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Green Hope 0 vs. Cary 2 (OT)
Cary traveled down the road to Green Hope for their second match
of the year between the two local schools. Cary won the first outing
5-0 and the Falcons were looking for revenge.
The majority of the game did not produce many scoring opportunities
for either team. Defensively, Green Hope focused on denying quick
service on restarts and having control of the long balls being played
in by Cary. Offensively, Green Hope focused on counter attacks and
play down the wings.
The defensive strategy and team adoption to the game plan by GH
was extremely impressive. Green Hope was well organized and funneled
all long balls into their keeper, Jonathan Schwartz. Green Hope
also neutralized Cary’s strong midfield. The offensive strategy
was moderately successful, leading to a few numbers up chances and
shots on goal, but overall not enough to produce a goal. Cary can
be commended on their defensive play as well as the play of their
goalkeeper.
Green Hope’s best chance came in the second half as Ryan Lockhart
found himself open on the left flank, but sent his shot a foot past
the upper right post. The team’s held on to end regulation
(80 minutes) tied at 0-0.
Conference rules stipulate an overtime period of two 10-minute
halves to be played in their entirety. Within the first 2 minutes
Cary got a man in the Green Hope penalty box. The Cary player was
covered by a Green Hope teammate as the GH keeper came off his line
to assist in the effort. The Cary player, quick to notice what was
happening, took a quick shot under the sliding Jonathan Schwartz
to go up 1-0, Cary.
A few minutes later Cary played the ball deep into the corner of
the Green Hope half. Green Hope threw the ball in, but was unable,
after several attempts, to clear it from their defensive third.
The ball eventually landed at the feet of a Cary forward, who played
a combination in the box with a teammate and beat a defenseless
Jon Schwartz, 2-0 Cary.
The Falcon’s tried to fight back in the second 10-minute overtime,
but they could not penetrate Cary’s defense.
The Falcons played a very good game and were extremely disciplined
in their shape and play. Unfortunately, their last pass in the final
third was just off by a fraction and they could not muster a goal.
Green Hope is now 10-5-2 overall and 5-4 in conference play. The
team plays Apex (17-0) on Wednesday. The team looks to bounce back
against the perennial conference foe!
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