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Having survived a vicious tornado across Dallas the previous day, the Brighton Jets game was rescheduled to 12 noon due to storm water damage on the prescribed Ross Stewart fields. All games were reduced to 20 minute halves in order to complete the full fixture and the temperature again was balmy and humid but a pleasant 80 F degrees (25 C).
The previous evening was the Opening Ceremony at the SMU McFarlin Auditorium where the girls all enjoyed a motivational video from Nike on womens soccer and a visit by the head soccer coach from Duke University who spoke about what university scouts look for in a player. The event finished with a rendition by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra of the National anthems of the 6 international countries participating at the tournament.
The Jets were fresh and ready to take on the challenge of the Tulsa Blitz from Oklahoma. This team is renowned in its division as a very physical team and one that is aggressive on the ball so the girls knew their adversary would be strong. The first half was a very tough affair with the Blitz continuously advancing and pressuring the defense of the Jets. Once again, superb foot skills and fast cutting passes to the feet or teammates were a trademark of this American Brand of Soccer.
What is impressive is their game style which is very different to that of the VCL and Australian Soccer. The teams here advance through the midfield, are very direct in their play (rarely playing out of defense) and run in waves providing support right across the ground with many options to switch and redirect play quickly and effectively to free players. Their off-the-ball movement is something that really impresses as they anticipate the next advances and run to setup in free space or make space to receive. The Jets fought hard in the first half and defended gallantly for a nil all result. Jaye Todd was outstanding in goals, consistently repelling the advances from Tulsa Blitz and she was ably supported by the entire defensive line.
One must understand the motivation for the aggressive and physical game style here. All the American girls are on show for the university scouts; over 80 attending this international event. The prize is an opportunity to trial for a university scholarship – one that could be the difference in an academic degree and a professional career for the future. There are limited spots available and only the best will make it through, so there is a lot at stake with this and every American Tournament. The Nike speaker summed it up in his opening address last night when he said they have introduced a national womens program called Chance. This program will select 100 girls nationally across USA to trial (reduced to a final 18) who will trial and play at the highest level in America. The tag line for this marketing activity by Nike is “You never know when you are being watched.
The second half saw the Jets push hard to advance and get an attack on goal but all efforts came up short as the Tulsa Blitz midfield continuously intercepted passes and capitalized on opportunities presented. Their forwards were able to hit the back of the net twice and finish the game with a 2 nil win against a vallant Brighton Team. The Jets can all hold their heads high being better for the experience and understanding how to adapt to the different game styles of the eilte teams across America.
Tomorrow the Jets play Liverpool FC USA, a member of the ENCL (Elite National Club League).