MNJYSA game #7 (10th game played)
Watching the weather forecast all day, both teams were really hoping that we could get this make-up game in before the storm rolled in. Since the Wildcats had clinched the flight championship before last Sunday's double-header, so the game didn't mean that much to them, but Livingston were bunched up with the rest of the teams in flight fighting to finish near the top, and were really looking for a win.
Livingston had been riled up before the game by their loud coach and trainer, and came out strong early on forcing a save from Lin. The Wildcats seemed relaxed, and were playing a little more confidently than they play in games when they think they have to win. After the first 10 minutes both teams settled in and the Wlildcats started advancing the ball. Mattie pushed a ball across the top of the 18 to Jules who hit the ball frist time with her left foot. The shot was mis-hit a little, but had enough on it to carry high to the far post, beating the keeper and putting the Wildcats up 1-0.
Livingston kept trying to play the ball out from the their defense to their midfielders, and then right up the middle from the middies, but Chesea, Liz, and Bri handled the 1-on-1's from the stopper and sweeper position all first half, with an occasional weak shot being allowed that was easily handled by Lin. After the goal the only real threat came from Jules on an assist from Amy on 22 minutes, but that effort was saved.
The Livingston coach and trainer got louder and louder as the game went on... the more the Wildcats beat the Liberty to balls, and created chances the more they were yelled at. Perhaps that method worked for a while as Bre was challenged at the 9,11 and 22 minute mark, highlighted by a brilliant stop on the 11 minute shot. The rains began midway through the second half and the play seemed to get diluted the more the rain fell. After Bre's save in the 22nd minute there was nothing of any note from either team, beside the Wildcats never giving up on any challenge and out hustling their opponents to the end.
The final whistle blew with the Wildcats as 2-0 victors, ending the season with 8 wins, 1 loss and 1 tie, scoring 16 goals, conceding only 5 and putting up 5 shut-outs !! Next up will be the U12G Mid-Jersey divisional play-offs. The Wildcats have a 1st round bye, then will likely play old rivals Watchung Hills on Wednesday 6/18. If victorious against Franklin, it is onto the championship game in East Brunswick on 6/21 likely against flight-1 champions Montclair Colchesters, who are a U11 team playing up a year, and who are also the current U11G NJ State Champions.
With this season complete, the LVU Wildcats have now won three consecutive mid-jersey flight championships, and have amassed a record of 24 wins, 2 losses and 4 ties in league play over those 3 seasons !!!!
GO WILDCATS !!!