Girls Soccer - Friday night’s game showed how we as a team follow our motto, “Start Strong, Finish Stronger.” From the very beginning of the game, the girls knew that they had their hands full. Academy had several girls up top who had tremendous speed on the ball. However, once we were able to identify their strengths, we were able to accommodate and contain AA girls.
We had several things going against us from the very beginning. It was very apparent that the AA coach had done his research, and he had pin pointed our targets that he wanted to shut down. It was difficult for us to get anything moving up top right away, because our targets were marked tight. However, once the girls settled down, created space, and played consistently, we were able to get things moving. Laura Abney scored the first goal of the evening with about 7 minutes to go in the first half with an excellent through ball by Fabiola Rojas.
The second half was a true testament to how well the girls are able to keep their composure and play the game in every circumstance. The game became very physical during the second half, and once Academy put a point on the board, things were turned up even more. It was a constant back and forth battle between OC and AA that came down to the wire. We were trying several different people in some new spots to see if we could throw off Academy and get them out of their groove. With five minutes remaining in the second half, Brianna Basinger shot from outside the eighteen yard line, which then bounced off an Academy defender to set up a corner kick. Laura Abney hooked in the kick that Katie Pilson was able to drive into the back of the net. The final score of the night was Oglethorpe 2, Academy 1.
I’m glad that the weather did not keep us from playing Friday, because this was a good heads up for what is to come. As we get into region play this week, things are sure to get intense. As I always tell the girls, in order to get somewhere that you haven’t been before, you need to work like you never have. – Coach Rindone
Boys Soccer - The boys are getting there. We've played teams with a bit more quality players and experience and all you can do is man up and play inspired soccer. They're starting to do that more and more and Friday night was the best they've played yet as a team.
We gave up a quick goal in the first couple minutes but instead of putting our heads down and quitting, we frustrated them time and time again. They didn't expect us to have that kind of fight and we didn't let up.
We had some opportunities where we needed that one last pass but I know the goals will come. Eli Johnson proved himself as a defender Friday which allows us to put the speed and aggressiveness of Cody Flores up top for some goal opportunities. I know our record doesn't show it, but these tougher games are helping us and preparing us for the region schedule this week.
Jefferson will be tough but if we continue to play with the same kind of intensity, the results should come. I have to give our captains a lot of credit for their encouraging example and keeping our team confident in these tough games. I'm really proud of those guys. – Coach Norton
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