MERIDIAN, Idaho- On a day members of the 1972 Miami Dolphins cracked champagne as the Green Bay Packers' run at a perfect season came to an end, Just 4 Kicks would not let its season be derailed by a sluggish performance.
It was ugly, but Just 4 Kicks got the job done in a 16-10 win against The New Bu Rising, Sunday night at the Idaho Soccer Center. Tara led the way with four goals (eight points) in a furious second-half rally.
Just 4 Kicks (3-0) faced its first deficit of the season in the first half, trailing 3-2 after a female goal for the New Bu's made things interesting. One of The Kicks's subs (a female) scored a goal to swing the advantage, and Beck added a tally to push the lead to 5-3. The Bu's scored a contested goal with less than a minute to go in the half off a rebound/hand ball to tie the match as the teams went into the break.
The Kicks were a different team in the second half, thanks in large part to Tara and Thomas. Tara finished four shots to put the game out of reach. Thomas, who scored twice in the half, had a hand in all of Tara's goals. Even with Thomas' play in the attacking third, it took a mix of finesse touches and powerful strikes from Tara to light up the scoreboard the way Just 4 Kicks has grown accustom to.
Casey provided the final margin, flicking on a pass from Jess that creeped into the net with less than 30 seconds left.
The most entertaining goal was another assist from Jess. Looking to put a ball in the box and create a chance for The Kicks, Jess launched a cross into the box (perhaps an arrant shot, but that's irrelevant) that drilled Thomas in the chest. Out of sheer self-defense Thomas shielded himself toward the goal and the ball deflected into the back of the net.
With the defensive enforcer Libby out for this game, Just 4 Kicks struggled in front of its own goal. Casey was the last line of defense in the first half, before Mike took over in goal for the second half. The two keepers saw the most shots on goal this season and let a few slip through their hands. Mike alone had all three goals allowed go off his hands, including one over his head that was a real disappointment.
Mike started the scoring with his third goal of the season, less than two minutes into the game off a feed from Thomas. It was the start of a theme during the game with Thomas setting up countless goals and attempts for The Kicks.
Vin also scored in the first half. He did not tally a goal in the second half, marking the first time this season he did not reach his limit. Just 4 Kicks' offensive attack was also missing Ike and his 2.0 goal per game average.
Between the missing links and The New Bu Rising presenting the stiffest challenge thus far, Just 4 Kicks had to dig a little deeper to pull out this win. Despite the six-point cushion, every team member was seen breathing a sigh of relief once the final buzzer sounded.
Just 4 Kicks and their fans must wait another two weeks (at least) for the much-anticipated debut of Kelly, who couldn't make it Sunday, because she was busy selling shafts and balls at Dick's. (Golf people, sheesh).
ISC Indoor takes a break for Christmas, but Just 4 Kicks will be back in action on New Year's Day at 4 p.m. (MT), against Meet the Machine. There is no scouting report available on the Machine, as we have not met previously.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Just 4 Kicks Passes First Test
MERIDIAN, Idaho- Though the roster looked a little different than the week before, the result was the same for Just 4 Kicks Sunday, at the Idaho Soccer Center. Just 4 Kicks earned a 10-2 win against Abusement Park to move to 2-0 on the young season.
Just 4 Kicks entered the game without Thomas and Jeanne, the only team members to suit up as goal keeper in the season opener. Mike would strap on the gloves for this one and go the distance between the pipes.
Beck made his season debut to bring the males back to full strength. On the ladies' side, Katie made a spot appearance to fill in for Jeanne.
Early in the match Just 4 Kicks failed to convert chances, but also limited Abusement Park from any good looks. Vin broke the silence with a goal, and the Kicks were back in business.
Tara scored a two-pointer for a little more breathing room and soon after Vin found the back of the net again to reach his limit. (Remember, males can only score two goals per game and all female goals are worth two points).
Abusement Park got on the board when a guy whose hair was fashioned in cornrows or braids and was wearing purple shoes broke free at midfield and unleashed a rocket to the back of the net, closing the margin to 4-1.
With less than two minutes left in the half, Braids sent another shot toward the net and drilled Mike in the face. The Just 4 Kicks keeper picked up a save and a bloody nose on the play.
After an own goal by Abusement Park, Just 4 Kicks took a 5-1 lead into the half.
It was more of the same in the second half out of Just 4 Kicks. Ike scored twice, Beck tallied his first goal of the year and Tara pounded home the dagger for the final margin.
Strong midfield and defensive play neutralized the speed and on-ball skills of Abusement Park's forwards. Mike hid behind the impressive defensive play of Libby, Katie and Vin to allow just two goals. Cornrows/Braids scored both of the goals, but coming into the game it was expected he would reach his limit. Just 4 Kicks certainly made it difficult for him, and impossible for his teammates.
Abusement Park (1-1) put up a stronger fight than Sidekicks in Week 1, but Just 4 Kicks proved to be too formidable. Adding to the intimidation was the presence of Steve Lucas on the Kicks' bench.
Just 4 Kicks will take the pitch Sunday Dec. 18, at 9:50 p.m. (MT) against New Bu Rising. The Bu lost its first match against Abusement Park, 13-9. The result of The New Bu's week 2 match is unknown and really the only thing we do know about them is they have a veteran goalie.
Just 4 Kicks entered the game without Thomas and Jeanne, the only team members to suit up as goal keeper in the season opener. Mike would strap on the gloves for this one and go the distance between the pipes.
Beck made his season debut to bring the males back to full strength. On the ladies' side, Katie made a spot appearance to fill in for Jeanne.
Early in the match Just 4 Kicks failed to convert chances, but also limited Abusement Park from any good looks. Vin broke the silence with a goal, and the Kicks were back in business.
Tara scored a two-pointer for a little more breathing room and soon after Vin found the back of the net again to reach his limit. (Remember, males can only score two goals per game and all female goals are worth two points).
Abusement Park got on the board when a guy whose hair was fashioned in cornrows or braids and was wearing purple shoes broke free at midfield and unleashed a rocket to the back of the net, closing the margin to 4-1.
With less than two minutes left in the half, Braids sent another shot toward the net and drilled Mike in the face. The Just 4 Kicks keeper picked up a save and a bloody nose on the play.
After an own goal by Abusement Park, Just 4 Kicks took a 5-1 lead into the half.
It was more of the same in the second half out of Just 4 Kicks. Ike scored twice, Beck tallied his first goal of the year and Tara pounded home the dagger for the final margin.
Strong midfield and defensive play neutralized the speed and on-ball skills of Abusement Park's forwards. Mike hid behind the impressive defensive play of Libby, Katie and Vin to allow just two goals. Cornrows/Braids scored both of the goals, but coming into the game it was expected he would reach his limit. Just 4 Kicks certainly made it difficult for him, and impossible for his teammates.
Abusement Park (1-1) put up a stronger fight than Sidekicks in Week 1, but Just 4 Kicks proved to be too formidable. Adding to the intimidation was the presence of Steve Lucas on the Kicks' bench.
Just 4 Kicks will take the pitch Sunday Dec. 18, at 9:50 p.m. (MT) against New Bu Rising. The Bu lost its first match against Abusement Park, 13-9. The result of The New Bu's week 2 match is unknown and really the only thing we do know about them is they have a veteran goalie.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Season Opener A Huge Success
Just 4 Kicks made a statement in its first match of the season, knocking off Sidekicks 25-1, Sunday at the Idaho Soccer Center. Safe to say Just 4 Kicks (1-0) was led by everybody in this one.
Vin reached his scoring limit (two goals per game for males) in the first five minutes and it was off to the races. Ike also scored a pair of goals in the first half and Thomas added another.
Jess and Tara tallied multiple scores in the first period for the women, while Jeanne played all 22 minutes in goal and kept the Sidekicks off the scoreboard.
Just 4 Kicks led 10-0 at halftime, or something close to that. Goals scored by females are worth two points.The offense didn't go away after intermission.
With Ike and Vin unable to score in the second half the focus shifted to Mike and Casey for the males. After numerous frantic attempts at the net in the opening four minutes, Mike finally settled a rebound shot for his first goal of the year. Casey netted his first goal just moments later when he tracked a lob shot in front of the net and tipped it in with his head.
Mike added a second goal to reach his limit, but the women stole the show in the second frame. Libby, Jess, Jeanne and Tara all put home attempts, if not three each. It was hard to keep track.
Thomas took over in front of the net for the second half and didn't get much action. He did allow the only goal, but it was more of a team letdown than anything. Sidekicks just didn't have the firepower to penetrate Just 4 Kick's defense.
Jeanne took advantage of the playing in the open field as she directed traffic from midfield, scored goals and even ended up in the penalty box.
Just 4 Kicks will resume its season Sunday, Dec. 11, against Abusement Park. The painful carnival played a thriller in its season opener, a 13-9 game against The New Bu Rising. Still not sure who won, but it was tied in the final three minutes before a pair of female goals put the game away for one of the teams.
Vin reached his scoring limit (two goals per game for males) in the first five minutes and it was off to the races. Ike also scored a pair of goals in the first half and Thomas added another.
Jess and Tara tallied multiple scores in the first period for the women, while Jeanne played all 22 minutes in goal and kept the Sidekicks off the scoreboard.
Just 4 Kicks led 10-0 at halftime, or something close to that. Goals scored by females are worth two points.The offense didn't go away after intermission.
With Ike and Vin unable to score in the second half the focus shifted to Mike and Casey for the males. After numerous frantic attempts at the net in the opening four minutes, Mike finally settled a rebound shot for his first goal of the year. Casey netted his first goal just moments later when he tracked a lob shot in front of the net and tipped it in with his head.
Mike added a second goal to reach his limit, but the women stole the show in the second frame. Libby, Jess, Jeanne and Tara all put home attempts, if not three each. It was hard to keep track.
Thomas took over in front of the net for the second half and didn't get much action. He did allow the only goal, but it was more of a team letdown than anything. Sidekicks just didn't have the firepower to penetrate Just 4 Kick's defense.
Jeanne took advantage of the playing in the open field as she directed traffic from midfield, scored goals and even ended up in the penalty box.
Just 4 Kicks will resume its season Sunday, Dec. 11, against Abusement Park. The painful carnival played a thriller in its season opener, a 13-9 game against The New Bu Rising. Still not sure who won, but it was tied in the final three minutes before a pair of female goals put the game away for one of the teams.
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Thursday, December 1, 2011
Just 4 Kicks Adds Roghaar
BOISE, Idaho- Just 4 Kicks team captain Libby Johnson announced, Tuesday, the addition of Beck Roghaar to the squad. Less than a week before Just 4 Kicks' first game, the free agent acquisition of Roghaar comes as a relief to the male side of the roster whose lack of training was compounded by a heavy Thanksgiving.
Roghaar promises to bring energy and a positive attitude to a team that could be lacking both with a 10:40 kickoff for the season opener. Though not accustom to the pitch, Roghaar has plenty of experience playing in indoor facilities.
When asked about his excitement level following his signing, Roghaar began running through the halls of the Varsity Center, hands raised. Presumably he was sprinting to Just 4 Kicks compliance director Ike Ukaegbu to make the move official.
Roghaar promises to bring energy and a positive attitude to a team that could be lacking both with a 10:40 kickoff for the season opener. Though not accustom to the pitch, Roghaar has plenty of experience playing in indoor facilities.
When asked about his excitement level following his signing, Roghaar began running through the halls of the Varsity Center, hands raised. Presumably he was sprinting to Just 4 Kicks compliance director Ike Ukaegbu to make the move official.
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