10/21 vs. Marietta

Yesterday we took the 2 hour drive out to Marietta to play in our 6th conference game. As soon as we got there the bad weather started to come down on us. The field was already muddy and slick and the consistent rain made it even more challenging. Despite the clear negatives of the weather and the beaten down field our Crusaders came out strong and determined to make a statement. The team worked well together and transitioned quickly creating a ton of scoring opportunities! In the first half alone we had 14 shots on goal resulting in 3 goals! The first was a cross from Amanda Kachaylo which was run down by Chloe Brown who placed it far post! Only four minutes later we scored again when Maura Fortino slotted the ball across the box where Amanda Kachaylo got on the end of it and finished! Then again 5 minutes later Becca Cartmill struck the ball towards goal, the goalie deflected it and Becca, who didn't give up on the shot, followed up and hit it into the goal! Her tenacity and efforts from the team left us up 3-0 at the half.

Going into the second half the girls were pumped from our success in the first half. They came out fierce and quickly began to attack creating more scoring opportunities. Five minutes into the second half Maura Fortino, once again, crossed the ball through the box to Amanda Kachaylo who placed it in the lower far corner! After the momentum of a quick goal the girls won the ball back. Claire Quinn took a shot from outside the box that hit the cross bar and bounced back into the box, Maura Fortino quickly saw the ball coming back out and sprinted to finish! 10 minutes later we gained a corner kick which was struck nicely by Claire Quinn. The ball was greeted by Mariah Richards at the near post who jumped up and headed it down and into the box! 9 minutes after that Monique Hanayik dribbled the ball down the field, took it to the end line and slotted it back towards Shelby Johnson who was making her way to goal. Shelby placed the ball one time past the keeper for our final goal of the game!

The Crusaders moved the ball quickly and fought hard for every 50/50 chance and we really used this game as an opportunity to get better and gain confidence in our attack. We had great efforts individually and as a group which is why we were able to create and finish so many opportunities! We are excited to face John Carroll this Saturday at 6pm at their field! Preparation and determination are key the next few days as we prepare for our next opportunity for greatness!