Adirondack Lynx

What will it take for the Lynx to win the WPSL Eastern Conference?

Just what is it that the great teams have to rise to the occasion?

image: run-digital

What is it that makes a good team great and positions them to win playoffs?

By Laura Morcone -- AdirondackLynx.com

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

As the inaugural season of the Adirondack Lynx winds down, and the playoffs loom close for the successful WPSL teams, what is it that allows a team to go from a first year rag-tag expansion squad into a true playoff contender? There is only one thing that works that kind of magic in team sports and that's TEAM CHEMISTRY.  No matter how good each individual Lynx team member may be, if they cannot mold their talents into the greater whole as a team, then they will be unable to succeed.  It's that simple. If players cannot fulfill their given roles, the team will falter.

But who, exactly, are the WPSL's Adirondack Lynx?  It is a question that many established WPSL teams and fans may have asked back in the early spring months of April and May.  Now, nearing the end point in the season, with a 4-2-0 record and sitting near the top of the WPSL Eastern Conference North leader board, the Lynx have put begun to put their name on the map. They are starting to hear a few whispers thoughout the league.

Can the Lynx continue along their current path and place themselves into the playoffs?

It's an eclectic mix, this Adirondack squad. A somewhat random, but very select group of females coming together and playing very well as one. They are all united by a love for soccer and top level competition.  Each player brings her own special tactical and technical skills, but it's when they are all combined with one another, that's when the Lynx are a lethal “black horse” team.  It's all about the team interaction and chemistry.

In the pre-season analyses, no one would have expected this first-year expansion team to be hovering near the top of their division this time of the season.

The Lynx have been defeated only twice by two well seasoned Massachusetts WPSL squads -- The Massachusetts Stingers and the Boston Aztecs.  Using those early losses as a lesson and modifying their game plans each week, the Lynx have bounced back and have begun to dominate teams on the pitch.  Two big wins against the Boston Aztecs and the New York Athletic Club have set the Lynx up to move directly into the post-season Regional round of the WPSL.  The only thing stopping them at this point awould be two losses in their last four games of the seaon.

No matter which player is on the field and what position they are playing, the Lynx are incredibly fast.  Midfielders are there to drop back and get behind the ball on defense.  Many players are more than fit to make multiple full field runs.  Defenders are there to outrun any opposing forwards.” -- Lynx Goalkeeper Laura Morcone

The Lynx still rely on a solid defense, a hard-working midfield, and some of the quickest forwards in the league.  No matter which player is on the field and what position they are playing, the Lynx are incredibly fast.  Midfielders are there to drop back and get behind the ball on defense.  Many players are more than fit to make multiple full field runs.  Defenders are in place who can out-run opposing forwards.  The Lynx are also a tactically sound team – and can counter attack quickly and dynamically. That's often an opposing team’s nightmare if their defense shows any sign of weakness or a lack of unity. 

As the post-season approaches, the Lynx will be facing two very important teams:  the New England Mutiny, and the Long Island Fury.  Both of these teams are capable of humbling the upstart Lynx, so is Adirondack ready for the ultimate challenge -- testing themselves and beating Two great teams?

What exactly will it take for the Lynx to move into the post-season, instead of looking forward to next year and asking themselves, 'What if...." or  "Why didn't we..."? What is it that the team needs to win?

The answer is simple: Tenacity, fitness, passion, but most importantly, team chemistry.  Each player must bring their unique talents to the team and then blend them into the mix with the other's talent. Combined, they make an feared and formidable opponent.

However, now comes the real moment of truth in the Lynx season. It's the time of year when they *must* perform under high pressure. The teams that can regularly do this are the true champions, and they are the ones who will prevail in the end. It's now time for the Lynx to pull together as one and even be in-touch with one another’s thoughts.  If the Lynx play as a team with chemistry, no “top notch” team can stop them. 

Are you ready to see it happen before your eyes? Stay tuned!