Sunday May 13, 2012 – Los Angeles
By Mary Ronau (LA Strikers FC)
Cami Privett battles it out with the Pali Blues' defensive line.
The LA Strikers kicked of their 2012 season with a 2-0 home loss to league rivals Pali Blues on Sunday, May 13th.
The feisty side started the match strong, trading possession with their opponents from the Palisades and playing smart team defense. In the first 45 minutes of play, neither side was able to find the back of the net, despite several dangerous opportunities created by both teams.
Strikers’ forwards Hannah Beard and Sam Johnson both tested the opposing keeper to no avail. On the other end of the pitch, Pali were unable to break down Strikers’ solid defensive line, with keeper Alyssa Congdon thwarting the few perilous attempts Pali were able to put together.
Pali’s first goal came in the 68th minute when attacker Ann Tangorra was fouled just outside the box. The subsequent free kick led to a scramble in the box with Pali’s Liz Bogus getting the touch that sent the ball into the back of the net.
Pali put another point on the board inside the last ten minutes of the game when the side put together a counter against the pressing Strikers, and Sarah Huffman managed to net a ball to bring the lead to 2.
The Strikers return to action at the Home Depot Center this Tuesday, May 15th in a non-league match against New Zealand’s national side.
The Strikers will look for three points in their next league match on May 27th, when the side will face Santa Clarita Blue Heat on the Strikers’ home turf.
By lastrikersfc
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Tagged Alyssa Congdon, Ann Tangorra, Cami Privett, Charlie Naimo, Demian Brown, Hannah Beard, Home Depot Center, Home Opener, LA Strikers FC, Liz Bogus, Mary Ronau, New Zealand, Pali Blues, Samantha Johnson, SC Blue Heat
Wednesday May 9, 2012 – Los Angeles
”Any team can win on any given day; the team who works harder and longer wins games.”
Kassi Massey is a starting midfielder for the Strikers this year. She is currently finishing up her studies at Cal State Bakersfield where In just her first season, she displayed immediate potential to move up the CSUB all–time lists. We caught up with Kassi before practice to get a quick Q&A about the upcoming season:
What are your thoughts about the season?
I am excited to start playing against some of the top teams and feel that the Strikers should make a big impact on the league. We’ve had a strong start and we will continue to grow throughout season. We’ve established our weaknesses as a team and we are prepared to fix them through training sessions. With our work ethic and determination, I feel that we should be a strong competitor for several teams to face.
What are you looking forward to?
I’m looking forward to a lot of wins the season with the strength and talent our team carries. I can’t wait to play against some of the top players/top teams in the league and represent the La Strikers.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge both for yourself and the team this season?
The biggest challenge for any team I feel would be to maintain great chemistry and continue to improve throughout the season. For
myself, I just need to stay focused and to be as coachable as I can to become a better player. My goal this season is to become an all around better player and help the LA Strikers win a championship. I know our team has great potential, but we all have to pull it together for every game and be the best we can. Any team can win on any given day; the team who works harder and longer wins games, and I feel that our team has the drive to do this.
