Right off the bat the girls were hyped up and ready to battle for redemption! We started off with high pressure in every third of the field forcing many turnovers. When we won the ball we attacked at speed looking to combine and create opportunities. Within the first 10 minutes alone we had 6 shots on goal, one hitting the post and miraculously saved by the keeper. Although we had a total of 14 shots on goal, a corner kick, and countless chances to take the lead we ended the half tied at zeros.
After a short break at the half the Crusaders were rejuvenated and ready to face another 45 minutes of play. We won 50/50 balls out of our midfield and defense and transitioned quickly into the attack. In the first 10 minutes of play we accumulated a corner kick and 4 shots on goal. The JCU attack accumulated a few corner kicks and shots on goal but our defense held strong and cleared away every chance they had. Towards the end of the half we really pushed our play into gear and racked up another 10 shots on goal with 3 more corner kicks! Despite our clearly dominant possession we were unable to sink the ball into the net, so we went into overtime.
The time started and our players went into overdrive as they chased down every opportunity with a drive unmatched by the JCU team. Only 4 minutes into the game, Becca Cartmill won the ball out of the air and dribbled at goal. She blasted a shot at the keeper who blocked it but knocked it loose. Shelby Johnson, already on her run towards goal, put a foot on it and knocked it past the keeper and their tracking defenders into the net winning the game 1-0! This win was well deserved as the entire team put their whole hearts into this game and were able to redeem themselves against JCU.
We will travel to Ohio Northern University on Thursday, November 6 with a kick off at 4pm for the semi-final game! Although it is an away game we do hope to have our CapFam cheering us on and supporting us! GO CRUSADERS!
No comments:
Post a Comment