Game 8: EKL vs. BV Southwest

21 April vs. BV Southwest at Southwest (1-2 OT)

Well we knew we would be in a close match tonight, as we thought both teams would have limited opportunities to score.

I have always liked Southwest's midfield, but I really thought that Meyers and Holmes played well tonight.  And that point on the diamond, Marge Pigott, just played fantastically. In fact, she claimed her second BWhite Player of the Game honors. She did score what could have been the game-winning goal if I could coach a little better or if a side official would share my belief that if 3 players are standing inside the 6-box in an offsides position that they are involved in the play.

We battled to a scoreless first half. Now they did create 4 dangerous corner kick situations that we escaped, but overall they did not get much built towards goal. We also established three corners, but our services were off tonight. 

The second half was quite similar, but we were generating some corners and getting some balls down to the baseline. They had cleared one of these balls but Molly Schmidt d'ed it back in for some nifty footwork from Pigott as she got it touched by a defender and by the keeper.

I should have added a second defensive midfielder after that, but for whatever reason (stupidity?) I did not. With about 9 minutes to go Southwest struck for another great corner opportunity.  We just did a great job (I think it was Tyler) of heading the dangerous ball back out.  Southwest runs a similar re-corner to ours and one of their girls played a beautiful ball back in to the back post, just like we do. They crashed the post for a nice half-volley that Allyiah touched (wow, does she have quick hands) off the post and in. We were so far away I figured we just did not get off the posts, but unfortunately we video all the games. Wow. I think 3-4 players are offsides (or should I say in an offsides position when the ball is played back on). But great ball, great finish.

We would like to see us get a little more done up top and wide, but overall we played a pretty solid match. We will obviously see Southwest again in post season.

Tonight was just a great high school soccer match. They did end it quickly and nicely in overtime as their last goal was well, stunning.

STATS: First Half: Saints: Shots: 0  Corners: 3 (Romme, Kwap, Reynolds)

Southwest: Shots: 3 (1) Corners: 4

Second Half: Saints:  Corners: 2 (Miller, Romme)

19:00 Pigott (Schmidt plays a d-ball in)

Southwest:

9:33 #4 (Corner is cleared but played back in to the back post)

7:45 OT #6 (Great cross to the back post for a one-touch center and a one-touch finish.)