Raiders Suffer First Loss

On Saturday the JV girls soccer team lost for the first time this season, 2-1 to Immaculata LaSalle High School.  As the score indicates the teams were evenly matched with just a little difference in focus and execution.  The Raiders had high hopes of continuing their winning streak with a quick start, taking the first two shots of the game.  Then LaSalle settled down and started controlling the ball in our half of the field.   They put pressure on our defense and midfield, but the girls held the game even until the first water break.  LaSalle got around the left side of our defense and scored on a very good shot.  The Raiders collected themselves and tried to even the score, but eight minutes later LaSalle worked the ball through the center of the defense and scored again for a 2-0 lead at halftime.

After a lively discussion, we switched some players' positions which worked well.  We were able to put pressure on their defense with long runs into their penalty area.  The girls really put their goalkeeper to the test, and sure enough she left a rebound that Jamie Sanford knocked home.  The intensity of the game really picked up after we scored.  As often happens the trailing team pushes forward to score the tying goal which plenty of space for the opponent . Fortunately, our defense and in particular goalkeeper Dani Zebede were up to the task.  She made numerous saves throughout the second half keeping her team one goal behind.  Unfortunately, LaSalle was able to stop all of our efforts and won the game.  As a result of the strong second half play, Dani Pineros and Zebede were name co-MVPs for the game.

Our next game is Nov. 28 at Palmer Trinity.  Happy Thanksgiving!