Let me preface this game report with the fact that San Benito High School has approximately 1500 girls enrolled, and Santa Catalina has 240. While it may not quite match the odds the Spartans had against the Persians, it should shed some perspective on the match. To put it politely, Santa Catalina kicks some soccer balls!

San Benito kicked off on a cool overcast afternoon, but within minutes the Santa Catalina COUGARS were threatening the ‘Balers goal. Daniela rattled the competition in the 5th minute, then Kate in the 7th. San Benito quickly regrouped and put their physical power and presence into action. The Cougars were under pressure for the next 15 minutes before the ‘Balers were rewarded with a goal in the 21st minute. A one vs. one situation developed against Gen, and a well place ball slipped into the far post corner.

Consistently this season the Cougars have reacted to their opponents scoring with nothing but renewed focus and determination: Taking the game to the ‘Balers, the Cougars were on the hunt. Working the wings and their centers, Blair and April connected with Jackie and Sarah to find Daniela open in the 29th minute. Needing no invitation, Daniela hit the net to tie the game!

Back and forth the game went with probing midfield attacks from both teams. Although Laura had started the game, her quad injury had quickly flared up, forcing Ashley to support Isabelle in the center and Stephanie to deal with all the attacks down the Cougars right just as in the Notre Dame game. This time though, our opponents had the fire power to inflict significant damage! The Cougars were absorbing a lot of pressure defensively with Isabelle managing a flat four but covering the ground of a sweeper and more. In the dying minutes of the first half, San Benito attacked with Gen making a key save. Then the Cougars countered with April firing off a shot. In the 39th minute San Benito sent in a ball from the touchline – all of 40 yards – that sailed directly into the far post netting. Deliberate shot or miss-directed cross, either way it was an unstoppable goal!

The half time chat focused on all the things we were doing well, and how best to deal with the holes we were giving the ‘Balers. Kicking off, the Cougars were quickly at the ‘Balers goal. A great cross in from Kendra in the 42nd minute found the out stretched right foot of Mikayla at the far post – the ball sliding outside to the right of the post – Oh so close! The Cougars continued the pressure, finding Blair with opportunities in the 48th and 53rd minutes. April tested the ‘keeper in the 61st minute. The Cougar back four was performing well as a unit, and the Baler’s pushed back on every attack. Then out of the blue, another long outside shot/cross from the ‘Balers – Gen pushed to the near post, the ball again finding the far post inside netting – power and precision in the ‘Balers players!

Are the Cougars undone this match?!

It ain’t over until the referee says it’s over! Absorbing one more ‘Balers attack, the Cougars finally decided that enough is enough. Daniela tested the keeper in the 70th minute, Blair ripped a shot in the 72nd. Winning the ‘Balers goal kick, Kate and Blair combined to beat all the ‘Balers mids to find Daniela inside the area – touch, turn, shoot, SCORE!

The Cougars dominate possession, fiercely and fearlessly attacking the ‘Balers! April barely misses the far post in the 77th minute, then Kate dances through half the opposition to have the ‘keeper stop her fantastic drive. In the last seconds the Cougars win a corner kick- mixing it up, they play it short, but it’s well read by San Benito, the ball is cleared, the ref blows the whistle for full-time!

Final score: 3 – 3. The fans definitely got their money’s worth!

What a game – our best performance ever against the ‘Balers. Isabelle was the anchor that shut down so many of the ‘Balers’ attacks, launching penetrating and dangerous counter attacks. Stephanie more than filled in Ashley’s right back position, while Ashley stood in for Laura. Daniela earned her third hat-trick of the season.

Undefeated, the Cougars retire (temporarily) to finals and Christmas Holidays. May their vacation days be filled with touches on the ball and shooting (scoring) practice!

On a (soccer) philosophical note: Kicking is not a soccer skill – passing, dribbling and SCORING are soccer skills! Please don’t let out opponents know!

GO COUGARS!