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Green Hope 0 vs. Athens Drive 1
The Athens Drive Jaguars visited Falcon stadium for a pivotal conference fixture.
Both teams are sitting behind Apex and Cary in the Tri-7 conference.
Athens and GH are challenging for the third and final spot for the
State Play-offs and the winner of this game would be in the driver's
seat.
Green Hope had their share of golden scoring opportunities in the
first half. Green Hope had 11 shots to 2 for the Jaguars. One of the Athens
shots was a penalty kick that missed the goal entirely. However,
the continued inability of the Falcons to capitalize on their scoring
chances came back to haunt them. At the half, the score was tied
at 0-0.
The second half was much different as Athens Drive put more pressure
on Green Hope and had a plethora of scoring opportunities. Were
it not for some key saves by Jonathan Schwartz, gutsy defending
by the Falcons and lets call it luck, the score could have been
lopsided in Athens favor. Athens hit the crossbar, had several scrums
inside the box that the Falcons were able to thwart and numerous
corners. The positive note of the second half was the bravery and
heart the Falcons displayed by throwing their bodies around to keep
the ball out of the net. We are waiting for the attacking Falcons
to show the same courage and put some body part on a ball in the
attacking box to score a goal.
Athens Drive broke through on a Falcon turnover in midfield to have
a numbers up attack. The last Falcon defender decided to try to
catch Athens offsides, but all credit to Athens; the timing of the
pass and run were perfect creating a one-on-one with Schwartz. Athens
placed the ball in the far lower corner for the 1-0 lead.
Unfortunately, the tremendous defensive effort by GH was all for
naught as the struggling Falcon midfield failed to maintain possession,
keep a disciplined shape and distribute quality passes for goal
scoring opportunities. Meanwhile, when there was a chance created,
GH failed to convert with a lackluster effort by the forwards to
do anything it takes to get a goal.
Again, Green Hope loses a close game by one (1) goal. Three (3)
of the four (4) losses this season have been one (1) goal losses.
Moreover, in the four (4) loses, Green Hope has only scored one
(1) goal. The team, as a whole, has to take it upon itself to create
scoring opportunities and FINISH!
With 10 seniors on an 21 player roster, the team is looking for
leadership from within to avoid being the first Green Hope team
to miss the State Play-offs since 1999. Can the Falcons step up
the challenge and is the team willing to fight to the finish?
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