| Lots of extra excitement late in this game, when Dana Winn's asthma necessitated a visit to the emergency room. After treatment she returned to school later in the evening. Thanks to Mr and Mrs Campos for looking after her at the emergency room. On a very cold afternoon, the San Benito Haybalers immediately took the game to Santa Catalina with fast and powerful attacking play. In the second minute, a through ball bobbled on the uneven surface, unexpectedly slipping past Sarah Wright into the goal. The Cougars looked a little shaken, and for a while absorbed a lot of pressure from the Haybalers, with Sarah Wright making some key saves. Mid-way into the first half, the Cougars began to regain their composure and effectively attack the opponents goal. Shots from Daniela, Jackie and Danielle were all on target, but saved by the keeper. The second half saw the Cougars opening with confidence and assertiveness. In the 42nd minute, April won the ball directly from the Haybalers goal kick, dridbled up and slotted it past the keeper. The game intensity then jumped to a new level! The Haybalers quickly countered, earning a freekick 25 yards from our goal. A driven shot to the far post slipped off Sarah's gloves, hit the post and went into the net. Undeterred, the Cougars rallied, and an attack up the right side in the 50th minute delivered the ball to Kate, who maneuvered around several defenders before dropping the ball back to April for a well executed goal. The game went back and forth with furious intensity, with both keepers making key saves. Around the 60th minute, Dana needed to come out, as her asthma began to flair up. The Cougars maintained a lot of focus despite Dana being treated at the bench. In the 70th minute, high pressure in front of the Cougar goal had Sarah Wright tangle with one of the Haybalers forwards, and a Penalty Kick was awarded. The goal did not stop the Cougars who pressed hard for the remaining 10 minutes, including a great shot from Isabelle, but the Haybalers were determined to hold onto their one goal lead. A great effort from our relatively young Cougar squad. Playing tough physical teams and risking a loss is what we need to take our game to a higher level. It will only serve us well for end of season play-offs. GO COUGARS! |