The Pirates had the kick-off, but the ball was quickly at the Cougars feet with the game being played in the Pirates half. Blair had the crowd on their toes with a shot in the 4th minute, then Dixie in the 11th. A period of play had the Pirates in the Cougar half, but solid defending from Laura, Isabelle, Dixie and Ashley kept the ball well away from the Cougars goal.

The Cougars were soon back into the Pirates half showing their ability to maintain possession and probe their opponents defense. Kate had a shot in the 20th minute, and Daniela in the 24th, but with almost all the Stevenson players in front of the goal it was hard to find any openings.

The Pirates were quickly resorting to a kick and run strategy, booting the ball long and hoping that their one speedy player might run onto it. Countering after Daniela’s attempt, they did manage to get through the Cougar back line, but the touch was poor and no threat to Gen. The long balls were mostly either going out of touch, dropping easily to Isabelle or Laura, or so far ahead of the runner, that Gen could easily collect them and initiate the counter attack.

The 26th minute had Jackie driving down the left flank through the worst of the mud to deliver a dangerous ball into the middle – it pinged off a couple of players before Blair poked it away for the opening goal!

Adjusting tactically, the Cougars were playing the ball deep, drawing back all their opposition, then dropping the ball back to their attacking mids. This gave Blair two more scoring opportunities before the half.

Although the Cougars were clearly in control, a one goal margin at half time was not particularly comfortable! The Pirates “kick and run” game was not very pretty, but it was a threat when the Cougars were unable to finish their chances on the Pirate’s goal. The Pirates were also becoming increasingly frustrated with their lack of possession, and the tackles getting rougher.

The Cougars kicked off the second half and quickly were playing possession in the Pirates half. In the 42nd minute, Kate worked the ball deep into the right corner, then crossed low hard to the near post. Blair stepped into it and headed it into the corner! 2 – 0 Cougars!

The Pirates were not about to quit, and were quickly on the offensive, getting off their second reasonable chance on the Cougar’s goal. Refocusing, the Cougars again took control, with Laura releasing a long shot from midfield in the 52nd minute, and a dangerous ball from Daniela testing the Pirates in the 58th minute. Then a long free kick from Jackie going just wide. Some days it’s as if there’s a force field around the opponents goal!

The Cougars gave up a free kick in the 64th minute about 30 yards out. The Pirates pushed up numbers for this opportunity, sensing one of their best opportunities of the match. The ball was struck hard but high, but dropped just under the bar and over Gen’s up stretched hands – the Pirates had pulled back a goal! The tension was palpable with the Pirates hoping against all odds that they might be able to garner a tie from this game!

The Cougars kept their cool, with Daniela almost making the back of the net in the 68th minute, Kate in the 74th, and then Daniela again in the 78th. The Pirates’ kick and run tactic offered them several forays within range of the Cougars’ goal, but nothing was able to get past the Cougar back four to offer any realistic threat!

The 2 – 1 final score line did not reflect just how much the Cougars had dominated possession and scoring opportunities in this match. But that’s the nature of the game – all that matters is the ball going in the net! We’ll take the 2 – 1 win!

GO COUGARS!