|
Green Hope 1 @ Middle Creek 2 (OT)
The Falcons traveled to Middle Creek for their first Tri-8 conference
game of the year. Middle Creek is a 5 year old school and their soccer
team has continued to improve every year. However, in 5 years, Middle
Creek has yet to beat Green Hope, suffering 10 consecutive losses to the
Falcons. Middle Creek was extremely motivated to end that streak.
The game started with even play by both teams. Twenty minutes into the
game, Middle Creek exposed Green Hope between their center backs and left
defender and were able to get behind the defense to put home the first
goal of the night. Middle Creek 1 - Green Hope 0.
Green Hope had several chances to score, but their finishing was not up
to par and several attempts were easy saves for the Middle Creek keeper.
At the other end, Middle Creek was creating chances of their own as they
won many of the 50-50 balls and sent them back to the offensive third.
Fortunately, they weren't finishing chances either - as shots on goal tended
to be right at Eric Santilli, the Green Hope net minder.
In the second half, Green Hope dominated the first 15 minutes with several
attacking chances but were unable to capitalize. With a quarter of the game
left, Thomas Lindsey got in behind the defense and was fouled in the box in
addition to a Middle Creek handball. The ref directly pointed to the penalty
spot for the kick. Nick Butterly calmly stepped up and confidently buried
it in the back of the net for the 1-1 tie. Regulation time expired and
because this was conference play, two 10-minute overtime periods ensued.
In the first segment, Middle Creek played a ball down the right side that
was controlled and served back across the box. An unmarked Middle Creek
player headed a blooping shot toward the goal that somehow
found the back of the net. 2-1 Middle Creek up.
The Falcons fought to tie the score, but it was not to be. The Falcons fall
to 3-3 and 0-1 in the conference. The Falcons must start to understand that
the schedule for their opponents has a few games circled as big games and
Green Hope is one of those big games for most programs. Every game is a
battle and the Falcons have a target on their back. The team must play top
soccer night in and night out to fend of the attack and be successful.
Green Hope fights back on Wednesday as they host Panther Creek.
|
