June 6, 2004 W-League Rochester vs Toronto (from Raven's web site)
Rochester Ravens extinguish the Inferno
Scalzo’s scores 2 and Lacek adds one to seal win for Rochester.
(Rochester, NY - June 6, 2004 ) The Rochester Ravens (2-1) clinched their second victory as they topped Toronto 3-1. Scalzo once again flexed her muscles up top having her hand in on all 3 goals, finishing 2 and assisting on the other. Ravens goal keeper, Anna-Lesa Calvert (UB) was stellar in goal being named the Game Defensive MVP.
Ravens came on strong, finding the back of the net in the opening 4 minutes on a beautiful combination play with McJury sending a crossing pass as Thomas dummied the ball to set Scalzo up for a perfect shot. The goal was ruled offside and called back, but the Ravens continued to apply the pressure. Less than 5 minutes later the dynamic duo up top combined again this time Thomas finding a seam in the Toronto defense to send Scalzo in alone with the keeper and Scalzo made it look so easy finding the back of the net.
However Toronto was not about to lay down, at the 22 minute mark Toronto had one of its best opportunities of the half, Bazo broke thru the Ravens defense but her shot was snuffed by Calvert coming out and making a beautiful point blank save. Minutes later Ravens on a corner laid a simple ball back to Burch who launched a shot that found the crossbar. Three minutes later McJury serviced a perfect cross to the far post where Scalzo volleyed a beautiful rocket once again striking the crossbar. Ravens were applying heavy pressure to the Toronto goal. However on a quick counter, Toronto once again found Bazo with a ball up and over the defensive line. Calvert came up big with a repeat save on Bazo’s breakaway opportunity. Just over a minute later Toronto’s Bazo drew the defense and then found Eguchi on the opposite side of the box who laid a nice shot into the far post side netting to equalize the score for halftime.
The Ravens dominated the better part of the first half, having numerous opportunities, but Toronto showed how dangerous they could be with some great attacks on net.
Ravens came out of the half time applying pressure and broke the tough Toronto defense 10 minutes into the half when Scalzo sent a driving cross into the gut of the goal that was redirected by Lacek and deflected by a defender and into the back of the net. Ravens offensive pressure from Lacek taking a great run into the 6 yard box made the goal happen. With a 2-1 advantage the Ravens kept the pressure as they acknowledged the strength of the Toronto team and knew it was no time to rest.
The Ravens defense not only denied the offense many opportunities, but generated the offense as well. At the 81st minute to seal the victory, Clapp fed a ball to Fredlund in the midfield who found Scalzo at the top of the box. Scalzo found herself unmarked and slotted the ball past the keeper into the back of the net.
The Ravens offense was generated by a number of players including our back line (D. Clapp, Vieira, Elnicky, Burch and Bach), whom provided a solid defensive line as well as feeding some dangerous balls to ignite the offense. The Rochester midfield (Woodworth, E. Russell, Cristofori, Lacek, McJury, Mastrodonato and Fredlund) controlled the flow of the game and provided the front line with numerous scoring chances, while Scalzo and Thomas dangerously attacked the goal. Scalzo, voted the Game MVP, for her effort on all 3 goals, while Calvert denied all but 1 from a potent offense and was named the Defensive MVP.
“We came on strong and did some very good things today. With each game we continue to improve and become more dangerous as a team. I am very pleased with our performance, Toronto was a strong opponent,” added Tadal.
The Ravens go on the road next weekend for a double header to face the Rhode Island Sting Rays and the New Hampshire Lady Phantoms. The Ravens next home game is Friday July 2nd 6:30pm at Rochester Institute of Technology. Please visit www.rochesterravens.com for additional information on the league schedule, camps or Women’s soccer news.
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