SG Soccer: Word of the Day: "Trust"

 

How did the girls do this? How did they hold scoreless a team that, on paper at least, has more all-around soccer skill than they do? Trust. Trust in the system. And trust in each other.

 

The positional play of every single player in this game was incredible. They were always in the right place, keeping the team shape, supporting their teammates, which allowed those teammates to play with zero hesitation because they KNEW someone had their back if they got beat. It was a clinic out there, led by Hailey, Katelyn and Flavie who locked up the midfield and allowed Galt no space or time on the ball, and augmented by wingers Kaitlyn and Olivia and Sofia not crowding and providing outlets wide. You know that feeling when it seems like the ball just keeps finding you? Well, that only happens when you are always in the right place. What an outstanding performance by the midfield!

 

Not to be outdone, the defence was nearly impenetrable. Zoe was her veteran, poised, mistake-free self, Etsuho played the best game of her life, and Julia was simply outstanding, earning Player Of The Game honours due to how decisive she was, how well – and loudly! – she communicated, and how blazingly fast she played out there. In the system we play, no position is more important or has more pressure than central defense. Julia, who played right defence last year, is learning her new position amazingly quickly.

 

I did say “nearly” impenetrable. You can’t hold the Pipers down completely for 80 minutes, which is why Margot – again selflessly playing goalie while we train other keepers – decisively coming off her line was so critical, not to mention the Save Of The Game when she somehow stole a goal from Galt on a missile that was labelled for the top corner. No one else stops that. That would have tied the game at 1-1. Huge save to keep our momentum.

 

There was one other reason we ended up winning this game: we had Raf, and they didn’t. There is no bigger scoring threat in the league than the Red & White’s #14. And nowhere is safe. Hailey sends a bee-yoo-tiful ball over the top, Raf runs onto it, 20 yards out, rocket, 1-0. Quick throwin from Hailey to Flavie, soft touch pass to Raf, 25 yards out, bazooka, 2-0. Hailey through ball to Raf, too fast for defender, taken down in the box, Hailey calmly takes the penalty shot, no mistake. 3-0.

 

Perfect positional play. Communication. Opportunistic offence. And, most of all, trust. If this is going to be our formula for the season, then LET’S DO THIS!