The Sudbury Canadians are feeling a little parched, in more ways than one.
They are thirsty for goals and, more importantly, thirsty for
the first win of the 2006 season.
The Canadians entered the new campaign with great
expectations following a decent 2005 season, during which they
won three games. They were hoping for seven wins this year.
In their first two games, the Canadians failed to penetrate
the opposing team's net for any goals and lost both.
Despite the lack of offensive production, Sudbury has still
managed to stay competitive with teams.
In their first two games, the Canadians' defence held the
line, for the most part, only allowing Vermont and Rochester to
score two goals each and walk away with two, 2-0 wins.
This weekend, the season gets even tougher as they hit the road to play Vermont and then Ottawa.
Sudbury will be logging hundreds of kilometres, and the team's
brass hopes it brings the squad closer.
"Every time a team goes on the road, it brings them together
personally," said head coach Emile Malvaso. "With me being a
new coach, it also gives me the opportunity to get a good sense
of the players. We have a long haul this weekend. Vermont is 12
hours away...We play there, finish the game and then drive all
night to Ottawa."
Sudbury feels they can nail down the first win against Vermont
because they just hosted the American club two weeks ago, but
it will be tough.
"Against Vermont...there's an agreement between myself and
the players that it's a need-win game," said Malvaso. "We need
to take advantage of them. They have a great goalie, but I
think we can build on our experiences from our home game
against them and put it into a win."
The Canadians then march into Ottawa to take on one of the
best teams in the United Soccer League - W-League.
"Ottawa is a great team," said Malvaso. "They were in the finals of the W-League last season.
They have numerous national and provincial players. Our goal
will be to keep the score low. It would be great if we could
get a tie."
The scoring drought is on the team's mind, but not
overwhelming their psyche.
"Not scoring isn't weighing on our minds," said Malvaso. "We
just haven't been able to capitalize on any of our chances yet.
Once we get that first goal, a lot of the pressure will be off
us. Right now, the players are a little tense around the net.
Once they get loose, the goals should come. It is soccer and
goals don't come fast and often."
The two, 2-0 losses showed the Canadians they have what it
takes to compete, but there's still plenty of work to do.
"The girls are showing more progression and we want it to continue," said Malvaso. "It's a long process. Over time, I think we can become a very strong, small market - team that can give any team a good run."
