The U11 MT Strikers powered their way to a 3-2-3 fall record with the help of coaches Joe Dooley and Doug Smith. Playing in a very competitive division, the Strikers used a dominating defense (four clean sheets and two other one goal games) and a high possession offense to place sixth in the overall standings and make the playoffs. However; their points total was not indicative of the way they played against top tier talent. In fact, of the top four teams in the division, the Strikers beat the top team and tied two others during the course of the season.
The Strikers began the season with a 3-1-1 record and a first place standing with five games in hand. After almost a four week gap in their schedule, the girls returned to play only to finish with two ties and a loss. In the playoffs, they faced the Lititz Fury and played them to a 0-0 tie at half. Eventually, the Fury would prevail and the Strikers were eliminated from the playoffs. The Strikers would then fall just short of the finals at the Hempfield Fall Classic, losing a close game on the last day but having tied the eventual tournament champions the day before.
Overall, the season was very successful and exciting as the girls truly dominated most games with their possession and clearly superior ball skills. The coaches plan to focus on increasing offensive productivity over the winter sessions, expecting the payoff to come as the Strikers take the field for the 2010 spring season.
