Avalanche would play its third league game just 24 hrs later at Greer against the MVLA Breakers. Again, the team would be without Kaitlin and Laura, and could possibly be a little weary after playing a game the day before. MVLA had some good size players, and looked to be a very physical and skilled team. They proved it on the field, because only 4 minutes into the game, the Breakers scored off a very well executed play where the right wing dribbled up the goal line, and chipped a pass back toward a MVLA player running toward the net. She did a one touch volley into the goal that Christy had no chance on. "We could have easily given up after that goal," said Ed. "We knew we had problems with giving up early scores and its easy to get mentally down after that. Instead, Avalanche refocused and started playing with more concentration." Indeed, every player brought their game up another notch, and soon Avalanche was playing excellent passing and combination play, involving 2,3 and sometimes even 4 players in moving the ball from defense to offense. "We worked a lot on possession the previous week, trying to show that we can keep control of the ball by passing it back or working it sideways and waiting for a good chance to attack," said Ed. "A lot of good things occurred when we would possess the ball in the middle of the field for a bit, and then play it out to the wings unexpectedly to try to catch the defense by surprise." The hard work paid off in the 22nd minute, when Chelsea had a shot on the right side, which was initially saved but played out for Kathy to take a second shot, which was again deflected out, but fell to Jane who was following up on the left side and confidently put it into the net. "That was a great team goal, because we followed up on our second and third chances. A lot of times
you'll see teams that will just freeze after the first shot, and not be in good position if the keeper misplays it. We took advantage of the free ball, and Kathy and Jane did well to continue attacking until the ball was in the goal." The half ended at 1-1, and Avalanche was playing extremely well. "I told the team at halftime that we really didn't have to change anything from the way we played," said Ed. "We were moving well, players were getting open, every player had several passing options and the action was quick paced and we were staying up with it. We only wanted to avoid giving MVLA too many corner kicks. They have some very tall players, and I'm sure that they are the
targets to head in for corner kicks."

In the second half, Avalanche continued their good play. In the 55th minute, Sarah was able to win the ball and a flurry of shots and scrambling bodies occurred in front of the Breakers goal. Kathy somehow found the ball and drilled a low shot that got through the mass of players and slipped underneath the keeper's hands into the net. "Again, we were very good at making scoring chances," said Ed. "A shot that is never made never goes in, so we want to shoot as much as possible when we are in their goal area." However, MVLA didn't give up, and like a good team, came roaring back in the 65th minute. The ball was on the left side of Avalanche's goal, and MVLA switched it over to the right side to a player who shot back toward the left far post beyond Christy's reach. "It was a well placed shot," said Ed. "Switching the ball over to the other side and then shooting back toward the far post often is hard for backs and keeper to defend, because they are all moving toward t!he side the ball has been switched to." Still, Avalanche didn't break, and had a couple of good chances to go ahead. A through ball to Kathy at midfield saw her break past the defensive line and go 1v1 on the keeper. Her shot went just wide of the left post. Then Sarah found herself open from about 25 yards out and unleashed a shot toward the goal that just went over the crossbar by a foot. With two very evenly matched teams, a draw looked inevitable. But in the 75th minute, Rachel was able to work up the left side and put a lofted ball toward the right far post. It seemed to bounce off a couple of players swarming to put the ball in or play it out, but instead went right to Chelsea at the far post who finished it into the net! "Another great example of having our players at the right place at the right time," said Ed. "We had players framing the goal, ready to put the ball in if it came to them, and we took advantage of the opportunity." From then on, Avalanche was determined not to let the win slip away and played strong !defense to deny MVLA any chance from scoring. When the final whistle blew, Avalanche celebrated their third win in a row. "I think that was probably the best game I've seen Avalanche play from start to finish," said Ed. "It seemed that everyone was on the same page, playing very focused. I'm especially pleased because we did this against a very good opponent who was equally skilled, which made it so we needed to play well. After every game, I write down notes to myself and assign player ratings of how everyone did individually, and this game was the first where everyone who played scored excellent to outstanding. Every Avalanche player was involved in a crucial play at some point during the game, and came through with flying colors. Julia made some wonderful defensive plays, especially on a dangerous cross in front of the goal which she headed out expertly. She also made some key clears to get the ball out from deep in Avalanche territory. Jessica was able to close d!own on the right wing, which was no easy assignment considering how well the right wing was able to attack in the first half. Even near the end of the game, Jessie made some hard and fast sprints to defend against breakaways. Emma found herself at the halfway line, frequently distributing the ball well to other teammates. Bianca played with good reaction and ranged back and forth on offense and defense, while Irena also was able to do some nice combination plays with the midfielders. Also, Christy had some excellent distributions with the ball after making initial saves by rolling the ball out quickly to the opposite side, frequently finding an Avalanche player ready to take the ball up the field quickly. Rachel has been settling in nicely at left mid, and has made two assists in the last two games to win our matches. Katy played tough against some very aggressive players, and was able to fill in at back when needed. Chelsea is showing some very nice first touch moves !when receiving the ball and getting away from defenders. Jane has been checking back and forth to help the defense and seems to always have a knack for putting in a goal at the right time. Kathy and Sarah are really learning how to play with each other well as center midfielders, and this game showed several time when they were able to combine passes to free the other one up. Now, our challenge is to see if we can continue to play this well in every game. I think several players mentioned how fun that game was to play, and it was because we played it at a high level of skill and ability. Let's see if we can keep it
going!"