We knew this game was going to be tough since this team also blanked their Saturday opponent. After a bit of confusion early on with the field situation, we finally figured out where we needed to be and where all the ditches were. The girls were a bit tired and slow during warm-ups but they turned things around quickly once the whistle blew.
The first half was dominated by our Top Gun girls as they owned time of possession by at least 70%. They had many great opportunities and some very nice shots but luck was simply not our side since none of the shots converted to goals. Our defense did great work to keep their forwards frustrated and only gave up two shots. Unfortunately, one of the shots from about 25 yards out somehow made it past the outreached arms of our keeper.
At half time, we talked about what worked and what didn't and came up with a game plan to attempt to take their sweeper and keeper out of the plays. Since they play their sweeper deep and their keeper up, it was not likely that we could set up for break-aways. We knew we had to start taking more accurate outside shots. Our strikers took several nice shots including a missile from Eva that hit the cross bar. We also had a very nice opportunity with a direct kick from 20 yards out just barely missed. Great try by Paola! Finally with a great series of passes, the lane opened up for Eva and she delivered a spectacular shot for the equalizer.
The final whistle blew just as we were gaining momentum but that's the way the cookie sometimes crumbles... We played tough against a respectable team with a very strong defense. We were tested in all areas which obviously exposes some holes that we coaches can work on. The next time we meet this team, we will be much better prepared. Overall, our Top Gun girls played smart and executed their set plays very well. I was pleased to see Halley take the ball coast to coast and take a beautiful shot while playing fullback. I was pleased to see Lauren play sweeper, which is new to her, with dominating authority. Lastly, I was pleased to see Lulu fight hard to set up our only goal.
Thanks for coming out to support our Top Gun girls in our second campaign of the season. We WILL improve as we continue to gel as a team so please continue to provide all the off field support that I am sure you all do for your all-star player. We are now in first place in our bracket so I am pleased to say that the girls will be allowed to bring their fancy, matching backpacks for next weekend's games. :) Hopefully, we will maintain our position when our fancy team jackets arrive as well... Go Top Gun!
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