The Saint John's College HS Girls Varsity Soccer team finished in third place at the McDonogh School Invitational this weekend after defeating Archbishop Spalding (2-0) and Maryvale Catholic (2-1).
The Cadets took on host McDonogh in the first semi-final on a cool, autumn Saturday morning with everything to prove against one of the top teams in the NSCAA Regional Poll. McDonogh cruised in their opener defeating WCAC member, Paul VI, 6-0, and had everything to play for in front of their home fans and supporters.
The hosts found a stiff challenge for the first 30 minutes from a determined SJC XI. The Cadets found early success in the middle third through juniors Becca, Demi, Najla and Shannon, but McDonogh adjusted its tactics and broke through in the 31st minute when their central midfielder ran straight through the heart of the Cadets' defense to open the scoring.
McDonogh broke through in the 45th minute once again when SJC 'keeper Kirsten misplayed a back pass that McDonogh's forward blocked and easily deposited into the goal for a commanding 2-0 lead.
"We just couldn't respond after defeating nationally ranked Spalding," remarked Coach Lennon. "We made two early defensive mistakes against a tough McDonogh team who took full advantage. We simply weren't mentally prepared to compete at a higher level today."
McDonogh scored its third and final tally of the day in the 72nd minute when they finished a through ball in the box from eight yards out.
After a short break, SJC re-grouped mentally and played its best soccer of the day with a commanding 2-1 victory over Maryvale Catholic to earn third place honors. Junior forward Mimi R. scored her second goal of the season in the first minute when fellow strike partner Nia S. caused havoc in the visitors' goal mouth with her consistent pressure.
The Cadets second tally came in the 32nd minute off the head of sophomore defender Lis P., who separated from her marker in the box to nod in a corner from junior midfielder Shannon C.
"Lis has become a dominant player in the air for us. She has an uncanny ability to win balls for us in the back, and now she is also becoming a distinct threat for us on set pieces. Still only a sophomore, she is putting herself in a position to be a true leader on the field."
Maryvale earned a free kick 19 yards from the SJC goal in the 65th minute which they were able to convert with a powerful strike to the lower left -hand corner that SJC's Lizzy C. tried to deflect with the palm of her right hand.
After a late arrival from her native Jamaica, Sidi G. provided valuable minutes for the SJC attack from her striking position. Mary M., Amara N., Nia S., and Najla M. also had strong outings against Maryvale.
SJC returns to WCAC action on Tuesday night against Good Counsel HS with the match to be played at Ludwig Field on the campus of the University of Maryland. Kick off is slated for 7:00 pm.
The official blog of the St. John's (D.C.) College High School Women's Soccer Program.
