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Green Hope 5 @ Durham Jorday 1
Green Hope traveled to Durham Jordan on Thursday with a 2-2 record
and were looking to avenge a 2-1 defeat to Jordan in the first game
of the year.
Jordan has one of the best high school facilities in the state.
It is a soccer specific, with a brightly lit 120 by 80 yard grass
field that is immaculately maintained, and a great atmosphere. Green
Hope was eager to step on the pitch since the boys had not played
in 9 days due to rain outs.
Green Hope started out a little rusty, but soon found their form.
John Hindman got the ball down the left side and beat a player to
go one on one with the keeper. Hindman calmly placed his shot past
the keeper for the 1-0 lead. Next, Justin "California"
Taylor found himself all alone on the left hand side and buried
a shot in the side netting. The half ended 2-0 in Green Hope's favor
with very little opportunity for Jordan to score.
Green Hope was determined to use this game as a statement to serve
notice that they are a good squad. The boys were fired up at half-time
not to let up. Jordan, showing the great resolve of a top program,
made some adjustments by moving their star player Ike into midfield.
Green Hope kept up the attack and Martin Murphy beat a couple of
players in the box to score from close range. Jordan's lineup adjustments
did lead to a couple of dangerous chances, including a shot off
the post that was cleared away by the GH defense. The surge was
short-lived, however, as Thomas Lindsey stepped up to mark Ike and
shut him down for the remainder of the contest.
Offensively, Green Hope was able to get in for two more scores.
First, Taylor Estrada was able to get through and poke one home
for the 4-0 lead. Then, Zach Query came off the bench, adding some
fresh legs and some spark to the team, and was able to get in behind
the defense to make it 5-0.
With under 30 seconds to go, Jordan earned a penalty kick. Eric
Santilli, the Green Hope keeper, was determined to keep the shut-out
and made a super save, but the Jordan forward knocked in his rebound
to make it 5-1.
Green Hope played inspired, composed and super soccer. They moved
the ball around confidently and with pace. Unfortunately, two players
left the game with injuries, but we hope for speedy recoveries for
both of them.
There is no particular player to single out for an exceptional
performance as truly the entire team was "on". Congratulations
Green Hope Falcons - let's see if you can start a streak!
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