MNJYSA: Week C
On another unseasonably warm fall day, the WILDCATS found themselves visiting a Readington team that sits at the bottom of the flight. Following a state cup win, yesterday, the WILDCATS might have been feeling a little over-confident and their play in the first half did not match the levels they achieved against flight leaders Watchung Hills less than 24 hours ago. The field was hard, dry and bumpy, but instead of using our skills to compensate for this we were panicked and we allowed Readington too much possession. Even though our net was never really challenged, our sloppy play almost made the game look like a rec. game for most of the first half. One bright spot before the half was In the 28th minute when Amy took the ball deep down the right flank and dropped it back to Reb who was supporting wide just outside the 18. Reb let one go high and deep, and it found the back of the net for a 1-0 lead.
As with the Franklin game, at half-time, the WILDCATS were told that they were playing at the level of their opponents and that they needed to execute fundamentals, run through balls, and play their game with confidence. Overall, the WILDCATS picked it up in the second half and their pressure was rewarded in the 7th minute when Syd floated in a high shot from about 25 yards out that easily beat the keeper to put the WILDCATS up 2-0.
Ten minutes later the WILDCATS found out why 2-0 is the worst lead to have as the home team was awarded a dubious penalty kick (as we were not awarded a free kick for a trip moments prior to the PK call) which they converted to cut our lead to 2-1. The rest of the game wasn't pretty, but we maintained pressure and caused the Readington keeper to handle a back-pass which resulted in an indirect free kick on the 6 yard line. After a little confusion, Syd touched the ball and Jules blasted it through legs and bodies into the back of the net to secure the victory.
With the win the WILDCATS maintain their spot at the top of the flight, but know they need to work harder and smarter to continue their winning ways in the league and in State Cup.