Wednesday, May 23, 2012
REDMOND, Wash. – The Washington Crossfire extended their unbeaten streak to three games to begin the PDL Northwest Division season as Eli Gordley scored in the 25th minute on a nice pass from Nick James to earn a 1-0 win against the North Sound Sea Wolves. The victory was the Crossfire's second in a row, and they are now 2-0-1.
“The game was a good result and a definite improvement in the team's performance," said Crossfire coach Adam Nowland. "I can see some of the new players growing in confidence and stature with every game. Andy Holte looked solid tonight in goal and had his second clean sheet in a row. Thomas Chameraud played very well until he had to go off injured at half-time and Conner Moe is looking more assured with every game. Adam Mena just arrived on Monday but went straight into the starting 11 and was a threat all game.
The goal was Gordley's second of the season, and Nowland was pleased with the way his side was able to create chances in the attacking third. Now he is looking for his side to take more of those chances, with an important game coming up next Wednesday against defending division champions the Kitsap Pumas.
"We keep creating a lot of great chances which is very pleasing but our finishing has to improve if we want to keep this run going especially against last year's national champions, Kitsap, in our next game," Nowland said. "Our approach play was excellent at times tonight and we opened up their defense on numerous occasions but we needed to show a little more composure in front of goal.
"We have a week now to give some of the players a rest and work on the aspects of our game that need attention. I'm looking forward to the challenges ahead."
The Crossfire host the Pumas on Wednesday, May 30th at 7 p.m. at Redmond High School.