Cougar JV teams impressive win against Warriors, 4-0

by Bob Jones

The Cougar JV ladies turned in a beautiful team performance Tuesday night against the Sherwood Warriors. From the onset of the match, the Cougars were focused and played together as a team. Communications between players was positive and helpful, passing and movement was fluid, and the overall energy level was high.

During the first 25 minutes of the game the Cougars pressured the Warriors and kept the ball on the offensive end of the field. With 12 minutes remaining in the first half Kayla Hamedi sent a long, high cross from the right side that landed just under the cross bar for our first score. What a beautiful kick! With less than a minute to play in the first half Sabrina Szymczak sent a nice pass to Jessica Konecke who dribbled up the left side and kicked a lovely low shot past the keeper for the second Cougar goal.

“I was extremely pleased with all of the Cougars in the first half. Unlike the first two games, the Cougars came out fast and were relentless and extremely focused,” Coach Alison stated. “I thought Maddie Crow was on fire during the first half and she really helped to keep the ball out of our defensive half of the field. She had her ‘A” game today.”

The Warriors pressured the Cougars for the first 5 minutes of the second half and really tested our keeper, Jessie Wagner for the first time in the game. The Cougars recovered from their slow start of the second half and proceeded to pressure the Warriors for the remainder of the game.

With 14 minutes remaining in the game Vicki Alvarado recovered a ball in the goal area and sent a low shot into the left corner of the net for the Cougars third score. Sabrina worked her magic again with less than a minute remaining and threaded a beautiful pass forward to Ally Solomon who then scored on a well placed shot. The whistle blew and the Cougar JV ladies had their first win of the season.

Coach Alison was very complimentary of everyone on the team. “All of the Cougar ladies played well and contributed to the team win. Practically every lady on the team had a shot at goal and if they didn’t shoot made some amazing defensive plays to keep the ball in the offensive half of the field. I loved watching the Cougars play today. They played with heart and poise. They were patient and disciplined and never lost faith in their abilities. I am very proud of the Cougars.”

The Cougar ladies really gelled as a team against the Warriors and played a very nice game of soccer!