JV Cougars tie Rockets, 1-1

JV Cougars tie Rockets, 1-1

The Monday evening game between the Quince Orchard JV Cougars and the Richard Montgomery Rockets was all about ball control and defense. The Cougars controlled the ball on the field throughout the game and the Rockets' defense set up a force field around the net refusing to yield a score except for a penalty kick.

The first half of the game was all Cougars. The Cougars were relentless on their attack and sent a number of shots on goal keeping the Rockets' goal keeper on her toes. Unfortunately, the Cougars could not get the ball in the net. All of the Cougar front line and midfield players had shots at the goal in the first half.

One of the prettiest plays of the game came with just under two minutes left in the half. The Rockets were able to clear the ball out of their defensive area and send a pass forward for a breakaway on the Cougars' goal. Grace Toohey ran down the Rocket player from behind, executed a perfect shoulder charge and took the ball away sending it wide away from our goal. It was a text book example of how to clear the ball on a breakaway. Nice job Grace!

The second half was more of the same with the Cougars putting pressure on the Rockets' goal. Ten minutes into the second half, the Rockets committed a hand ball in the penalty area which resulted in a penalty kick. Kayla Hamedi deposited a well placed shot into the lower right corner of the goal for a 1-0 Cougar lead.

Six minutes later the Rockets sent a direct kick toward the Cougars' goal. Our keeper blocked the shot but the Rockets were able to send the rebound into the net for a score and a 1-1 tie. It was a beautiful kick on the part of the Rockets and they were able to aggressively challenge the Cougars in the goal area to send the shot on goal.

The next 20 minutes of the half and two 5 minute over time periods resulted in more of the same. Good opportunities by the Cougars resulted in many shots on goal, but none crossed the line for a score. The Rockets' goal keeper was on fire and was able to stop everything we sent her way.

"As I look back on the game," Coach Alison reflected, "we set out to get back to our normal controlling type of play and we accomplished just that. The girls passed well, communicated effectively, and sent a lot of shots on goal. We just ran into a keeper who was hot and would not allow us to score. I am proud of the way our girls played tonight and how they fought throughout the game."