MNJYSA game #10 (9th game played)
After losing their first game of the season to these very same Parsippany Mustangs not 5 hours ago at home, the Wildcats were charged for revenge, but also excited after finding out that their were flight champions for the third consecutive season. The weather was hot, the field was big, and the surface was artificial which all added up to making it more difficult after a weekend of try-outs, lacrosse games and a double-header.
We discovered early that the Christiano Rinaldo look-a-like referee felt that he needed to blow the whistle every time the ball touched a hand or an arm; although he called an excellent game otherise. One such call occured just outside our box early on, and the Mustangs strong midfielder drove in a strong shot that brought out Bre's best to stop.
Parsippany seemed to be content to pack the defense and not attack too much, as they had done after they took the lead in the earlier game. That style makes it difficult to create too many chanes on goal, and as we closed in their central defenders were adept and clearing well. This strategy can only hold so long, and on 28 minutes Amy sent a ball to Jules who struck right footed from just outside the 18 to beat the keeper low far post, to give the Wildcats a 1-0 lead. Still relying on packing the defense and quick transitions the Mustangs continued to thrwart our attacks, and on a long clearance in the last minute of the half, they cam into our defensive third and their big-footed middie unleashed a wicked shot from 25 yards that again Bre handled really well.
The parents who watched from the elevated bleachers told the coaches after the game that Parsippany played the second half with only 10 players.... It didn't register with this coach during the game, but their packed defense was emphasized even more with less players up top to be able take advantage of a transition. 5 minutes in Amy cut back nicely and dropped to Syd who floated a ball to the far post that just missed Siobhan who was running on perfectly. 5 minutes later Syd switched the field to Paige who fed a great lead pass through the defense again to a perfectly timed run from Siobhan who connected and claimed a corner off a deflection.
Most of the rest of the half saw the Wildcats pressuring the out-numbering defense who booted clear, and re-grouped for another wave, until the 34th minute that saw Hannah make a strong wing run, then turn her defender and cross to Syd, who beat another defender and placed the ball, with aplomb, low past the keeper for a 2-0 lead, and the win.
GO WILDCATS !!!