 7-2 victory.

Ball movement was excellent and second and third effort kept Omega from having any space or time to work with.  The back line did an excellent job of moving forward, causing numerous offside calls.

In game two against the Rush Blue, fatigue (and maybe too much for lunch) seemed to set in almost immediately.  I should have done a better job managing between game activities.  After getting off to a quick lead, we were not able to contain their forwards on two breakaway opportunities.  But, the real story of the game is the way the team continued to give great effort even though obviously tired. 

We play doubleheaders in league to prepare for tournaments.  The only difference is the teams we play in league usually only play one game per day.  It's a tough schedule that has also made us tougher.

I could not be more pleased with our progress as a team in our first 3 months together.  The future looks great.

Outdoor Classroom at KU
Shockwave Enjoys Great Game

October 8, 2006 - The Shockwave girls traveled to Lawrence to watch KU host 8th ranked Texas A&M Sunday afternoon.  It was an opportunity to see high-level college soccer close-up and in person.

KU was not intimidated by Texas A&M and showed tremendous heart in playing against the older and more experienced Aggies.

The Jayhawks actually dominated play in the second half and had several opportunities to score but could not find the goal.  The Aggies were finally able to breakdown the KU defense in the first overtime to claim the 1-0 win.

Nonetheless, the afternoon was a great one for team unity and a great learning experience for the girls.  Thanks to the team, family and friends for a fun Shockwave Sunday.

Watch Game Highlights

Heartland Weekend #3
From Really Bad to Really Good

October 1, 2006 - Christmas came early for the Kaw Valley Force as Shockwave handed them their first victory of the season.  It just proves that when good teams think they can't possibly lose, they can and often do.  Lesson learned.

But, credit this team for being able to refocus quickly and regain the level of play they have worked hard to acquire.  In game two on Sunday, the team played very well to win convincingly over a good Shawnee Elite Titans team.  As we have discussed many times, league play is where we go to learn the lessons that will make us better at tournament time.  With that in mind, it was a positive experience.

Kansas All Girls Cup
Shockwave Reaches Semifinal

September 17, 2006 - As a team, we try to make progress each week.  This week, we had a couple of good practices that we were able to carry into the weekend.

The first game against the PFC Fury showed that we have the ability to get a quick start against a good team.  Both teams played hard, but in the end PFC held on for a 3-2 win.  First lesson of tournament play: get at least a tie in the first game.

Game two against KVSA Select was a game that we should have won and did.  Likewise, the game Sunday morning against Leavenworth was one that we were confident we could win.  The important thing was to keep both KVSA and Leavenworth from scoring in order to get all 7 shutout points.  Second lesson of tournament play:  the shutout points are very important.  The team responded very well and the result was a spot in the semifinals.

Sunday afternoon we were matched with the McPherson Strikers, a very good team that has been together for several years.  We came out with some early jitters, but for most of the game we competed extremely well and several times had opportunities to score.  The more we play teams like the Strikers, the more we will understand both what we are capable of and what it takes to compete.

All in all, it was a very good weekend for Shockwave.

Kick here for tournament results.

Heartland Weekend #2
Team Goals Achieved

September 9, 2006 - Shockwave #1 goal:  play possession soccer in our attacking half of the field.  On Saturday, we accomplished that goal.

Two shutouts against KC Legends Olympic (10-0) and Aftershock (0-0) were the reward for a lot of hard work.

In the first game, we obviously outmatched the Legends team but allowed ourselves to be impatient in the first half which made possession more of a chore.  At halftime we talked about playing our game all the time, regardless of the competition.  In the second half, we came out much more focused and patient and the result was a lopsided win.

In game two, we did a very good job of keeping Aftershock from building a consistent attack.  Our backs were excellent at holding their line and serving the ball forward.  Especially in the second half, we created many chances on goal.  Our corner kick opportunities were right there on several occasions.

Both teams played extremely hard and the final result was an indication of each player's effort.

We still need to work on immediate pressure when we lose possession and more patience in the attacking half of the field.  But, the team is improving every week and I'm very happy with our progress.

Shockwave Takes Third At Little Apple
Medals On The Way

August 31, 2006 - Final standings were released today for the Little Apple Tournament last weekend in Manhattan.

Congratulations also to the Topeka Select Arsenal, champions of the Boys U11 division.  In all, 9 Topeka teams earned trophies or medals.  Kick here for the complete list.

Standings for the Girls U12 division were:
1st Place:  Prodigy Extreme
2nd Place:  McPherson Strikers
3rd Place:  Topeka Select Shockwave
4th Place:  LASC Blue Lightning

Great way to start the season, ladies!

Heartland Season Begins
Good Signs

August 21, 2006 - The Topeka Select Shockwave began their first season together Sunday with a steamy doubleheader at Heritage Park.  The day was filled with many positive moments as the girls had their first chance to really play together as a team against competition.

Although the score did not come out in our favor, there were several flashes of what it takes to become a very good soccer team.  Individually, first touch was much improved from the first day of practice.  As a team, communication started happening more and more throughout the day.  The best thing heard on the field was players coming to the aid and defense of teammates.

Aggressiveness and mental toughness are things we have discussed since the game.  First-to-the-ball wins many soccer games.  Allowing the ball to do more of the work when we have possession and poise and confidence in finishing are also areas we will be working on.

A couple of unfortunate decisions by the referees and a handful of defensive breakdowns are all that kept the games from being decided in our favor. 

We have excellent athletes, and our soccer skills are improving daily.  As we get more experience as a team, the results will begin to show.

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