JV Cougars Nip Jaguars, 2-1

It took two perfect plays, a team that did not give up and a dad willing to get wet to help our Cougar JV ladies pull off a 2-1 victory over the visiting Northwest Jaguars on Saturday.

Before the game even started, Mike 'Squeegee' Moran worked diligently to rid the sideline of excess water resulting from the overnight rain storm. His efforts helped to make the field playable by game time which was greatly appreciated by everyone.

The first half of the game was played in the middle of the field with very little offense generated by both teams. The Jaguars were able to send two shots toward goal and the Cougars were able to respond with two shots of their own just before the end of the first half. With wet field conditions and slippery footing the lady Cougars were unable to control the ball as they normally do.

The second half was much different than the first. The Cougars began to attack and send shots on goal. Unfortunately for the Cougars a miscue in the center circle resulted in a Jaguars breakaway goal five minutes into the second half.

The Cougar ladies did not give up and they continued to push hard as a team. With just over 23 minutes remaining Debra Jones grabbed a loose ball in the center circle and sent a beautifully paced pass forward in front of Allie Solomon who sent a lovely low drive into the net to even up the game at 1-1. "That was a perfect play," Coach Alison stated at the end of the game. "It got us back on track and really helped us take control of the game."

For the next 15 minutes the Cougars unleashed an onslaught of shots toward goal. Shots were taken by many of the ladies, while our defenders were able to help keep the ball on the Cougars offensive end. After three successive corner kicks the Cougars were fouled just outside the left corner of the goal area. Coach Alison called for Maddie Crow to take the direct kick. Maddie sent the perfect shot over the keeper's head for a 2-1 lead.

Coach Alison was very happy at the end of the game and said, "The girls really pulled together as a team today. Northwest is a very good team and our Cougars stepped up when they needed to, to pull off this wonderful come from behind victory. I thought our defenders did a great job today. They worked well together and with the exception of the Jaguar's one goal never gave up any meaningful shots on goal."

We may not have had perfect field conditions, but the Cougars pulled off a comeback with a couple of perfect plays executed by a cohesive, hard working group of young ladies..... and as for Mike Moran, he was able to go home and dry off knowing that he helped to make the field playable for our young lady Cougars. Cougar girls -- our "pride" ... well done everyone!