F.C. Torpedoes Drown Aquagirls to Claim U10 Bracket 3 Title

Dateline: November 8, 2009, Lindbergh Park North Field.  F.C. Torpedoes capped a successful season this afternoon on Lindbergh North field, beating Aquagirls 1-0 and claiming the OPAYSO U10 Womens' Bracket 3 Championship.

The teams, which sported similar records coming into the final game, were evenly matched.  Although Torpedoes played exceptional defense and passed well, keeping the ball mostly in Aquagirls' end for the first half, there was no score through three quarters.  Emma Nikolai was not tested much, but stopped all shots, which fullbacks Sarah "Go San" Steadman and Kelsey Burress played stout defense.  The real star of the first three quarters was midfielder Lauren Flowers, who played both offense and defense and was all over the field.

At the start of the fourth quarter, Torpedoes finally broke the match open.  Flowers made a beautiful pass through traffic to Center-Forward Braley Failor, who turned the ball and kicked hard for the goal.  The ball smashed hard to the Aqua goalie's face; Failor watched her crumple, offered her a hand, and then tipped the rebound into the corner of the goal.

The Aquagirls' goalie, daughter of their coach, lay on the pitch for a full five minutes.  "She's not hurt," said the coach, "but I'm sure she's upset about that goal."  Indeed she was, pleading her case with the referee that she had possession of the ball when Failor kicked it.  To no avail -- "good goal," pronounced the Ref.  And the score was 1-0.

The Aquagirls mounted a ferocious rally after that, desperately trying to get a tying goal, but the Torpedoes' defense held stout.  As the clock ticked off the final seconds, goalie Emma Nikolai made a terrific save to hold the one-goal lead, and the whistle blew ending the match.

After the match, Coach Nikolai held an impromptu awards ceremony, giving each Torpedo a first-place trophy.  Coach Nikolai and Assistant Coach Steadman were each photographed with their daughter and a big smile.

Torpedoes Eat Flaming Tacos To Advance To Bracket Championship Game

Dateline: November 7, 2009, Elmwood Park High School.  Playing under the lights after dark, on the main stage, Torpedoes F.C. defeated the red-jersey Flaming Tacos F.C. to win the semifinals and advance to the Bracket 3 final game.  With goals from Helen Leboe, Braley Failor, and Lauren Flowers, and shut-out defense, Torpedoes looked great doing it.  "We will win tomorrow," predicted fullback Sarah "Go-San" Steadman.  "They better watch out."

Coach Nikolai was almost as effusive: "What and exciting game last evening!  We played great, passing, beating the other team to the ball and playing together as a team.  Wow!"

Torpedoes Bite Green Snakes 3-0 In First Round of Playoffs

Dateline: November 7, 2009.  Torpedoes F.C. regained their offensive momentum this afternoon, shutting out Green Snakes to advance to the semifinals of the Group Three U10 Womens AYSO Bracket this afternoon on a powerful offensive set and hammering defensive play.

Green Snakes had earlier defeated Firebolts F.C. in a play-in match to earn the right to face Torpedoes.  Torpedoes, although seeded number 1, came into the tournament on something of an offensive slide and needing a rally to get to their former solid play.  "We need a boost," admitted fullback Sarah "Go-San" Steadman.  "But I like our chances here."

On a resplendent Chicago November day, with 65 degree sunshine and a dry pitch, the crowd was at fever pitch from the beginning.  "Goooooooo Toooorrpeeeeedooooes" was the howling refrain just before kickoff. This was the first month in over six weeks for the Torpedoes not played in mud and cold, and the women looked ready to play their hearts out.

The first half featured excellent defensive play for the Torpedoes.  The ball got into the Torpedoes' end only three times and goalie Emma Nikolai never even touched ball.  Fullbacks Steadman and Kelsey Burress refused to let the ball across the midline.  Despite keeping the ball in the Snakes' end for nearly  90 percent of the time, however, Torpedoes failed to score in the first half due to outstanding goalie play by Snakes' number 7, who repeatedly charged the offsensive attack to steal the ball and run it away.

Over halftime, Coach David Nikolai emphasized the attack, urging his players to finish shots and get the ball behind the Snakes' defense.

In the third quarter, forward Katie Bodlak finally got the ball behind the goalie on a loose ball, following a shot by Lauren Flowers, dribbling the ball past the goalie and in for the Torpedoes' first goal.  The players celebrated briefly, then settled in to defend their 1-0 lead.

Shortly thereafter, center Braley Failor netted a hard goal past the Snakes' goalie for their second goal.

During the third quarter break, Burress' mother lobbied for an alignment shakeup.  "Did she say she didn't want to play offense?  Because she should be playing some forward in this game."  Coach Nikolai responded, moving Burress to forward.  "Nooooooooo!" cried Burress in response.  Meanwhile, center-forward Helen Laboe was tired, and lobbied to be put in the backfield.  So Coach Nikolai switched goalie Emma Nikolai and Laboe, moving Nikolia to center and Laboe to goal.

The new alignment worked perfectly.  Midway through the fourth period, forward Lauren Flowers hammered in a hard goal with strong kick in traffic off a beautiful passing assist from Emma Nikolai.

The Torpedoes won, 3-0, their goalies combining to stop only three shots from the Snakes all match.

Next up, a game under the lights at 7pm at Elmwood Park High School, against F.C. Flaming Tacos for the right to play in the Championship.

Every Penguin Player Survives Season-Ending Blowout

Dateline: November 23, 2008, Oak Park. FC Penguins held their post-season bash today. No police were called, and no fatalities were recorded. After a brief welcome, Coach Steadman made made a number of remarks to the team members, family and assembled fans. He first thanked Coach Reilly for a terrific season, and presented him with a Penguins-logo shirt lettered with "COACH REILLY" on the back.

Coach Steadman then harkened back to the first team meeting of the year, before match 1, and reminded his players that their season was founded from the beginning on hustle and team play. Tears welling up in his eyes, he thanked the team for a terrific season and for their hard work. "This is a remarkable group of young women," Coach Steadman said. "I really believe that any of you can accomplish anything you put your minds to."

Coach Steadman then presented the season awards, which were:

MOST VERSITILE/BEST PASSER: #8, Lauren Atchley.

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: #5, Andie Corsino.

BRANDI CHASTAIN AWARD FOR BRICK-WALL DEFENSE: #6, Sarah "Roku" Steadman.

AVIS, WE TRY HARDEST AWARD: #9, Jackie McShan.

MOST IMPROVED: #2, Adela Duewel.

MIA HAMM/RED FACE AWARD FOR HUSTLE: #3, Taylor Leibig.

BEST GOALIE AWARD FOR MOST QUARTERS LOGGED BETWEEN THE PIPES: #4, Maura Reilly.

MVP (MOST VALUABLE PENGUIN): #7, Audrey Madura.

Each player received a Penguin-logo shirt with her name, and a medal commemorating the season.

The team then presented Coaches Steadman and Reilly with autographed balls, and season scrapbooks. "I cried," admitted Coach Steadman.

Seven Penguins Promoted to U10 League, Corsino Named Rookie-of-the-Year -- Post-Season Analysis

Dateline: November 10, 2008, Oak Park. As expected, nearly every player of the 6-3 FC Penguins were today promoted to the premier U10 Womens League for next season. The team will undoubtedly be reconstituted and see some personnel changes. They will likely play under a different mascot next year. But their success this season promises more thrills to come in 2009 for a team that captured our imagination and stole our hearts.

PROMOTIONS TO U10 AND ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
The league announced that Penguins stars Adela Duewel (2), Taylor Leibig (3), Maura Reilly (4), Sarah "Roku" Steadman (6), Audrey Madura (7), Lauren Atchley (8), and Jacqueline McShan (9) will all play in the faster, more-competitive U10 league next season.

Meanwhile, rookie Andie Corsino (5) was named by the team Rookie of the Year. Ineligible for promotion to U10 for one more season, Corsino announced that she would play again next year in U8 to build skills and lead a new St. Giles team to a championship.

2008 PENGUINS -- a Season in Retrospective

Now ten days past the final game 2008 PENGUINS -- a Season in Retrospectiveof the season, we review the 2008 season -- perhaps the most exciting season in the history of U8 Football. The Penguins' roster of largely-veteran second grade athletes -- with one amazing rookie -- kept us spellbound throughout the season as they displayed match-after-match of new skills and thrilling play.

The Penguins, most of them returning players from the sub-.500 2007 FC Green Cheetahs, achieved a remarkable 6-3 record with a combination of outstanding goalie play, rock solid defense, and lightning quick offense. When the scored, they scored quick. When they scored early, they won. When their opponents got a breakaway, they met brick-wall defense. And on the rare occasion the opponents got the ball, got past the defense, and got anywhere the net, they generally found an impenetrable goalie waiting for them.

The Season - A Recap

Match 1, Holmes. The Penguins' season began on September 6 against FC Pink Panthers. From the first coin toss, the Penguins were in control. Reilly and Corsino each had goals, Madura scored three, and McShan and Reilly played goalie. Steadman and Corsino debuted their incredible determination, and the team unit played flawlessly. Penguins win 5-3, record 1-0.

Match 2. Rained out by remnants of Hurricane Ike.

Match 3, Maple South. The Penguins played a second team named FC Pink Panthers on September 20. This was the most even matchup of the season. Reilly played goal in the first half and allowed nothing, but the Penguins could not score. Atchley played goal in the second half, allowing nothing for the first 19 minutes, but the Penguins still could not score. The Panthers managed a very lucky downhill shot in the last minute of the slugfest. Penguins lose 0-1, record 1-1.

Match 4, Holmes. The Penguins finally played a team not named Panthers on September 27, facing the Green Dragons and their European ringer, Chloe. McShan played excellent goal again, displaying some punting ability, as did Reilly. Corsino made a huge pass to an open Madura, who scored the game-winner with two minutes to play. Penguins win 1-0, record 2-1.

Match 5, Maple North. The Penguins offense reached their high point on October 4, routing Team USA. Steadman made a pass-assist across goal early in the match to feed Madura a clean score. It was all the Penguins would need, but they got a lot more, with two more goals from Madura, two from Leibig, and one each from Reilly and Corsino. Leibig, Atchley, Reilly and Corsino all took turns in goal, and all were perfect. Penguins win 7-0, record 3-1.

Match 6, Maple South. The Penguins' hardest match came October 11 against the Inferno, their sister team from St. Giles. Reilly allowed two goals, Atchley allowed four, Madura got one goal and McShan played as hard as a player can play. The Penguins simply could not penetrate the Inferno's ferocious defense, and their own defense tired after repeated shots on goal. Penguins lose 1-6, record 3-2.

Match 7, Holmes. Three quarters of the Penguins' rematch with the Green Dragons on October 18 were terrific, but they could not overcome two first-period goals by the ringer Chloe. McShan and Leibig were solid in goal, and Madura had a goal in the second in what looked to be a rally, but the Penguins never really got on track and the season appeared to be slipping away. Penguins lose 1-2, record 3-3.

Matches 8-9, Maple North. Overnight pre-match rain closed many fields and dampened many teams' spirits on October 25, but it woke the Penguins. Their opponents technically defaulted, fielding only four players, but four more arrived from the blue stars and asked to play. One player, Alexis Zeiser joined the Penguins as Number 10, and the match was on. The Penguins were in control throughout. Madura scored on a brilliant throw-in from Leibig, Steadman showed more defensive prowess, Reilly and Leibig played perfect goal (with McShan out for a personal commitment), elbows were thrown and mud was everywhere. Penguins win, 1-0 against two teams, recording two wins on the same day. Record 5-3.

Match 10, Maple North. November 1 came in cold to Chicago, but the Penguins were hot. Reilly and Leibig were perfect in goal, and Leibig also scored two on the offensive end. The Bumblebees' coach praised McShan after the match, saying she was "tremendous." Penguins win 2-0, record 6-3.

Offense

After Reilly made the first goal of the season, Madura became the Penguins' most potent threat, even when she played defense. Leibig, Corsino, and Atchley all contributed goals of their own, Steadman and McShan had consistent shots on goal, and Duewel had assists and kept defenses busy with passes and penetration, especially from the left side.

Madura scored two hat tricks on the season, in Matches 1 and 5, a feat deserving of special recognition. When Madura scored early, the Penguins almost always won; and she won matches two, seven and eight with late goals. When Madura didn't score, the Penguins were only 1-2.

The Penguins' passing got better all season long, as team play improved. Duewel, the Penguins' most improved player over the long season, really came into her own and helped out the offense with good footwork toward the end of the season.

Defense and Goalies

With the exception of the fourth quarter of the Inferno match on October 11, the Penguins defense was solid from the beginning of the season to the end. Goal play was magnificent, and got better each week, with blocked shot after blocked shot. McShan's play in the second half of the l November 1 match was especially stellar, reminiscent of VanEhrman's play on October 11 when she covered the entire defensive side of the field stealing balls and closing down play.

The Penguins notched four shutouts, meaning that half their opponents never scored a single goal.

The Penguins allowed only 12 goals all season. That's an average of less than .38 goals per quarter, or 1.5 goals per game. Setting aside the Inferno match, the Penguins allowed only 6 goals in the other 7 matches, or just .21 goals per quarter, less than a goal per game.

Steadman played solid defense throughout the season, staying always between the ball and the goal. Madura also played solid defense, but often moved into the offensive end leaving Steadman or another defenseman to hold the back end by herself. As the Penguins improved over the season, so did their defense, as Atchley came into her own and really started pounding the opposition in the Team USA match and then again in the final few matches.

At least 6 of the Penguins played goalie during the season: McShan, Reilly and Leibig notched the most quarters, but Atchley, Madura and Corsino also played goal.

Fans

The Penguins, as was well known throughout the league, had by far the most loyal and loudest fans. Penguins fans showed up in all weather, and yelled from the tops of their lungs to support the team. Every field was a "home field" as the Penguins' supporters showed up in droves and screamed the team forward mostly to victory. Penguins fans are clearly the best in the league. "We really appreciated everything they did for us," said Madura after the season. "Yea, they even threw out the hat for you!" said Steadman.

Coaching and Intangibles

First-year coach Steadman was a liability. "I don't really know why the Penguins hired me," he said after the season. "I knew nothing about soccer, thought 'football' was a game played in pads and helmets, and had never coached before." But what he lacked in experience, he made up for in aggression, volume and enthusiasm. "I told the ladies before the very first match: The other team is made up of 7 year old girls! If we go about our business in an aggressive way, if we stay after the ball, if we focus on the match, and if we kick the heck out of the ball, we probably will win. We did a lot of winning this season."

Attentive readers and better analysts credit Coach Reilly for much of the team's success. Reilly showed football flair with several colorful football jerseys, and clearly had more football knowledge than Steadman. "He was a HUGE asset to this team," Coach Steadman said. "I could not have done it without him."

The Penguins were perfect at Holmes, 2-0, and nearly perfect at Maple North, 3-1. They fared not so well at Maple South, losing a heartbreaker and a blowout and going 0-2. "Had we played all the games at Holmes and North, and avoided the hill-country pitch at South, we would have been nearly perfect," said Roku Steadman.

Penguins' Final Message to their Fans

The Penguins issued a press release today, just before the team disbanded forever. The Penguins' players, coaches and management thanked the league and their fans: "We had a great time this season. We learned a lot. We hope we gave you some thrills, and we think we upheld the honor of St. Giles. We thank everyone who came to our matches, washed our uniforms, drove us around, read our press, gave us suggestions, brought us snacks, or supported us in any and every way. We love our fans. We'll all see you next season in U10 or U8. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you."

Two-in-One! Muddy Penguins Defeat Stars and TeamUSA Simultaneously for Double Win.

Dateline: October 25, 2008, Maple North Field Mudpit. FC Penguins won a muddy wrestling match this morning to improve their record back into winning territory, and prove their critics in the media decidedly wrong.

Overnight rain closed many of the pitches in Oak Park, cancelling most league matches, but the fortunate Penguins were scheduled to play at Maple North. Play on that pitch was left "to the discretion of players and coaches." "We would have played in a hurricane, or a peat bog, anything." said Audrey Madura. "We were hyped up and ready to go." Jackie McShan was excused by coaches for family obligations, and Lauren Atchley was excused for an educational obligation, but despite the weather a quorum of six Penguins suited up ready to play. The scheduled opponent, on the other hand, was not so hardy. Only four blue-uniformed Stars appeared, and the match was minutes from being defaulted to the Penguins. Just then, four players and a coach from Team USA marched over the small hill from Maple South, announcing that their opponent had failed to show up at all, and asking if anyone needed a few extra players! The Penguins announced they were game to take on both Stars and Team USA, and so play began.

The turf was boggy, muddy in the best places and more like a pond in others. Clods of wet earth stuck to every cleat. As play went on, the torn turf became ever muddier, covering the ladies with wet loam and slowing play. "We didn't care a bit," said Andie Corsino, looking especially tough with a bandage scarring her left cheek. "We came determined to get our match in. Send us into quicksand, send us three or even four teams to play against. We're game. We're ready. Bring it on and come what may!"

As the match started, the Penguins fielded Maura Reilly in goal, Madura and Sarah "Roku" Steadman on defense (with instructions from Coach Steadman to play "up" on the offensive end), and Corsino, Adela Duewel and Taylor Leibig on offense. The Penguins' spirit was undampened by the wet weather, but their footing certainly was affected. Madura, Steadman, Leibig and Corsino all had shots either blocked or just wide of the pipes. The Penguins did keep the ball squarely in the Blue and Red end, however, and Reilly was tested at goal only once, making an easy block.

In the second quarter, Reilly kept the goal, Steadman and Madura held onto their defensive positions, Leibig and Corsino stayed on offense. A special guest, first-grader Alexis Zeiser, joined the Penguins' crew on offense to complete the side. Madura had a shot on goal early in the second, followed by Taylor, as the Penguins again kept the ball in their opponents' end. Then, midway through the second period, Taylor threw-in from near the corner over the heads of the assembled Stars and TeamUSA. Her throw connected to Madura, who trapped the ball, turned, and hammered it into the Blue and Red side's goal. Celebration ensued.



The teamwork was exactly what the Penguins' fans have come to expect from this all-star crew. "Like clockwork," said fan Nancy Leibig. Madura had another shot on goal (her fourth of the match) and Taylor and Corsino teamed up for a nice pass combo that ended in TeamUSA's goalie's hands, but there were no more goals and the half ended with the Penguins up 1-0.

By this time, both teams were streaked with mud. The Penguins, in their white jerseys and white socks, looked like refugees from a landslide. Mud was everywhere -- legs, arms, shirts, cheeks, and foreheads. Coaches Steadman and Reilly, fighting the cold and wet, revved the team for a rough second half and cleaned out cleats with a spare screwdriver.

For the third quarter, the Penguins mixed it up with Leibig in goal, Madura and Duewel on defense, Zeiser, Corsino and Reilly on offense. Madura took the game on her shoulders, but the footing took its toll. Madura had four consecutive shots on goal -- wide right, wide left, wide left, and wide right, in that order. With defenders Madura and Duewel playing offense from their defensive positions, the Stars/TeamUSA had a huge, undefended breakaway. Penguins fans feared the worst, but streaking down the pitch, Leibig rushed the breakaway and grabbed the ball for a brilliant save. Zeiser took over where Steadman left off the last few matches, throwing her body into the fray and breaking up plays -- and muddying her pretty dress coat, which she wore over her borrowed Penguins' uniform to hold out the cold. Corsino had a final shot on goal to end the period, which was blocked by the oppositions' goalie. The whistle blew, out came the screwdriver, up went cleats, out went the mud. Teeth got gritted for the final push, and play resumed.

In the fourth quarter, Leibig stayed in goal, Steadman and Madura played defense, and Zeiser, Corsino and Duewel played offense. Madura, frustrated with the endless mud and bad footing, got physical with the largest opposing player, trading elbows and shoulders on several breakaways. Corsino had another shot on goal. Zeiser planted her face in several more plays, and had a brilliant steal. But there were no more scores and the Penguins killed the clock to take the match 1-0.

Cold, wet celebration ensued again.

Recent weeks have featured plenty of post-match controversy for the team, and this week was no exception. Most observers assumed the Penguins' record improved to 4-3 with this win, but the ladies disagreed. "We played two teams today, the Stars and Team USA," said Roku Steadman. "We showed up, they didn't. Had we not even played, we would have gotten a simple default win. But instead we played both teams, simultaneously. We beat them both. So as far as I'm concerned, we got two wins today and our record by all rights is 5-3. If the press and the league don't understand that, then they are as stupid as they look."

Commissioner Leibig, head of the league, took exception. "I don't think I look stupid. Do I look stupid? Nancy, do you think I look Stupid?"

No, dear," replied Nancy Leibig. "You look no stupider than you did yesterday."

"See, I told you so. I don't look that Stupid. I knew I was right about that." Leibig said.

Reached at her home, fan Kathy McGrath had "no comment" on whether Commissioner Leibig looks stupid.

The AP named Leibig player of the game. Photos of the match can be found here.

Stupid or not, the Penguins play their final match of the season next week, November 1 at 1:30pm against Paul Franciszkowicz's Team 24 at Maple North Field.

Roast Penguins: Ladies play three solid quarters but can't overcome two lucky goals in the first period.

Dateline: October 18, 2008, Holmes Field. The slumping FC Penguins (season record 3-3) started the first quarter where they left off last week -- flat -- and despite a strong rally and three quarters of outstanding play could not overcome a two-goal deficit.

The Penguins arrived at Holmes Field expecting to face a new challenge, but instead were confronted by an old one. Due to an apparent mistake by League Management and Commissioner Lee Leibig, the Penguins were scheduled to face an old foe, the Green Dragons. Attentive readers will recall that the Penguins and the Dragons played a close match in week 3, wherein the Penguins ultimately prevailed 1-0 on a goal by Audrey Madura in the final two minutes. Attentive readers will also recall that the Dragons field one of the best players in the league, a tall Dutch "ringer" named Chloe with excellent footwork and outstanding offensive skills. "We are starting to believe that League Management is out to get us," said Coach Steadman. "Last week we were lined up against perhaps the best team in the league. This week, we have to play perhaps the best player in the league, and for the second time. It is hard enough in this league to beat a team once, but as everyone knows beating a team twice just doesn't happen very often." The Penguins definitely tried.

In the first quarter, the Penguins fielded Jackie McShan in goal, Maura Reilly and Audrey Madura on defense, and Taylor Leibig and Adela Duewel on offense. Two of the Dragons players refused to take the field, one of them lying face down on the pitch to cry, leaving them with only five active players for the first quarter, and so the Penguins played a man short to even the pitch. For whatever reason, the Penguins started a bit flat, but being short a player to defend Chloe also hurt them. Midway through the first quarter, Chloe got a breakaway in the Penguins' end and sliced the ball past McShan for a lucky goal.


In the second quarter, the Dragons' players finally relented to play, and the Penguins thus also returned to full strength. McShan stayed in goal, Sarah "Roku" Steadman and Audrey Madura were on defense, and Lauren Atchley, Taylor Leibig, and Adela Duewel played offense. Out of the box, Chloe got a second lucky breakaway and packed the goal for a second score, making it 2-0 Dragons. The Penguins then buckled down as Coach Steadman screamed from the sidelines, Audrey Madura got a long breakaway on a steal by Duewel and scored to begin what looked like a rally. Madura had a second shot on goal in the second period, McShan had several key saves and ran out of the box to capture the ball, but the Penguins did not get any more scores in the second and went into halftime down 2-1.

In the third period, Taylor Leibig took over goaltending duties and displayed excellent talent. The Penguins goal became a closed door to Chloe and the Dragons. Roku Steadman and Audrey Madura played defense, Atchley, McShan and Reilly played offense, and the Penguins dug in and played especially hard. Leibig stopped shot after shot by Chloe, shutting her down and removing her effective strength. Madura had another breakaway shot on goal that was barely stopped by the Dragons' goalie, and the Penguins looked great.
Atchley played her best football of the season, repeatedly protecting the goalie and making several steals (including two from Chloe). But there were no scores in the third and the Penguins headed to the last frame still down 2-1.

In the fourth period, Leibig stayed in goal and continued making magnificent stops. Atchley and Steadman played defense, Duewel, Madura and Reilly played offense. Steadman had a breakaway from the defensive side and made a brilliant shot on goal that went just an inch wide of the pipes -- her best play of the entire season. Atchley continued her improved and more-aggressive play. But the Penguins just couldn't get it in the net. "Sometimes football is like that," said Coach Steadman. "Football takes team play, hard work, and skill, but it also takes a little luck. Sometimes the ball just doesn't bounce your way." The whistle blew on the Penguins rally, and the match ended 2-1 in the Dragons' favor.

"It was really disappointing," said Roku Steadman. "We had to overcome a lot. Andie Corsino was out sick today and we really missed her passing and aggressive offense. You know, she can really mix it up. And then the Dragons' players effectively denied us a player to guard Chloe in the first period. We tried hard, but we just couldn't get there after that lucky goal against us in the first period."

"We found some things out about our team today." Said Coach Steadman. "We need Corsino. Leibig proved a tremendous goalie. I think Achley saw that she can mix it up even with a bigger player like Chloe. It was a good experience. But we have to stop dropping these big games."

Rumor from the Glacier (the Penguins' headquarters) may make Coach Steadman more urgent. It appears that team management is not happy with his performance, and is threatening to make unspecified changes if things don't improve. "Management, who's management?" asked Coach Steadman. "Those guys never support us. We don't care about management. We only care about results." Fan Kathy McGrath, who watched the match on TV this week, had comments for Coach Steadman too. Interviewed at her home, McGrath warned: "Last week, I told him, 'improve or get a kick to the 'ead.' Well, where is he? I'm ready to start kicking! Fans expect better than this from the Penguins. We pay for ridiculous ticket prices, we buy the $10 beers, and whadda we get?" Informed that the Penguins allow free viewing of the game and don't sell beer, McGrath said "Whatever. They better get better or it's his butt on the line."

The AP named Leibig player of the game. Photos of the game can be seen here.

The Penguins have two matches left. Next week, they practice at 9:45am with a game around 10:00am at Maple North field against David Shack's Team 11. "We are looking for the ball to bounce our way this time," said Coach Reilly.

Inferno Scalds Penguins: Hangover from last week's win results in tough loss.

Dateline: October 11, 2008, Maple South Field. The St. Giles Cup went to the Inferno Football Club this morning on the hostile pitch of Maple South. FC Penguins played a tight match for three quarters but simply could not keep up with the Inferno's offensive firepower.

In the first quarter, the Penguins fielded Maura Reilly in goal, Audrey Madura and Jackie McShan in a powerful backfield, and Sarah "Roku" Steadman, Adela Duewel and Taylor Leibig upfield. The play on the rough and uneven pitch of Maple South Field was mostly in the Penguins' end. When the Penguins did get it upfield, the Inferno's excellent goalie Maggie VanEhrman blocked every attempt to get near the goal. Steadman was injured again in the first quarter and replaced by Andie Corsino. Jada Harris of the Inferno scored a solid goal on Reilly, and the quarter ended 1-0.

The Penguins mixed up the lineup in the second quarter, with Reilly in goal, Madura and Lauren Atchley in the backfield, and McShan, Leibig, and Corsino at the forward positions. Inferno's Jada Harris scored a second, quick goal off a good pass by a teammate. Then Reilly blocked a shot, and the Penguins rallied. McShan took a pass from Corsino and made a shot on Inferno's goal, which was blocked out by VanEhrman. McShan took the return and shot again, but was blocked out again. McShan then crashed the goal making a third hard shot which VanEhrman could not handle, scoring McShan her first goal of the year with excellent, aggressive play. Madura had her own shot on goal later in the quarter. The half ended with both teams digging in, Inferno 2 - Penguins 1.

Atchley took the Penguins' goal in the third quarter, with Steadman and Madura in backfield and McShan, Corsino and Duewel in the forward positions. Madura had another shot on goal before being injured and replaced by Leibig. McShan, clearly frustrated, then put on a clinic of solo offensive play. Three times she took the ball down to the Inferno's end and hammered the ball at the Inferno's new goalie Harris. Each time she chased her own shot, and twice she tried to kick the ball right out of Harris' hands. It was the most aggressive play the Penguins have shown this season. Alas, Harris was just up to it,, and kept the ball out of the Inferno's net. Duewel showed improved play again this week, making a steal and twice clearing the ball from the Penguins' end. VanEhrman, playing forward, managed a third Inferno goal on Atchley and the match was now 3-1 in favor of the firebugs, but still within reach of another rally by the Penguins' strong offense.


In the fourth quarter, the Penguins finally tired and simply lost their hold on the match. Atchley, playing goal, did her best and Leibig and Madura made heroic efforts to get the ball upfield, but the Penguins simply could not stop the Inferno's repeated shots on their end and the red jerseys ended up with three goals in the fourth. The match ended 6-1 against the Penguins on a grey morning in Oak Park.

Coach Reilly saw a bright side for his team. "Our girls showed a lot of heart today. They battled and battled and battled, but luck simply was not with us today." The referee, a professional footballer from England, agreed. "I have never seen a team play so hard and not score a goal," he told the Penguins. Coach Steadman was effusive about the Inferno. "I tip my hat to them. They beat us today. But I think the worst of it was our girls were just exhausted from kicking seven goals last week. We will bounce back."

Tears streaming down her face, Roku Steadman told Coach Steadman "It was an important match, and we failed." With a long hug, Coach Steadman replied, "we learn as much from losing a match at this level as we do from winning. We didn't fail at all. You girls played hard, and worked
together, and never gave up. Let's take the lessons the Inferno taught us today, and bring them back next week against some other team."

Fans Nancy Leibig and Kathy McGrath were less forgiving of the venue and Coach Steadman's inter-week activities. "This pitch stinks," said Leibig. "It is literally angled against us. Did you see that huge hole our goal was in during the second half? All you have to do is give a sharp kick downhill from the midline to score a goal! I'm going home to complain to the league commish." Penguin Team Grandmother McGrath was even harsher. "I heard Coach Steadman spent all week in Europe, trying to sign the Penguins up to compete in 2009 Mens European Cup Championship Play. What kind of idiot is he? Everyone knows that first you have to win the Under-8 Girls' League here in Oak Park, then you worry about international play. He had better get his priorities straight before I show him my best football kick to his 'ead!"

After the match, the St. Giles players of both teams were more conciliatory than the fans, lining up for a two-team, all-St. Giles photo. Photos of the match can be found here.

St. Giles Women at peace after a long hard battle;
FC Penguins in white and Inferno Football Club in red.

For her work in the second and third quarters, McShan was named AP Player of the game. Coach Steadman was last seen drowning his sorrows in a local pub, pledging to do whatever homework it takes to bring home a win for the Penguins' loyal fans next week. The Penguins' chance for redemption comes at 11am on October 18 at their favorite pitch, Holmes Field.

FC Penguins Rediscover Offense, Ice Team USA 7-0

FC Penguins and Coaches Celebrating Sweet Victory.
From Left to Right: (first row) Maura Reilly, Lauren Atchley,
Andie Corsino, Audrey Madura; (second row) Coach Brian Reilly,
Jackie McShan, Sarah Steadman, Taylor Leibig, Adela Duewel
(back row) Overweight Coach Steadman

Dateline: October 4, 2008, Maple North Field. After two defensive matches in which all teams scored a combined total of only two goals, FC Penguins arrived to South Oak Park this afternoon prepared for more defense, more tests, and more grit in their faces. They found an opposing team sporting red-white-and-blue-clad uniforms and a dominating name: "Team USA." The Penguins' supporters on the sidelines prepared for the worst, and worry wrinkled more than one brow.


The Penguins' offense had been noticeably silent for two matches, and Coach Steadman's pre-match press conference gave fans of the black-and-whites plenty to worry about. "Defensively, we are clearly about as solid as football teams get. But if we keep scoring at this pace, we are eventually going to get routed," he said. Coach Reilly went further, refusing outright to answer questions about the team's training regimen this week. "I've told CBS, NBC, ESPN, CNBC and the rest of the alphabet soup, and I'll tell you too: we are not going to talk about our team meetings. Period. So stop asking already."


Whatever they did to prepare for this match, it worked. Their defense barely broke a sweat -- their goalies had only one save between them, because Team USA notched only one shot on goal all afternoon. But the offense put on a football clinic, passing, shooting and scoring almost at will and most certainly breaking their slump. The match was never close, and the ladies displayed new talent and focus all day long.



The Penguins set a powerful first-quarter lineup with Jackie McShan at center, Sarah "Roku" Steadman and Adela Duewel at forward, Audrey Madura and Lauren Atchley on defense, and first-time goalie Taylor Leibig. Midway through the first period, Adela Duewel showed her best play of the year with a brilliant steal and downfield pass, which led seconds later to a flawless assist from Steadman on the left side to Madura on the right, straight across the goal box.


Madura hammered the ball back across the goal box to the rear corner of the net in a shot the Team USA goalie had no chance to block, racking the first score. Madura, playing downfield-defense, had two more shots on goal in the first period. Andie Corsino, who replaced an injured Steadman late in the first, had an additional shot on goal. Goalie Leibig never even saw a ball in the first period let alone had to block one. The first period ended with the Penguins up 1-0. As it turned out, one goal was all they would need -- but far from what they would ultimately score.


The Penguins mixed up the lineup in the second period, with McShan staying at center, Corsino and Maura Reilly at forward, Roku Steadman and Madura on defense, and Atchley in goal. That's when the party broke out. This formation produced goals from top scorers Madura and Corsino, and another from Atchley (her first of the season). McShan was everywhere, creating opportunities for the Penguins until a Team USA shin-guard struck her thumb, forcing her out of the match for the last three minutes of the second period. Madura simply would not allow Team USA into the Penguins' end, and for the second quarter in a row the Penguins goalie never took a shot. The half ended Penguins four, Team USA zero and the rout looked to be on.



Coach Steadman mixed up the lineup again for the third period, with Leibig, Madura, and Duewel on offense, Roku Steadman and Corsino on defense, and Reilly in goal. Leibig scored her first goal of the season early in the third period. Madura then scored her third goal of the match -- incredibly notching her second career hat trick in only four matches. Leibig, not to be outdone, scored her second goal of the match on a Team USA throw-in and things got out of hand as the Penguins exhausted themselves hammering balls into the USA net. Like Atchley and Leibig before her, Goalie Reilly did not see the ball in the third period as Team USA could not manage a shot on goal. The third period ended Penguins 7, Team USA 0.


In the fourth period, Coaches Steadman and Reilly chose to rest the team rather than risk injury with no real threat from Team USA. Corsino, the Penguins' smallest and youngest player, offered to play goalie. Atchley and Reilly played defense, while Duewel and Leibig played offense. McShan stayed with the coaches to rest. This evened things a little bit. Leibig had three shots on goal but could not quite get it past Team USA's goalie, while the Penguins' defense was finally tested and Corsino notched a save by smothering a shot. Play got more physical, and Leibig traded elbows with Team USA's Coach's daughter. McShan couldn't restrain herself any longer with four minutes to go, and begged to be let back into the match. Coach Steadman put her in, but let Team USA go "man up" with an extra player to keep things in check. There was no scoring in the fourth period, and the matched ended with the score 7-0.


After the match, Roku Steadman was giddy. "Before the match, when I first found out the other team called itself 'Team USA,' I told Audrey [Madura] that we should 'Peck 'em, not elect 'em," she said, referring to the ongoing presidential elections in the United States. "She did it!" Corsino was thinking along similar lines. "Dallas Cowboys, Atlanta Braves, Team USA, Pshah! The Penguins are America's Team, everyone knows that much," she said.


Coach Reilly praised the Penguins' developing players. "This match really let some of our girls get out of their shells. Atchley played as well as I have seen her play, she's really improving and contributing out there. Duewel had renewed purpose too, that steal was fantastic. I'm really proud of both of them." Coach Steadman was not to be found, and post-match rumors had him calling Paris to place bets that the Penguins could best the French National mens team. No word yet on whether the French took him up on that bet.


League Commissioner Leibig commented on the elbow-throwing. "Looked pretty rough out there. Of course, it was my daughter Taylor, so I guess I'll be impartial and reserve judgment."


After the match, the AP named Taylor Leibig the player of the game. A complete set of press photos can be seen here.


The Penguins had better get their feet back on the ground and prepare hard this week. Their next test will be the long-awaited St. Giles Cup, to be played at the site of the Penguins' only prior loss (Maple South Field) on October 11, 9:45am. They will face David Nikolai's St. Giles Team Inferno with their bright red uniforms. Experienced and wily Coach Nikolai will surely have his team ready, and his roster features offensive superpowers Maggie VanEhrman, Jada Harris, Emma Nikolai, and Rochine Smith.

Frosty Penguins Slay Dragons

FC Penguins Celebrate
Sweet Victory at Holmes.

Dateline: September 27, 2008 at Holmes Field. FC Penguins snatched victory in the last minute of their nail-biter match against the Jade Dragons Football Club, pecking their way to 2-1 on the season. The team combined vastly improved passing and excellent footwork with spectacular goalie play to smoke the Dragons' aggressive offensive and overwhelm its stubborn defense in the end.

Starting where they left off in the Penguins' last match against Pink Panthers II, the Ladies bounced back and forth across the pitch exchanging shots and great defense with the Dragons for 40 minutes.

First came practice. The Penguins were joined by a professional soccer player from England, an AYSO trainer. During practice, Jackie McShan played goalie but took a hard kick from a coach off her forehead. As if to prove just how tough this football team is, McShan said between tears "That's all right, I'll be fine by game time." Was she ever.

The match opened with McShan at goalie, Adela Duewel and Taylor Leibig on defense, Audrey Madura at center, and Sarah "Roku" Steadman and Andie Corsino at forward. The Penguins won the toss and started on offense. The Penguins played brilliant offense from the start. In one first quarter sequence, Steadman (who goes by the nickname "Roku," the Japanese word for her jersey number 6) made a hard shot on goal that hammered the Dragons' goalie in the chest. The Dragons cleared the ball back up field to make a shot of their own, which McShan covered with ease. Then McShan displayed a new talent, punting the ball nearly 30 yards downfield. This set up another clean shot for the Penguins, this time with Madura hammering the Dragons' goalie. "Take it to the HOUSE" yelled Coach Steadman, to the cheers of the crowd. Duewel and Leibig played hard defense, and Corsino did her best to feed the ball to the bigger Madura. But it all went for naught, as the Dragons' goalie proved as good as McShan in the first period and kept the match even at zero all.

Things took an unexpected twist in the second period, as the Dragons revealed a ringer. Chloe, who had rested for the first period, took the pitch. Like Jonah Lomu appearing for the first time out of nowhere at the 1995 Rugby World Cup, Chloe was a head taller than any girl on the pitch and immediately set out to intimidate the Penguins. Only then did the Dragons' coach reveal Chloe was from the Netherlands -- a true European football giant. The Penguins held their own, however, and the match slowed to a defensive grind with neither team able to make headway. McShan stayed in goal, making several more saves, assisted by Leibig and Lauren Atchley who joined the match from the sidelines. Corsino, Madura and Maura Reilly played offense and kept the Dragons back on their heels. Near the end of the second quarter, Madura was forced to leave the match after being smacked by a Dragon running headlong down the pitch and falling hard on her chest. The Penguins didn't miss a beat, as Roku Steadman spelled Madura. The half ended all even at zero, and the ladies huddled with Coach Steadman for some revised planning and Gatorade.

In the third quarter, Reilly took over goaltending duties from McShan. Atchley and Roku Steadman took over defensive duties, while McShan, Leibig and Duewel took over hammering it to the Dragons. Reilly was incredible, blocking shot after shot and smothering the ball. The match turned lateral, with the ball hopping from out-of-bounds to out-of-bounds, and the Ladies learned a lot about throw-ins. Most of the third quarter was played in the Penguins end, forcing Atchley and Roku Steadman to display their natural defensive talents. Steadman in particular showed a ton of natural talent, staying always between the ball and the goal and helping Reilly immensely. Leibig too was all over the pitch, taking the ball from the Dragons and pushing them back to their side. The Penguins were a brick wall, and try as they might Chloe and the Dragons could not penetrate.





As the referee blew the whistle for the last break, Coach Steadman substituted Duewel in on defense and Corsino in on offense to give the Penguins some fresh legs for a last push. He walked the entire pitch, speaking to each player personally and reminding them that a single goal would likely take the match. The Penguins clenched their beaks for seven more minutes of hard fighting.

The fourth quarter began as the third quarter had ended, mostly in the Penguins end. It looked like it would be a zero-zero tie. But with less than two minutes to play, Roku Steadman and Duewel freed the ball from the Dragons and kicked it downfield. Corsino and Madura seized the opportunity, breaking away towards the Dragons' end. Corsino made a brilliant pass and ended up with an assist, as Madura kicked her fourth goal of the season with a brilliant, unblockable shot past he Dragons' goalie and into the net. The exhausted Penguins celebrated, then dug in for two minutes to kill the clock. As the whistle blew, the crowed cheered and the Penguins brought home their second victory of the season.

Exhausted and hoarse, Coach Steadman praised his team. "We left nothing on the pitch today. Absolutely nothing. I give the Dragons a lot of credit, they pass better than any team we have seen, and they never gave up. But our girls were just a little better today. The defensive play was tremendous, and the offensive coordination was terrific. If we play like this in the rest of the season, we'll be in the running at the end of the year I'm sure." Coach Reilly was equally effusive. "We really preach teamwork, and today it all paid off. It was a great match to watch."

Afterward, Corsino asked reporters "Who was that Chloe? She's fantastic. I didn't know they allowed teenagers to play in this league." Informed that Chloe is in fact seven years old, and European, Corsino asked "European? Do they play football in Europe? C'mon, you've got to be kidding."

Madura was seen leaving the pitch with a huge grin, reveling in her fourth goal in three matches. "Our rally cry is 'Peck 'em Penguins' and Peck 'em we did today."

The AP named the Penguins defense co-Players of the Match. Press photos from the contest are available at ladypenguinsgame3.shutterfly.com

The Penguins are beginning to feel at home on the spacious and level Holmes Field, but must travel south for their next match. After a week of rest, the Penguins face their next opponent back on the rolling pitch of Maple Field. They face Tom Wegener's Team 32 at 1:30pm on Maple North Field on Saturday, October 4, 2008. Coaches asked players to arrive at about 1:20pm to again insure a full practice.

Penguins Taste Bitter Disappointment For First Time In Defensive Slugfest.

From Left to Right: Taylor Leibig, Jackie McShan, Audrey Madura,
Lauren Atchley, Maura Reilly, Andie Corsino,
Adela Duewel, and Sarah "Roku" Steadman

Dateline: September 20, 2008, Maple Park South Field. Dawn broke on this beautiful Oak Park day with great expectations for the Women of the St. Giles Penguins Football Club. The prior weeks' stifling wet weather was long forgotten, the sun was out, the pitch was dry, and Penguins star playmaker Lauren Atchley was back with the team after a one-game hiatus. The FC Penguins players arrived early for pre-game drills and a new team photo. Coaches Steadman and Reilly emphasized the team's offensive and defensive alignments and preached aggressive play. Optimism ran even higher when the opposing team showed up in peachy orange-pink uniforms, demanding to be called by an unimaginative and remarkably familiar name: the Lady Pink Panthers. Everything looked set for a repeat of the Penguins' blowout win two weeks ago against the hot-pink Lady Panthers.

But the game of football is not to be taken for granted, dear readers. As the Penguins found out, these Pink Panthers were not the Panthers of two weeks ago and the pitch is not always forgiving in the hot sun of a close match.

The first quarter was evenly played. Both teams fought hard, with the Penguins doing an especially good job of keeping the ball in the Panthers' end and taking shots on goal. But the Panthers' goalie was tough, and stopped every shot. Penguins' goalie Maura Reilly matched her shot-for-shot, also stopping every shot. Jackie McShan had several brilliantly executed over-the-head throw-ins to set up offense, but the Penguins simply could not score.

The second quarter was a repeat of the first, but more so. The action turned mainly to the Penguins' defensive end. Sarah Steadman played excellent defense and inserted herself in nearly every play, while Reilly blocked yet more shots. Spark plug Andie Corsino joined Steadman on defense, moving the ball repeatedly and forcefully to the offensive end. But the half still ended in a no-goal draw, and the Penguins retreated from the hot sun for water.

In the third quarter, Lauren Atchley replaced Reilly in goal and gave just as good a report of herself, blocking shot after shot on goal from the Panthers. McShan hammered the ball out of the Penguins' end repeatedly, and Madura had a shot-on-goal herself that was barely blocked by the Panthers' goalie. But still neither team could score and the third quarter ended with the teams deadlocked at zero all.

During the final break, Coach Steadman emphasized that a single goal would probably decide the match, and asked his players for their last ounce of effort. The team responded, truly leaving nothing on the field. Taylor Leibig literally threw herself into the final period, displaying brilliant footwork on several long breaks into the offensive end. Adela Duewel, emulating McShan, hammered the ball out of the defensive end with all her might. Steadman threw her body into a scrum of players to break up a Panthers' offensive wedge, taking a hard kick to the thigh and injuring herself for the second game in a row. But still neither team could score, with both goalies blocking shot after shot. The anxious fans began to anticipate a match decided by a shoot out like the 1990 World Cup.

Alas, fate was not on the Penguins' side this day. With four minutes left on the clock, an unnamed Panther made a blind kick downhill (literally, because the pitch was tilted sharply downhill in both directions away from the center line) that rolled untouched past nearly every player from both teams. The ball scooted past the Penguins' goalie and into the goal to put the Panthers up 1-0. It was a lucky strike for the Panthers, but it was enough to decide the game. Madura (who re-entered the game in the fourth quarter for the injured Steadman) and Leibig gave it their all to keep the offense going, but they simply could not find the net this time. The final whistle blew with the score one goal in the Peach-Pink Panthers' favor. The Penguins returned home with a 1-1 record, and a lot of soul-searching to do before next week's match.

Interviewed after the game, Coach Steadman praised his team and minimized the loss. "The Ladies played hard today. I was really proud of them. The Peachy-Pinks or whatever they are called were tough today, and we just couldn't find the goal. But it's a long season, you know, and we are not going to win every match. The press has been out of control all week, acting like we have already secured the division. But the scenario is we have to win our football games," he said. "It's plain and simple. The magic number is six. We have six more matches. It's so simple. It's kindergarten stuff now. It's a long season and we will work hard to bring home some more victories for our fans." Coach Reilly was proud of the team's effort, "Adversity shows a football club's real strengths. And our team really played hard and supported each other today on a field that was as lopsided as it was unpredictable."

Player Leibig left the pitch with a quizzical statement that appeared to question the fairness of the other team's name selection. "Last week's Panthers were truly pink, so I could see the name Pink Panthers. But this week's so-called Panthers were really more in the orange family to my eye. I think calling themselves the 'Panthers' was a little misleading, no? Tangerines, maybe? Safety cones? Maybe the cantaloupe. But not 'Panthers.' That was not pink as far as I'm concerned, and it really threw us off our game because we were expecting the other pink panthers." League Commissioner Lee Leibig reiterated in his own statement that clubs may choose any name they wish, regardless of color.

Player Sarah Steadman, having been informed that the game was not televised this week, said "I'm really glad we were not on national television like last week. We didn't show our best offensive game this week."

AP photographs of the FC Penguins match can be found here.

The Penguins' chance for redemption comes next week, September 27, 2008 at Holmes School against Coach Julia Bergenske's team. The match is scheduled for 12:15pm, and Coach Steadman again asked players to arrive a few minutes early (by noon) to insure a full practice.