Although the score did not reflect it, yesterday’s game was a big improvement over the earlier game at Carmel just 2 weeks ago. Great efforts to the ball was the big change and the team is responding well to drills in training.
The first half, after a few nervous moments in the first 3 minutes, was evenly played. JV Gold was generally on the front foot and had a number of chances. Energy levels were very high among the home team, with exceptional efforts by MOTM Rylen Jenski.
15 Minutes into the half, Rylen connected solidly with the outside of his right boot on a great ball in by Asher Hampton. The Carmel keeper made the save without too much trouble, but the home team looked strong.
GK Cooper Cass made a tremendous save midway through the half to keep the game deadlocked.
The back line of Sebastian Dixon, Adrian Dugarte, Will Chreist and Garett Wilensky held strong for the first 30 minutes. However, a bad touch in front of the goal mouth led to the first Carmel goal 33 minutes in.
The 2nd half saw 2 more Carmel goals in quick succession. Both were due to Carmel crashing the goal on shots, both of which were nearly saved by Mason Andrews, but both rebounds were put in by Carmel as they got around our defenders. JV Gold’s energy level flagged a bit after that. There were 2 free kicks dumped into the box late in the game, with Ace Musselman getting on the end of the second one. Unfortunately, his first touch directed the ball directly at the keeper.
While not the result we had hoped, overall a good game.