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Falcons shutdown Apex, 2-0
This was as rewarding a win as Monday's loss was disappointing. We had to adjust many things, most importantly, our movement, effort, and attitude. It was a short time to make such adjustments, and against the best opponent our conference has had to offer for the last 10 years. The fact that we were able to make these changes, and against such a quality team like Apex, says a lot about this team here at Green Hope. It was exciting to say the least.When we beat them last year, both teams took turns being the aggressor. The thing about this game, is that for the most part, we came out being the aggressive, physical team. Traditionally, we have a hard time doing that against a team of Apex's ability, because they are as good as you get at playing strong and aggressive. But the ladies looked very comfortable, and played as hard as I have seen them play, and exactly as I knew that they could play. I am very proud of all of them today. The players had to adjust to new positions and new starting/reserve rolls. If some players had not accepted these changes, our chemistry would not have allowed us to be successful. In fact, they played as well as we could have asked them to in reserve rolls, and as much as anything, this attitude contributed to our success. Everyone did the job asked of them. In the back, Morgan Burk regained her aggressiveness and command in the box. Her defense only made her face 8 true shots, and she made the needed saves on 5 of them. But she stepped to through balls and covered for the backs consistently. Rachel Wells went back into a new spot, the sweeperback position, and was marvelous. We do lose some attack with her back there, but she is so consistent and brilliant that she was able to gobble up most of the pressure that she got. She still is our best header, and had a good try in the corner kick department. Caitlin Messina brought speed and aggression to the centerback spot, and was able to control the ball to the midfield. She is a new starter, and really has surpassed all expectations as a freshman in a tough position. Emily Dunn was at that spot to finish both halves, and her experience was needed, especially while we were holding on to the lead in the second half. We started Michaela Clarke at the outside back, along with Haley Rafols. Michaela was as strong as we could have hoped for, and her great speed was needed. Haley was a warrior, with her back hurting with each throw, and she really controlled the other side. Her great throw ins got the ball out of pressure, and created pressure in the Apex box. Haley Patsey gave us about half a game at the outside back as well, and she was also wonderful. She secured the game with a clearance off the line during Apex's best attack of the match, that saved a goal. Finally, senior Shea Reynolds, who has been hurting the last two days, gave much needed time at a new spot, but really just returning to an old spot, at right back. Our forwards pressured the goal even when the midfield couldn't catch up to them to support. Reilly Brown didn't tally a stat, but she was everywhere, and pressured the back line constantly. She was almost always dealing with double teams, but she is used to that by now. Her play, and she never left the game, allowed the other front runners space to work. Anya Koren was in a reserve roll, and kept the pressure up when she was in the game. She was playing the ball quickly tonight, and hustled as well as I've seen. But little Grace Hamashima was our hero in the front. The freshman started, and showed her speed and take-on ability. She almost scored with 15 minutes left, but hit the crossbar and had it bounce out. She didn't miss with about 7 minutes left, when she beat a defender badly, and powered the ball into the back of the net. At outside midfield, Ashley Stokes got the go ahead goal, when she started out with her trademark left footed cross, which deflected back to her, then went around that defender to finish at the post with the right. She was the same tonight as she always is; strong, fast, and skilled. Olivia Meek spelled her at an exhausting position, and held up well. On the right side, Keris Evans and Tori Krause split time, and played strong. Whether is was the speed and swerve of Keris, or the power of Tori, they not only protected us on the right, but attacked as well. At the central midfield, Maria Rodriguez came in each half and kept the high level of play going, and controlled her aggression after her early card (Maria is going to go for the ball, regardless of if a player is in the way or not!). The new starters there were an area of some concern before the game. I knew each could play well there, but to expect them to work together, with no preparation, against a midfield the level of Apex...these were lofty expectations indeed. Fortunately for us, they did work well, and in my mind, controlled this game. Jordan Vezina was smart and quick. She moved the ball expertly, and kept all the attacking positions connected. She played exactly as we needed her to play. Ashley Shaffer wasn't getting as many touches as she would like up front, but she got plenty of work in the center of the park, and she rewarded the team with both the assists for our goals. This win puts us back in the drivers seat. If the ladies can win out, we should take first in the conference. But the toughest test is next, as we must play back to back, against a tough and talented Athens Drive team. We have the formula for success now, and we must use it again, as sore and tired as we are likely to be. At least our future is in our own hands again, and that is all you can ask for. |
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