H O N O N E G A H G I R L S S O C C E R
[NIC-9 CONFERENCE]
Starting Lineup: Courtney Shelton (c), Taylor Scott, Sabina Welcher, Sam Welcher, Vicki Booth, Natalie Johnson, Ana Hayes, Danielle Mathieu,
Kelsey Carroll (c), Kate Young, Taylor Giedd
Non-starters: Becca Marion, Tiphanie Truax, Katie Fleugel, MacKenzie Kelling, Maggie Blackburn, Kelsey Mathieu
Result: 1-1 (2OT) final; 0-1 halftime
Team Record: 3-0-3 overall; 1-0-2 (NIC-9)
Nature came knocking! In town was NIC-9 rival Guilford and it promised to be a competitive match as the Lady Indians played them a total of three
times last season, each time the games got more and more competitive. Thursday would prove to be no different as the two teams batteled to a
double overtime draw, the second of the season for the girls in conference action. The lady started out slowly and allowed the opponent to put their own
stamp on the game. It took some time for the girls to get into things, but under the high pressure of Guilford, our passing and vision vanished. The
game became very direct and not effective. A mental lapse with 20 seconds left in the half provided the opponent with the lead and the momentum
going into halftime. Halftime score: 0-1. At halftime the girls were admonished for their display and were instructed to keep the game simple, not
making it difficult with long direct passes. This was reinforced by the assistant coaches, as the ladies now needed to hear it from someone else other
than myself. With the wind now in their favor, the girls gained the upper hand quickly in the second half but struggled to find and clear shots on goal.
Twice they were denied by two good saves on the part of the opposing keeper. Finally, midway through the half, a free-kick was not cleared properly
and sophomore Natalie Johnson was there to stick away the loose ball from close range. Immediately Guilford responded with their own attack, but the
defense was able to hold ground once again. The ladies continued in search of the game winner, but it would never materialize... even after two 10
minute overtime periods. In the end, a frustrating night left the team with another tie, the 3rd of this young season, and a ton of headaches for the
coaches to sort out. At present, we are struggling with bringing what we work on in training onto the game field and thus the recent form. Clearly with
the talent this team has, this should only be a matter of time to sort out, but when is the real question. Drawing positives out of this match, we still have
an unblemished record at home and for the season, but sadly we have loosened our grip on the NIC-9 trophy for the time being... only time will tell.
~ Coach Eiss
[NIC-9 CONFERENCE]
Lineup:
Reserve:
Result:
Team Record:
[NON CONFERENCE]
Lineup:
Reserve:
Result:
Team Record: