August 14, 2007 - Pressure / Cover / Balance was covered in today's IRSA training session.  It was well attended with 18 players present.  Happy Birthday to U18 Coach Kevin Martin who came out to help even on his 50th birthday!  He did look a bit slow (smile).

August 7, 2007 - A guest appearance by Assistant Coach Jill Payne made our cool-down feel like old times.  Sixteen players participated in Tuesday's IRSA training session.

July 31, 2007 - A good turn-out at today's IRSA training session.  With the fall competitive season only a couple of weeks away, it was nice to get some scrimmaging time in before the rain and lightning arrived.  We are looking forward to our High School pre-season which will begin in mid-September.  Tryouts officially begin on October 8th, 2007.

July 24, 2007 - A very impressive electrical storm and heavy rains caused cancellation of today's training session.  See you all next week!

July 15, 2007 - Meredith Brown commits to Harding University.  Her team will be playing in Florida during the Memorial Day Weekend with games against Lynn and Nova University.  I hope to see her former teammates at the game!  Follow her team at Harding University's website:  http://www.hardingsports.com/roster.asp?path=wsoc

July 11, 2007 - In spite of summer vacations, we have consistent numbers at our IRSA Summer training sessions.  The coaching staff is pleased with the work ethics and we look forward to the upcoming competitive and High School seasons.

                                                                                                      January 16, 2007 - It was an unexpected loss to Palm Bay in the first round of the District Playoffs.  Palm Bay defeated Vero Beach 3 to 2 at Melbourne High School.  The Fighting Indians had the similar experience  last year losing in the first round to Palm Bay.

Cassidy Bartholomew and Laurie Livings scored on assists by Alissa Morein.  Meredith Brown recorded 5 saves.  Player of the match was Alissa Morein.

Coach Gibert on the game:  We were outplayed by Palm Bay.  Were we over-confident?  Perhaps, but that does not explain losing almost every 50/50 ball, all the turnovers, poor clearances, poor decisions and being out-hustled to the ball.   We hope to learn from our losses and bring a District Championship to VBHS next year.  We need to remember that it is  a "players" game and it takes 11 players on the field giving no less than 100% for each other. 

January11, 2007 - Five Seniors were honored prior to the match with Treasure Coast High School on Senior Night at the Citrus Bowl.  Meredith Brown, Josie Gazzara, Jenn King, Amy Shiramizu and Brittany Ziegler were the toast of the girl's soccer program on Thursday.

The Vero Beach Fighting Indians played 22 players, including 3 goalkeepers in a 4 nil victory over Treasure Coast.  Ariel Lane opened the scoring on an indirect kick from 20-yards out.  Sarah Martin found the upper far corner from 25-yards and Bessie Wallace also hit a near post upper-90 shot to give the Indians a 3 nil lead at half-time.  Brittany Ziegler had an assist on Martin's goal.

Allison Barkett scored on a break-away for the only goal of the second half.  Meredith Brown, Sarah Martin and Aubrey Keller combined for the shutout.  Brown played the first half, Martin 35 minutes of the second half and Keller the final 5-minutes in goal.  Player of the match was Sarah Martin.

Coach Gibert on the game:  We had three great first half goals all coming from outside 18-yards.  It was a night of celebration as we honored our Seniors.  It was good to see Allison get a goal on her birthday.  The team was relaxed but still focused on bringing the game to Treasure Coast.  There were several players who played a strong game.  We moved players around a bit tonight in an effort to give everyone some minutes in the game.  On Monday, we will begin the road to the District playoffs.

January 9, 2007 - The Vero Beach Fighting Indians played a lackluster match against County rival Sebastian River in the fifth place title match of the Treasure Coast Conference Championship game.  Alissa Morein scored an unassisted goal at the 19th minute for the only goal of the game.

Vero Beach dominated shots on goals by a margin of 15 to 2.  In spite of numerous scoring opportunities the back of the net was no friend of the Fighting Indians.  Meredith Brown only had to make two routine saves and the Sharks were never able to build an attack that threatened our defense.  Center Back, Cami Kramer, was named player of the match.

Coach Gibert on the game:  We created numerous opportunities and just could not finish.  There is a lack of consistency with our ability to finish inside 18 yards.  It certainly will need to get better before our District matches.  We continue to defend well, anything that gets past our strong defensive midfielders, is consistently being swept up by our center and outside backs.  We will need to maintain a high level of intensity throughout 80-minutes to carry us into a District final match.

January 5, 2007 - The Vero Beach Fighting Indians played an outstanding match against unbeaten Merritt Island.  The Indians took a 1 nil lead into half-time on a goal by Laurie Livings from an Ariel Lane throw-in. 

The Indians led for 40 plus minutes before a controversial corner kick was awarded.  The center referee signaled for a goal-kick but the sideline referee over-ruled awarding the corner.  Merritt Island finished a nice header past Meredith Brown.  The Fighting  Indians overall record stands at 7-7-5.  Merritt Island is 16-0-4.

Coach Gibert on the game:  We continued to play with marking backs and in spite of not having two of our regular starters in the game gave Merritt Island quite a challenge.  Kristen Dietzen started in her first varsity match and did very well at right midfield.  We had strong showings from all our players tonight.  We showed a level of discipline on the pitch that will pay off in the tough matches we will face during District play.  It was a team effort, we defended well, transitioned and attacked with confidence.  We look forward to the upcoming weeks of tournament soccer.

January 3, 2007 - The Vero Beach Fighting Indians played a close match against Jensen Beach losing 4 to 3. 

Jensen took an early lead but Allison Barkett tied the game on an assist by Alissa Morein.  Laurie Livings gave the Indians the lead on an assist by Ariel Lane.  The center referee awarded Jensen a free-kick from 20-yards out on what appeared to be a no-contact slip by the Jensen player.  Chloe Stokes found the upper-90 to tie the game.

Jensen scored two second-half goals before Livings finished Lane's throw-in to narrow the lead.  Meredith Brown recorded six saves in goal.  The Fighting  Indians overall record stands at 7-7-4.  Player of the match was Ariel Lane.

Coach Gibert on the game:  We experimented a bit in tonight's game in preparation for our District match-ups.  We knew Jensen had a powerful attacking game and decided to play with marking backs and prepare to counter-attack with an extra striker.  There was success and if not for their early goal and the two-set play goals it would have been a very different result. There were some occasional missed assignments, but as the game progressed the play became better.  We continue to be plagued by players ill with the flu and hope to bring a healthy team into next weeks matches. 

December 20, 2006 - The Vero Beach Fighting Indians lost 3 nil to Eau Gallie in the final regular season District Match of the season.. 

Eau Gallie took a 1 nil lead into half-time when Chelsea Brady slid a side foot ball under on-rushing goalkeeper Meredith Brown.  Vero Beach had a few opportunities in the second half but missed on two header opportunities and on two breakaways.   Eau Gallie finished on 18-yard direct kick which resulted from Brown handling the ball outside her box.  The lines were a bit hard to see under the poor stadium lights on the North side of the field.  Eau Gallie was given another direct kick when Brady and Jenn King went down at the corner of the 18-yard box.  A bending shot beat Brown near post.  Meredith recorded 7 saves in goal.  The Fighting  Indians overall record stands at 7-6-4.

The JV team won 4 to 1 on two goals by Kristen Dietzen, one by Megan Seitz and one from My Diem Reimer.  Aubrey Keller only had to make 4 saves in goal.

Coach Gibert on the game:  Eau Gallie was able to possess and play a better flank game then we were.  Two set plays killed our chances to try and build a comeback.  With several players under the weather and not able to play or not playing at 100%, Eau Gallie had a slight edge.  They are not 3-goals better than we are.  They have a bit more experience on the field but are quite beatable.  We needed to apply more pressure in the middle of the field, force them to make mistakes and hold the ball long enough to transition into the attack.  Games are won and lost in the transition.  Give a team time to transition and if they can find the runners you will be chasing.  On the other hand, stand around after you win the ball or pass it and you will find yourself defending VERY quickly. 

December 18, 2006 - The Vero Beach Fighting Indians defeated Sebastian River 3 nil in Sebastian.  The two teams will meet again on January 9th, 2007 to determine the third spot in the Treasure Coast Conference. 

Vero Beach scored at the 27th minute mark when Sarah Martin's driven cross was deflected in by a Sebastian defender.  Allison Barkett scored 7-minutes later on an assist by Ashley Muller.  The Fighting Indians took a 2 nil lead into half time.  Meredith Brown did not have to make a save in the first half although she did make some plays high inside the 18-yard box.

Bessie Wallace blasted a shot from 35-yards out on an assist from Barkett.  Sebastian had 2-shots on goal early into the second half that were handled by Brown.  Meredith recorded her 4th shutout in goal and the Fighting Indians improved to 7-5-4 overall.  Center back, Ariel Lane was player of the match.

The JV team won 3 to 2 on two goals by Megan Seitz and one from My Diem Reimer.  Seitz converted on a penalty kick to break a 2 to 2 tie.

Coach Gibert on the game:  The game was not our best but the result was a good one.  We were tough defensively and both Ariel Lane and Cassidy Bartholomew controlled the area in front of our goal.  I felt we could have transitioned better from the outside and built a better attack.  We have to be more creative in the attack. The opportunities will be limited in the games to come and finishing will be a critical part of our ability to succeed.

December 13, 2006 - The Vero Beach Fighting Indians and Melbourne High School Bulldogs played to 1 to 1 draw in Melbourne.  Melbourne entered the game with a 12-1-1 record having only lost to Satellite Beach.

The Bulldogs scored at the 2-minute mark on a direct kick that was played over the Vero Beach wall and knocked in far post.  Goalkeeper, Meredith Brown did not have a chance.  The Indians tied the game in the 23rd-minute when Megan Ostrower finished a rebound off the post from a Laurie Livings shot.

Meredith Brown collected 6 saves in goal.  The JV team lost 5 to 0.  Vero Beach is now 6-5-4 Overall, 3-1-1 in the Conference and 1-4-2 in the District.  Ostrower was named Player of the Match.

Coach Gibert on the game:  This was a great result.  Although the score shows a tie, it felt like a victory to the team.  Mel High is number one in the District and have been playing great soccer.  We had a  limited number of opportunities as did Melbourne, very typical in high level soccer matches. We defended very well, especially on set plays after their first goal.  Playing on a wide field took some readjusting  from our backs with Melbourne trying to play the ball into the corners all night.  Meredith made her presence known in the last few minutes by taking control of the penalty area.  It is very important in big games to be in control of the 18-yard box.  A good result and one to continue to build on.

December 11, 2006 - The Fighting Indians defeated the South Fork Bulldogs 4 to 1 in a Treasure Coast Conference match.

Alissa Morein scored 15 seconds into the match from 30-yards out on a perfectly placed shot over the South Fork keeper.  Laurie Livings added two unassisted first half goals to give the Indians a 3 to 1 half-time lead.  South Fork had 3 shots on goal that were collected by Vero goalkeeper Meredith Brown.

Allison Barkett was fouled inside the penalty area and converted on the penalty kick to give the Indians a 4 to 1 lead.  Vero Beach out-shot the Bulldogs 8 to 1 in the second half. 

The JV team won 2 to 1 on goals by Sydney Burgjohann and My Diem Reimer.  Victoria Johnson and Brittany Zeigler played solid defense.  Micha Austin and Aubrey Keller combined in goal.

Coach Gibert on the game:  Alissa Morein's goal was a tremendous shot and a great way to start the game.  South Fork threatened early applying pressure with 3 strikers.  Our defense re-organized after their goal and the level of play was stepped up several notches.  Cassidy Bartholomew and Ariel Lane played solid out of the middle.  We dictated the play and we were not waiting for their players to bring it to us.  We brought the game to them.  The transition through the midfield was at a level that will bring many more opportunities to finish this season on a high note.  Laurie Livings has had back to back 2-goal games and has been scoring from outside with some great shots.   A positive result for the team.

December 8, 2006 - The Fighting Indians defeated the Port St. Lucie Jaguars 3 nil in a Treasure Coast Conference match.

Laurie Livings scored at the 26th minute on an assist from Cassidy Bartholomew in what would be the only goal of the first half.  Vero Beach out-shot PSL 14 to 1 in the first half. 

Ashley Muller scored in the 78th minute on an assist from Bessie Wallace.  Livings finished the scoring in the 79th minute on an unassisted goal.  The Fighting Indians controlled the tempo of the game and in spite of out-shooting PSL 25 to 1 were only able to score 3 goals.  Balls were coming off the post, off the crossbar, off PSL players and landing in the hands of their goalkeeper.  Even when their GK was wide of her goal, the ball seemed to find her hands.  It was mentioned that someone must have voodoo dolls on our players preventing us from scoring. 

Vero Beach is now 5-5-3 Overall, 2-1-1 in the Conference and 1-4-1 in the District.  Laurie Livings was named player of the match.

The JV team defeated PSL 10 nil in just 40-minutes of play.

Coach Gibert on the game:  PSL challenged hard for 50-50 balls but could not build an attack that would threaten our strong back-line.  I am confident with the our defensive play.  We are not giving teams that many opportunities and the ones we do give are usually preventable.  We certainly do have a hex on finding the back of the net.  The bench was full of "Oh my word!", "I cannot believe it!"  "How unlucky can you get!" .... so the story goes.  Overall ... better decisions and creating quality scoring opportunities will be required to beat the teams in our District.

December 4, 2006 - The Fighting Indians lost to Centennial 1 nil on a 30-yard shot that slipped through Meredith Brown's outreached hands.  Vero Beach came out strong and had several opportunities to not only take an early lead but to score a couple of goals.  Centennial's goalkeeper, Ashley Taylor, made several key plays to deny Vero Beach a goal.  Brown recorded 4 saves in goal.  Vero Beach is now      4-5-3 Overall and 1-4-1 in the District.  Ariel Lane was named player of the match.

The JV team defeated Centennial 2 to 1 on goals by My Diem Reimer and Nicole Smith.  Aubrey Keller recorded 6 saves in goal for Vero Beach.

Coach Gibert on the game: We had early opportunities that should of resulted in goals.  The difference in championship matches comes down to the team that can finish the very few opportunities that present themselves and the team that does not make a critical mistake in their defensive third of the field.  We actually created more chances than Centennial, out-shot them but did not out score them.  It appears that the District Tournament will provide us with another opportunity to prove that we are the better team. 

December 2, 2006 - The Fighting Indians spoiled Key West’s visit with 2 to 1 victory at the Citrus Bowl on Super Soccer Saturday.   Key West's weekend included a Friday night 5 to 0 win over Sebastian River.

The two teams played to a scoreless first half with the Fighting Indians out-shooting the Conchs 8 to 1.  Meredith Brown only had to make one save in goal for Vero Beach.  The Conchs opened the scoring with a goal on a shot to the upper far post in the 53rd minute.  Brown had no chance on the shot.  Three minutes later, Alissa Morein played a ball to Amy Shiramizu who took it down the right flank and beat a hard charging Key West goalkeeper, near-post, to tie the game.  With eighteen minutes remaining, Vero Beach striker Allison Barkett took a pass from Bessie Wallace, split two defenders and then beat the Conch keeper with a low near post shot for the game winning goal.

The Fighting Indians out-shot the Conchs 8 to 5 in the second half.  Brown recorded 5 saves in goal.  Shiramizu was named Player of the Match for the Indians.

Vero Beach improved to 4-4-3 Overall and Key West fell to 8-4-0.  Vero Beach plays Centennial on Monday at 6 pm at South County Park.

The Vero Beach JV girl’s soccer team defeated the Key West JV team by a score of 3 to 2.  My Diem Reimer, Hayley Kerr and Nicole Smith scored for the Indians.  Emma Johnson was Player of the Match recording two assists.

Coach Gibert on the game:  Well it sure feels good to put one in the win column.  The girls have been working hard and deserved this win.  There was some good play from our two center backs, Ariel Lane and Cassidy Bartholomew, as well as our outside backs, Lyndsey Wojtaszek, Lauren Aldridge and Megan Ostrower.  Our outside midfielders are having success getting behind the oppositions defense.  We created some good opportunities.  Amy Shiramizu's goal was a lot of hard individual work and set the tone for us.  Allison Barkett's winning goal also came from hard work.  Once we start finishing some more of our chances and continue to improve on our decision-making, we will be a strong contender in Districts.  We are looking forward to the District match against Centennial on Monday.

November 30th, 2006 - After reviewing the game films THREE potential 1 v 1 breakaways were clearly ON-SIDE and called off-sides by the sideline referee.  Unfortunate as it may be, the game is in the books.

November 29th, 2006 - The Vero Beach Girl's Soccer team played to a 1 to 1 draw with Palm Bay in a District match.  Cassidy Bartholomew scored the lone goal for Vero Beach in the 27th minute.  Meredith Brown collected 6 saves in goal.

The JV team won 7 to 0 with goals by Cami Kramer (2), Kristen Dietzen (2), My Diem Reimer, Lizz Seldomridge and Sydney Burgjohann.  Aubrey Keller recorded the shutout in goal.

Coach Gibert on the game:  This was certainly not one of our better games.  We did not build an attack good enough to beat Palm Bay and certainly not good enough to beat any other team in our District.  There were spurts, short-lived at that, from a few players but not collectively.  It is going to have to get a lot better as we enter the next round of District Matches.

November 27th, 2006 - The Vero Beach Girl's Soccer team played to a 1 to 1 draw with Martin County in a Conference match.  Vero Beach took a 1 nil lead into half-time with Allison Barkett scoring on an assist from Bessie Wallace.  Wallace's through-ball found Barkett who beat the Martin County goalkeeper far post.  Martin County tied the game in the second half on a shot from 25 yards out that sailed over Vero goalkeeper Meredith Brown.  The shot was taken from the right flank, just a few yards from the touchline. 

A controversial penalty kick was called on the Fighting Indians on what looked like a 50 / 50 ball that was in the air at the top of the 18-yard box.  Brown made a spectacular save, diving to her left and holding the ball firmly in her hands.  Brown was named Player of the Match.

Lyndsey Wojtaszek was in contention for player of the match for shutting down Martin County's leading goal scorer Lindsay Haw.  Haw was able to get 2 shots on goal both saved by Brown.

The JV team won 6 to 1 on three goals by My Diem Reimer, two by Kristen Dietzen and one by Victoria Johnson.

Coach Gibert on the game:  The girls are making great progress.  Success is not always measured just in the win column.  When District Championships come around, I hope to have a team that will be competing in the championship match.  We had opportunities again tonight to put a team away, but we could not take advantage of those chances.  The transition into attack could have been better and Martin County gave us some field space to play through.  We need to recognize that quicker and be able to exploit those areas.  We have a busy week of soccer and hope to build on the successes we had tonight.

November 26th, 2006 - The Vero Beach Girl's Soccer team is looking forward to the Conference Match against Martin County.  With a win against Martin County the possibilities of finishing in the top two spots will still exist. 

November 20th, 2006 - The Vero Beach High School Girl's            soccer team lost 2 nil to Eau Gallie  High School.  Eau Gallie improved to 6-1-1 and Vero Beach goes to 2-4-0.  The Fighting Indians had opportunities but could not finish their chances.

Meredith Brown made 10 saves in goal and had a brilliant first half saving one 1 v 1 and making a save just below the crossbar.  Ashley Muller was named player of the match going 80-minutes in center midfield.

The JV team tied 1 to 1 on a goal by Kristen Dietzen.

Coach Gibert on the game:  After reviewing the game tape, their first goal was on-side.  It was a well timed run off the header.   Regardless, we played a team with some quality players and matched up pretty well.  There was much improvement in our ability to hold the ball.  The runs off the ball were better, we connected more often but we did not finish our chances.  Meredith made some brilliant saves in the first half.  Ashley Muller worked very hard in the middle of the field.  We tried Ariel Lane at right midfield to use her long throw-in and her ability to get behind the defense.  She was able to get in a few times before we lost Cassidy Bartholomew to a lower leg injury and moved her back to center back.  We had more players playing a better game of soccer than we have had in the previous 2 or 3 matches.  I am confident that we are making progress.   Hard work will always beat talent, when talent stops working hard.

November 15th, 2006 - The Vero Beach High School Girl's            soccer team lost 2 nil on two first half goals to Melbourne High School.  Melbourne remains undefeated.  Vero Beach slides        to 2-3-0.  The Fighting Indians took 2 shots on goal in the first half.

In the second half, Vero Beach was able to move the ball into Melbourne's half more effectively and create a few more chances.  Vero tallied 4 shots on goal in the second half.   Meredith Brown collected 8 saves in goal.

The JV team lost 9 to 1.  Freshman, Megan Seitz, scored her first goal of the season.

Coach Gibert on the game:  There are certain things you have to do well to play against good teams.  1.  You have to be able to pass the ball to players that wear the same color jersey you do.  2.  You have to be able to receive a pass that is sent to you.  3.  You have to have the ability to hold the ball.  4.  You have to be able to support the ball with quality runs.  5.  If you lose the ball you have to be able to win it back.  If you can hold the ball, the other team cannot score.  It is a building process.  We are training to be able to play and WIN against the BEST in January.  We don't like to lose but I'll take the bumps and bruises if we can build a championship level team.

November 13th, 2006 - The Vero Beach High School Girl's soccer team lost 1 nil on a deflection goal in the 19th minute to Centennial High School.  A shot from 20-yards out hit a Centennial player and deflected to the far post.  Meredith Brown who was set to make a routine save, had no chance on the unlucky bounce.  It was an important match for both teams since it was both a conference and district match. 

After the match, Centennial Coach Doug Black commented to Coach Gibert, "I am just happy to get out of here tonight!  We will give you a better match next time we play."  Vero Beach out shot Centennial 17 to 5 and set the tempo of the game for 80-minutes.  Centennial's goalkeeper made 3 great saves to deny a sure goal for Vero Beach.  Lyndsey Wojtaszek was named player of the game.

The JV team lost 2 to 1.  Cassidy Bartholomew scored on a penalty kick. 

Vero Beach plays District champions Melbourne High School on Wednesday at 7 pm in the Citrus Bowl.

Coach Gibert on the game:  Sometimes you rather be lucky than good.  We outplayed Centennial, created some very good chances and just could not finish one.  Towards the end of the match we had a shot deflect off one of our players, but unlike Centennial's lucky bounce, our deflection goes well wide off the goal for a Centennial goal kick.  Our challenges for the 50/50 ball was much improved.  We created a lot of space in the midfield, now we have to learn how to use it.  We have to read the opponent better, take advantage of what they give us and finish!

November 8th, 2006 - The Vero Beach High School Girl's soccer team lost to Lincoln Park Academy by a score of  3 to 1 in a non-conference, non-district match on Wednesday night in their 2006 / 20007 Citrus Bowl debut.   

LPA took a 1 nil lead into half-time on a goal that sailed over goalkeeper Meredith Brown's head into the far post.  Vero Beach had several opportunities on set plays but failed to take advantage.  The Fighting Indians outshot LPA in the first half 10 to 6, including 3 corner kicks to LPA's 0.

Lincoln park was first to score in the second half before Allison Barkett netted a goal on an assist from Bessie Wallace at the 58th minute.  An off-side call on a potential break-away opportunity and several crosses that went unfinished prevented Vero from tying the game.  With one-minute remaining, and Vero Beach pushing numbers up, LPA cleared a ball that was headed by a Vero player to oncoming LPA striker, Ali Schrader.  A well taken shot from 35-yards beat Brown far-post to seal LPA's victory.  Brown recorded 5-saves in goal.  Vero Beach again outshot LPA 9 to 5, including 1 corner kick to their 0.  Ariel Lane was named player of the match.

The JV team defeated LPA by a score of  3 to 1.  My Diem Reimer scored her first goal of her High School career in the first half.  Freshman, Liz Seldomridge also scored her first goal and the winning goal breaking a 1 to 1 tie.  Cassidy Bartholomew coming back from a thigh injury also scored in the second half to seal the victory.

Coach Gibert on the game:  We knew we were in for a physical match and LPA had some good  finishers.  Our defense denied them any quality looks at the goal.  I did not see Meredith having to make any brilliant saves.  I feel all three goals were stoppable before they even had a chance.  We actually assisted on both of their second half goals.  We had numerous turnovers on throw-ins and 50/50 balls that we should have won.  We were being beat to the first ball but fortunately we got  numbers behind it quickly to win it back.  The second-half should have been ours to take the game away from LPA.  We had the opportunity to connect the middle third with the final third but the decision-making and the timing of the passes should have been better.  More creativity in the final third and pressuring their two center backs would have resulted in some quality finishing opportunities.  We have to play to our strengths, work with a system that complements our players and trust in each other!

November 1st, 2006 - The Vero Beach High School Girl's soccer team won their District 6 opening match defeating Palm Bay 3 nil in Palm Bay.

Bessie Wallace scored the winning goal at the 31-minute mark on an assist from Laurie Livings.  Wallace hesitated initially on a Livings through ball thinking she was in an offside position and then drilled a shot over the oncoming Palm Bay goalkeeper.  The Fighting Indians took a 1 nil lead into half-time. 

In the second half, Allison Barkett found the far post on an assist from Wallace.  Two minutes after Barkett's goal, Wallace was fouled in the penalty area and converted with a driven shot just under the crossbar.

Meredith Brown recorded 5 saves in goal and her second consecutive shutout.  Bessie Wallace was named player of the match.  Vero Beach is now 2-0-0 overall, 1-0-0 in District 6 and 1-0-0 in the Conference.

Coach Gibert on the game:  Our defense continued to make excellent progress denying opportunities and winning 90% of all 50/50 balls.  Outside backs, Lauren Aldridge and Sabrina Ross along with center backs Ariel Lane and Alissa Morein were tough to beat.  Their transition into the attack is getting better and better with every game we play.  Amy Shiramizu played in a new role tonight as a defensive midfielder and did very well.  Amy is strong in the air and we need someone to win those balls before they have a chance to hit the ground.  Our strikers moved well off the ball and once we start connecting consistently with the midfield players, we are going to be a dangerous team attacking.  We are playing in the toughest District I have seen in 7 years of coaching High School soccer.  I am confident that our girls will be up to the task.

                                                                                                       Friday October 27th, 2006 -The Vero Beach High School Girl's soccer team tied Melbourne Central Catholic 1 to 1 in the Melbourne Central Catholic Preseason Soccer Classic.  Vero Beach missed a scoring opportunity in the first 30 seconds of the match when Allison Barkett’s shot went just wide of the far post.  MCC corrected quickly and had the advantage of watching Vero Beach play on Wednesday night when Vero Beach defeated Titusville 5 to 1.

"Although the results were different tonight, it was a great opportunity to test our character and some of our younger players.  We showed the composure and the discipline required to build a championship team. It also provided us with a bigger challenge, how to play an opponent who played high pressure and who had speed in the back, up front and an organized midfield," said Coach Jose Gibert.

With the wind playing a big factor in the first half, MCC out-shot Vero beach 7 to 2 in the first 40-minutes.  Meredith Brown made a couple of key saves although she was never really tested.  Our center backs, Alissa Morein and Ariel Lane played solid defense, as did outside backs Lyndsey Wojtaszek and Aubrey Brown.  With 5-minutes remaining in the first half, Vero Beach chipped the goalkeeper but with a little help from the strong winds an MCC defender cleared the ball just before it crossed the goal-line.

With the wind in Vero Beach’s favor for the second half and a newfound level of intensity, Vero out-shot MCC 5 to 4.   MCC also had the misfortune of hitting the far post and as the ball deflected towards the goal, Lane cleared the ball for an MCC throw-in.  At the 74-minute mark, MCC played a long ball over the Vero defense into the top of the 18 yard box, Meredith Brown was one step away from making the save when MCC’s, Carly Hunt # 9, tapped it past her and beyond the reach of oncoming Vero defenders. 

Vero Beach continued to attack and led by Player of the Match Allison Barkett kept the ball on the MCC side of the field.  With 2-minutes remaining Bessie Wallace broke in the penalty area and was taken out hard from the back.  The center referee did not call the penalty but after conferring with sideline referee, the penalty kick was awarded.  Wallace buried the shot just under the crossbar to tie the game 1 to 1.

Goalkeeper Meredith Brown recorded 11 saves.  "MCC provided us with some new challenges and I think the team recognized them, we addressed them at half-time and made some good corrections.  MCC exposed a couple of areas of weakness that we will address in training,” said Gibert.

Vero Beach plays Ft. Pierce Central in their regular season opening match on Monday at 4 pm.  It is a home game for Vero and the match will be played at Hobart Soccer Complex.

September 22, 2006 - Thirty-five players participated in the first week of conditioning.  Head Coach Jose Gibert along with Assistant Coaches Jill Payne and Kerri Dean conducted the conditioning sessions.  "The Santa Monica ACL Prevention Project, known as the PEP Program, is one of the main focus of this year's preseason conditioning program," said Coach Jose Gibert.  It is a program that was implemented in a strategic training program to decrease the number of ACL injuries incurred by female soccer players.  The team will also be focusing on core strengthening, agility and coordination training utilizing the program developed by Indian River Select-United Assistant Coach Emile de Cuba.  "I am extremely pleased with the first two sessions", said Coach Gibert.  "I saw a focused group of players who are ready to take our soccer program into championship territory.  There was leadership from last year's varsity players and some hard work from players who want to earn a spot on the varsity team.  It is going to be an exciting year for girls soccer at Vero Beach," said Coach Gibert.