| Right from the coin toss, things were looking up for the Cougars. Although Stevenson won the toss, they gave the Cougars the side they desired - having the Stevenson goalie looking into the setting sun. Although playing into a brisk north wind, the Cougars quickly took charge of the game. Stevenson had many big and strong players, and relied heavily on physical play. In response, the Cougars focused on their one-touch combination game and let the ball do a lot of the work for them. As the first half wore on, the Cougars began to gain the upper hand, and frustration began to creep into the Stevenson game. The Cougars finished the half with four solid chances on the Stevenson goal, compared to only two for the opposition. Sarah Wright had only two weak saves to deal with, thanks in part to magnificent work from the Cougar's back four - Dixie, Kaitlin, Laura and Isabelle. The Cougar's quick pressure everywhere on the field was upsetting Stevenson and forcing errors in their play. Regaining possession, the Cougars were fast in the counter attack and working efficiently and clinically as a team. The second half opened with the Cougars in complete control. They were combining very effectively and putting lots of pressure on the Stevenson goal. In the 53rd minute Daniela and Kate worked the ball down the right side, Kate sent the ball to an unmarked Blair in front of the goal, who needed no invitation to put it away! 12 minutes later, the Cougars again came down the right, with Isabelle finding Kate who passed to Daniela in the penalty area. Daniela turned, faking to the outside, but cut inside and drove it into the net - a first class goal! At this point, Stevenson seemed to falter. They had managed only once to get into the Cougars' half since halftime, and now they were on their heels. At 71 minutes, Blair sent a dangerous ball into the penalty area that was not cleared effectively, and Daniela was quick to pounce upon and make it 3-0. Three minutes later, Kate was taken down in the penalty area and awarded a PK. She took it herself, placing the ball deliberately into the left hand corner beyond the goalie's reach. With the game drawing to a close, Kate picked up a poor clearance and took it to goal by herself to make it 5-0. Before the final whistle blew, she shot again, hitting the right post and having the ball roll across the entire goal, but not go over the line! A fantastic team effort today - everyone gave 110% to earn a remarkable victory over our arch-rival! Does this go down in the record book? |