Cobras’ Home Opener Sunday
The Central SC Cobras gear up for their first ever home opener this Sunday, May 20th at 3:00pm.
After opening up their season with a tie against the Tampa Flames and a tough 0-1 loss against the defending W-League champions, the Cobras are looking to get a tally in the wins column at home against the JAX Destroyers. ”Bringing this level of soccer to Columbia has been two years in the making and we’re excited that the time is finally here. It will be moving to see all the people that have supported us along the way in the stands on Sunday,” assistant coach and midfielder Debbie Smith explained.
Making this home opener a fan-friendly event has been a big focus for the Cobras. “In addition to our half-time kids scrimmages, we’re going to have an array of activities available for the little fans. Pug-goal 3 v 3s, soccer bowling, a water balloon toss and relays are just some of the games provided,” said Cobras’ Assistant of Sales Erin Minion.
The Cobras will be honoring the West Metro Soccer Club, the official providers of their practice fields, at Sunday’s game. ”We are excited to get some of their youth players out to our first game and show them up-close what this level of play is all about,” said Smith. “It was important for us to recognize West Metro, as they have been incredible in their support of the Cobras’ first season.”
Come check out the Cobras in action at Columbia College’s Younts Stadium this Sunday, May 20th for their 3:00 game. Minion suggests showing up well before kickoff, “All of our kid centered activities start before kickoff. Don’t miss out; bring the family early and have some pre-game fun!”
Freda Joins Cobras Front Line
Cobras are exited to announce the newest offensive threat to the Cobras lineup with the signing of Krystyna Freda.
Krystyna Freda joins the Cobras after a standout Freshman season with the Eagles of Winthrop University. The Somerset, New Jersey native finished the first year of her college campaign drawing recognition in numerous offensive categories. Nationally Freda ranks 22nd in points per game (1.75), eighth in game-winning goals (7), 10th in goals per game (.800), 14th in goals (16), and 28th in total points (35).
The standout striker earned recognition in the Big South by being named First Team All-Conference, unanimously to the All-Freshman Team and awarded the title of Freshman of the Year. She led the conference in points, goals, and game-winning goals, while finishing second in shots. Her seven game-winning goals this season also tied the conference mark for most in season.
Freda also set several school records this season for the Eagles. She tallied the most goals in a season along with points and shots, while also tying the school record for most goals in a game with three. Freda posted two hat tricks this season, both were achieved during conference away matches against Gardner-Webb and Charleston Southern. In addition to being the first Eagle selected for Soccer America’s National Women’s Team of the Week, she also led the team in shots, goals, points and game-winning goals.
Sandy Burris, Cobras’ Head Coach, is looking for big things from Freda up top this season. “Tina’s a scoring threat anywhere in the attacking third. Even as the youngest member of our team, she plays with a high level of maturity. We will be looking forward to her using those same abilities that have helped make her mark in Winthrop and Big South record books with the Cobras this summer,” she said.
Cobras Draw W-League Opener
The Central SC Cobras opened their 2012 inaugural W-League season against the VSI Tampa Flames last night with a 2-2 tie at Brandon Sports Complex in Tampa.
The game began a bit frantic, as both teams took a bit to find the rhythm of the game. Naturally, first-game jitters ran high for the Cobras’ as the opening whistle sounded. ”These women have worked hard to make this W-League team a reality. The nerves and excitement showed the first 10-15 minutes but after that we were able to settle down and control the tempo of the game,” said Cobras’ Head Coach Sandy Burris.
The Flames were able to exploit the Cobras’ vulnerability early with a nicely placed corner-kick to Marie Boyce’s whose header found the net.
“It was unlucky that we gave up an early goal on a set piece, but also understandable as most of the team just started training this past Tuesday,” Burris explained. ”After going down a goal, we did not panic but continued to stick to our game plan.”
Keeping their cool, the Cobras’ were able to quickly bounce back from their early mishap with a beautifully executed goal by midfielder Debbie Smith. Her shot from just outside the box, tied the game at 1-1. “We were finally able to unbalance them in the midfield which allowed Smith to get a look and convert her first shot on goal,” Burris said. ”It was great to see Debbie get the first goal of the Cobras’ inaugural season. She not only has a tremendous work ethic on the field but she has been an integral part of the inception and structure of making things work as a founding member of this club.”
With half a game under their belts, the Cobras set the tone for the start of the second half. Within 5 minutes of subbing on, Callie Morril found the back of the net to give the Cobras the 2-1 lead. Unfortunately, with victory insight, the Cobras’ conceded their second goal of the evening with only 2 minutes to play.
“While I am upset with us giving up a goal in the fashion that we did, I am happy we were able to get a point on the road in our first game and expect to make strides this week in preparation for our game against defending champions the Atlanta Silverbacks,” Burris said.
Cobras’ Season Opener Tonight
The Central SC Cobras open their season tonight in Tampa, Florida. The 6:30pm kickoff against VSI Tampa Flames marks the start of the Cobras’ first season in the W-League and the players and coaches couldn’t be more excited.
