Nov.6/05
Nitros come out big winners!
'Pumpkin Drive 05' proved to be successful despite unfriendly weather.
This year the Nitros again managed to interest enough supporters to buy pumpkins.
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Sept.20/05
After a season which was more than exciting, this year the Nitros are invited to Lauren's house for the traditional 'end of season' get-together (Sept.24).
This will be just as exciting as the season was, because there is lots to celebrate, eat, drink and enjoy. Not only that, Dal will let us have the first peek at a video presentation he has been working on all year: The Nitros 91 Documentary DEAD IN THE WATER!
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Sept.14/05
Nitros wrap up season with win at Simcoe.
Nitros 1 - Simcoe 0.
On paper, this game should have ended slightly different, but paper usually lies. This was confirmed by a sturdy Simcoe squad which did not want to lay down in defeat. They gave the Nitros a hard fought battle, but it was Laura S who slotted the ball in the net from close range, after a super pass from Alex.
This lonely goal, scored in the 35th minute, held up for the rest of the game. The Nitros only looked dangerous in the offensive third on occasion, after some beautiful passing. Because they played on even terms with Simcoe, frequent counter attacks caused some hair-raising moments in the guests' goal mouth.
With the game winding down, the field appeared like a ghostly Mac Beth scene. Fog kept creeping in from the lake, sometimes making the goal disappear in the milky goo despite the flood lights. The 'witches of Keswick' were probably casting spells on the Nitros, because Simcoe looked more threatening with minutes left.
This weekend, the Nitros will play their semi final against Etobicoke. In order for the Nitros to proceed to the final, they better be able to raise their game.
Noteables:
This was Kara's 3rd shut-out this season.
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Sept. 7/05
Alex helps Nitros maintain their unbeaten streak
Cobourg 4 - Nitros 4.
It took only 5 minutes until the well motivated Nitros appeared on the score sheet. Thanks to a perfect Elaine cross from the right side of the goal, Alex made no mistake and tapped the ball past a sprawling keeper from within the 6 yard box. Minutes later, speedy Cobourg floated a searching high ball towards the net, which beat Kara under the cross bar. Alex replied with a goal of similar nature at the other end, and so this tough, grinding game became a seesaw battle. After the interval Cobourg pressed more frequently and consequently went ahead by a goal on a low drive underneath the stretching keeper. When the lead was extended by 2, after another high ball found its way into the net, the Nitros were visibly shaken, but individual efforts sporadically made the Nitros dangerous again. Alex took the initiative twice in the 18 yard box and scored 2 beautiful goals with a deserved solo effort. Cobourg kept answering with quick breaks and managed to sneak by the tiring defence, only to be stopped by Kara on the goal line, just as the final whistle blew.
Lack of support in all areas of the field almost cost the Nitros dearly. It is time to fix these mistakes once and for all, otherwise the final game against Simcoe and the remaining Cup Games could end unfavourably....
The lines and centre in this game must have been the worst the Nitros have encountered this season, but:"We will graciously overlook the shortcomings of the neutral ones, at least this time."
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Sept. 3/05
Oscar
Just as expected, the Oscar tournament turned out to be the eye-opener needed this time of year. The Nitros lost their games against powerhouses like Oakville Phantoms and Brams United and struggled against Gloucester and even lowly Etobicoke. The Nitros showed character and worked hard in defence to make up for their keeper Michelle, who had to leave the goal after the first 10 minutes of game one, because of injury. Gilly took over from Michelle and received an injury herself, having to leave the field. Caroline replaced Gilly in net for the remainder of the tourney, but having no keeper experience made this job difficult.
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Sept.1/05
Nitros undefeated in 11 games
After a shaky start, the Nitros managed to put visiting Peterborough under considerable pressure. After that it took not long until Laura R completed a fine pass into the net. 1-0 Nitros.
From then on, Toronto's midfield dominated play, even though there were plenty of defensive mis-cues. Peterborough gave the Nitros too much respect on the ball and allowed Toronto's defensive lapses to go unpunished.
This was a convincing win in terms of great combination play and enterprising moves by the Nitros. (such as a searching pass across the pnalty box by Laura R to Alex, who tapped the ball into the net from 6 yards out, first touch) Peterborough allowed 9 goals and scored one themselves on a well taken freekick, which beat Michelle on the left side. Nitros 9, Peterborough 1. This was Michelle's first full game since her injury and she certainly did well. Congrats, Nitros!
(Alex 3 / Lauren 1 / Laura R 2 / Charlotte 2 / Laura S 1)
The team will reassemble on Saturday to face top competition at the OSCAR in Oakville. This will be a different mindset, different focus and a worth while learning curve for the developing Nitros.
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August 24/05
10 games without a loss. Hearts 2 - Nitros 3
The Nitros again came up with a goal when it was needed the most to keep the no-loss streak alive.
In the dressing room and later during the warm-up, all indications pointed to a team that knew what needed to be done.
However, when the ref started the game it seemed like the whistle blew everything said and trained out of the players' ears. It needed a goal to wake up the team and even then it did not sink in properly. Hearts were first on the scoreboard after another defensive blunder and non-comunication with the keeper.
Alex switched wings after that goal and Elaine made no mistake to place the ball in the net after a fine cross. 1-1. Just before the interval the Hearts took a gift from Laura H and attacked the goal with almost all Nitros out of place. 2-1.
After the interval the game deteriorated into a scrappy kick and chase ping-pong game with the Nitros desperately trying to find an equalizer. It finally arrived after another beautiful cross which Elaine converted into a goal. 2-2.
Alex continued her forward runs, giving the opposition trouble again and again until finally, the ball found Laura R centre of the box . She kept her cool and placed the ball perfectly, missing a charging keeper. Nitros 3, Hearts 2.
This was a game which the Nitros underestimated. Thanks to a great team effort in the last 15 minutes, the Nitros kept their winning streak alive.
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August 22/05
Nitros off to semis (League Cup) Whitby 1 - Nitros 2
Whitby came on strong to greet the Nitros with a quick goal in this quarterfinal cup game. This was their 3rd meeting and Whitby was out to make this their first win versus Nitros. The Nitros were not shocked by this goal and answered with spirited runs and passes which made the Whitby team work hard.
Lauren received a nice pass from the wing and followed through with a powerful shot which ended in the back of the Whitby net. 1-1. This was a game with tight defending and close 1v1s. While it was definitely an entertaining game for the casual observer, it was heart attack-zone for the die-hard fan.
Deservedly the game went into sudden-death overtime. In the 5th minute Alex charged in from the right to send the Nitros to the semi finals: she hammered a full blast into the back of the net and the keeper could only watch.
Whitby had their chances during regular time, but when the Nitros start to click as a unit, anything can happen. And it did.
This was Michelle's first introduction to live action after her lengthy ordeal suffering from a concussion. She replaced Kara in the second half and kept Whitby off the scoreboard in the second half.
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August 18/05
Nitros pull victory out of the bag
Nitros 4 - Etobicoke 3
This game started with the Nitros finding themselves on the wrong foot. Etobicoke showed great cohesion making the Nitros look like they were standing still... which was probably the case. Not long and a loose shot from 18 yards out slipped through Kara's outstretched hand. 1-0 ETO.
Slightly later Alex is called for handball in the Nitros' box and ETO knocks one home, beating Kara on a slow penalty shot. The way the game was going and the ref was calling it, this could have been a gloomy night. But Laura R decided she had enough of this nonsense and made the score respectable. 2-1. Inspired by the goal, Charlotte charged into the 18 yard box only to be tripped. This resulted in a penalty kick which Elaine placed nicely out of reach of the keeper, 2-2.
ETO took this as an insult and replied with another goal, 2-3.
After the interval the Nitros showed determination and grit. Charlotte headed a fine cross from Alex right inside the left post. 3-3. The Nitros did not give ETO much space or time and Elaine finally swerved in a beautiful corner kick leaving the keeper guessing, 4-3. This was a game which could have been taken by ETO. But the Nitros stepped up to the plate and finished it too.
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August 15/05
East York 2 - Nitros 7
The winning streak seems to continue with the Nitros.
They defeated EY comfortably but not without learning more valuable lessons. One of it was: 'don't fix it if it ain't broken'. Defence and netminder Kara were not on par, after the coach made a questionable whole-sale switch in defence. EY sneaked in two unanswered goals to make it a respectable 2- 5 score three quarters through the game. "This was entirely my fault", said the coach, "but I was convinced my players would play through this change, keeping the 5-0 lead. Well, it was not to be..."
A total line change after that got the team playing on full cylinders again and a good team
effort upped the score to 7-2.
One of the highlights in this game was Emilie, who played her first game for the Nitros tonight. The rookie showed poise and speed and seemed not intimidated by the older competition. The other one was Elaine, who scored her first hat-trick this season.
The goals were scored in this succession:
Elaine 0-1 and 0-2, Rachel 0-3, Lauren 0-4, Elaine 0-5, Alex 2-6, Charlotte 2-7.
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August 10/05
Whitby 1- Nitros 2
The Nitros arrived in Whitby with a serious mindset, especially since the practice on Monday did not yield the results that the coach was looking for.
On-site game preparation was handled nicely by Meredith, the captain, and from the whistle, the girls showed they needed this win.
Rachel's speed took her into the penalty box in the 5th minute and slotted home a fine goal from 10 yards out. The team kept pressing but Alex's attempts on net unfortunately were ruined by the woodwork. A Nitros communication breakdown with 15 minutes to go allowed Whitby to attack with more rigor. They were rewarded with the equalizer in the 39th minute, after another communication mishap between keeper and defence. After the interval Nitros kept pressing and when Meredith was moved forward after playing defence and midfield, she created enough havoc in the offensive third to shake up Whitby's defence. Alex was there in the right moment to score the winner, sliding the ball inside the far post. An important win for the Nitros, indeed.
August 3/05
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WEU 1- Nitros 10
This was a game that nobody could have foreseen. Nitros started slowly and finally realized some weakness in WEU's play. From then on the game turned into a romp, which the Nitros are very new to. Even at halftime, when the score was 4-0, the question arose that WEU must have something up their sleeves. But, too bad for them, they did not. In the end the result was terrible for them and a bit flattering for the Nitros. Nevertheless, there were many great plays, resulting in good chances and the team played well to present a fine birthday gift to Kara, the keeper. Unfortunately WEU scored the lone goal, while Kara was still thinking: "should I jump or not?" and hence, the birthday shutout was spoiled.
Nitro Scorers:
Alex 4, Rachel 1, Laura R 1, Elaine 1, Lauren 1, Laura S 2.
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July 28/05
Nitros and Oshawa battle for 4th place!
This was a nailbiter from start to finish. The nitros came out playing as they did in the second half against East York. Oshawa pressed hard, but to no avail.
The girls displayed great teamwork and only a fluke goal from a corner put the visitors ahead with 2 minutes to half time. It was good to see Katrin and Lauren back in the line-up, both returning from vacation, and after the interval Alex and Elaine found themselves in the 18 yard box charging for goal. Elaine placed the ball into the net to equalize.
Oshawa never gave up, but it was the determination and team spirit that gave the Nitros the winning goal from an excellent corner from Alex to an instepping Elaine, who headed it home. 2-1. Nitros find themselves now sharing 4th spot with Oshawa. Can they maintain this spot, or can they even go higher?
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July 22/05
Nitros 3-East York 1.
East York looked a bit surprised when the Nitros started to attack right from the whistle. Unfortunately the ball ended up in the Nitros net after a miscalculation in the Nitros half. After that, the team struggled to get into a rythm. Missing one scoring chance after another, it looked like a bad- news-day for the Nitros. Finally Rachel slotted a ball inside the post. 1-1.
After the intervall the Nitros pressed and created wave after wave of attacking runs, crosses and through-balls, without success. Then, Rachel hit again on a fine set-up. East York woke up right then and threatened to equalize, but Kara held her position in net. With 15 minutes to go, Laura came into the game to help in the defensive midfield, while Rachel was released of her striker duty. The Nitros concentrated on defence, but with minutes to go, Alex placed a beautiful corner kick into the penalty box, where Elaine rushed in to tap the ball into the net, 3-1.
A very good effort by all Nitros was recorded that evening.
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July 14/05
Nitros find their rythm again!
Nitros 6 - Simcoe 1.
Simcoe started the game sluggish, and they were surprised with an early goal, scored by the Nitros. The Nitros had a lot to prove to themselves after the dissapointing result in Peterborough and this goal showed that the team was on the right track. Players stuck to their plan and played straight forward soccer. At the half, 3 goals were in the books and after the re-start the goal fest continued. Everybody chipped in and it seemed as if the girls found out that some things they worked on in practice, actually work on the field too. If a vote for MVP would be appropriate, Molly H. would probably have won that title today. Her role as stopper was superb throughout the game.
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USA trip July 15-17/05
Nitros before game one, Rochester, July 16/05.
Relaxed evening jog along the Erie Canal, July 15/05.
Nitros during USC Academy camp at Crescent School, July 18-22/05
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July 11/05
Peterborough battles to tie Nitros 2-2.
This was a frustrating outing that should have had a different result, but the heat, fatigue, illness and returning players who were not game-fit, were the culprits in this sluggish fixture.
The girls will try hard to forget this minor disaster and will be focused against Simcoe, July 14. The way it looks, temperatures will be again in the mid- thirties.....
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July 7/05
Nitros 2, Cobourg 3.
After a grueling Robbie tournament one should think that the Nitros were deflated going into this league fixture. With this motto: winning is something! But WANTING to win is EVERYTHING! the Nitros dominated the visitors most of the game. Roller coaster action, scoring chances, tackles and saves galore, it was surely a crowd- pleaser. The visitors equalized on a quick break-away after one of their players went down injured in midfield. Play was stopped and when it finally was started again, Nitros looked disorganized and therefore presented a gift to the opponents.
In the end it would have been a deserved win for the Nitros, even a tie would have been justified. But the referee had a different idea by rewarding Cobourg with a penalty kick with one minute to go. The result was frustrating because the score does not reflect the game.
As coach I am proud of the team, because they played predominantly within our plan. Again we had only one sub on the bench, and because of that the team deserves even more praise for their attitude and spirit.
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June 16/05
Nitros stay unbeaten in 3 games.
Nitros 1-Whitby 1. This fixture started with the Nitros taking the game to Whitby. Wave after wave the checkered jerseys were flooding the Whitby half, just to be denied a rewarding goal. On one occasion Laura H broke out of defense on the left wing, overlapping with Lauren in a give/go. Laura swung in a cross, but Alex could not connect to hit it home.
The second half saw an early goal by Whitby on a mad rush down the wing, but the Nitros, just as to say "wait a minute" hit back a minute later. Gillian tapped in a one-touch off a quick pass by Olivia.
The game went on in a scrappy way, without much flow, because of questionable refereeing. This was a game the Nitros should have won, but everybody who saw the game must agree that all girls put in a good effort.
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June 8/05
Second shut-out for Nitros.
Etobicoke 0 Nitros 4.
The first half saw a confident Nitros team trying to create a rythm and pace. However, whenever they had possession, passing was not to the target and players coughed up loose balls here and there.
Alex popped in a nice goal after a through-pass from Laura. 1-0 after 10 minutes. The rest of the half was marred with bad passing and a deteriorating midfield.
After the interval, the team showed regained confidence and the determination they displayed in their previous game. Olivia finally put the ball under the crossbar with a flank from 15 yards out. Charlotte was on the line to head it in, but it was not necessary.
After that Etobicoke started to tire and the fact they were down one player became a factor. The Nitros played with heart and again and again tried to rattle the defence. Alex missed a penalty shot and then decided to make up for it by rewarding the team with a beautiful run from the midfield, deeking two defenders and then casually sneaking the ball under a diving keeper.
A well deserved win for a good bunch of girls.
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June 6/05
First Nitros win after shaky season start.
Nitros 1 - Hearts 0.
It looked like the girls had done some quick growing -up over the weekend, because the normally insecure 10 minutes after the interval was overcome by a determined squad. This time they did not feel they wanted to give up a 1-0 lead, courtesy of a quick goal by Rachel. The team played most of the game as a unit and teammates were aware to give Molly and Caroline, the Nitro rookies, the needed support. It was not easy to fight off the Hearts' second half early pressure, but the team settled in nicely.
Laura was sitting out with an ankle injury, Gillian with a bad stomach and Michelle, still bothered by her concussion.
Overall determination, support and better passing were the key for this win.
Now lets work on finishing...
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Nitros drop decision in a tough game against WEU.
After falling behind in the 15th minute, Elaine delivered a fine goal to tie the game 1/1 with a minute to go in the half. After the interval WEU came back to go ahead, only to be tied again 20 minutes later by Katrin.
Alex was robbed of a goal with a questionable offside call and as it went, a freekick in the other half gave WEU the 3-2 win. This game could have been a fair tie, because it was well played by both sides.
Nitros deserve thumbs up for effort. Disorganization during the freekick possibly cost them the game.
It was nice to see injured keeper Michelle and also rookie Emily at the sidelines for much needed support.
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May 29/05
Nitros' first league game was played May 25 against Oshawa.
The team showed great cohesion and stuck with the plan. But even a great plan does not work if one lets down her guard for 5 minutes, which sent the Nitros home with a 4-1 defeat.
One lesson only a game can teach.
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Oct. 9/04
Nitros ride the Avalanche
The Nitros travelled to Ajax for an exhibition game with the Ajax Avalanche U13 girls team.
This game was supposed to help establish a more competitive feeling amongst the players, as well as being a tool to observe a few aspiring new-comers to the team.
Players arrived on time and a light warm-up session created the right setting for a fine game.
We did not win this fixture, but it demonstrated that the Nitros are on their way to become competitive and what can be done to bring the team to the next level.
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Oct. 8/04
Pumpkins to the Rescue!
Nancy Thompson and Cathy Hamilton volunteered to become the team's Fundraising and Sponsorship Directors. Immediately they jumped into action and it did not take too long until they came up with meaningful ideas to back up the team in financial terms.
Considering the time of year, pumpkins came to mind which in turn sprung the idea of the First Annual Nitros Pumpkin Fundraising Drive.
So, North Torontonians who are looking for a Halloween pumkin are humbly asked to consider the Nitros first for their important pumpkin purchase!
You can order your PERSONAL PUMPKIN from us and you can pick it up at SHERIDAN NURSERIES on Yonge St. below Lawrence on October 22 and 23. For more info contact Nancy and Cathy.
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