NCS STEALS ONE FROM SJC AT HOME

ISL power National Cathedral School scored a late goal in the first half under wet and rainy conditions at Quinn Field to score a 1-0 upset over the 6th ranked St. John's College girls high school soccer team on Thursday, September 16th.

NCS created the game's lone finish in the 38th minute when they stole the ball in the SJC half and combined between their forwards before NCS's central midfielder unleashed a bullet strike from 28 yards that sailed into the upper left hand corner of the Cadets' goal.

"We gave away the ball and didn't step up to deny their player space to look up and create that chance", said SJC Head Coach Colin LENNON. "I know deep down that our players were disappointed with their performance in the first half and really wanted to prove that they could find a way back in the match with hustle and determined play in the second half."

The light rain and misty conditions actually helped St. John's get back into the game mentally as they won most 50-50 balls in the air and on the ground - a noticeable difference from how the team played in the first 40 minutes of the match.

Despite the absence of junior defender Ally G. and midfielder Shannon C., both who were lost to injury earlier in the week in the Cadets' WCAC duel with Good Counsel, juniors Becca V., Carli T., Maise M., Mimi R., Morgan T., Najla M., and freshman Alexis L. proved that they could fight for every ball that NCS tried to play through its midfield. 

"I thought our tactical switch in the second half gave us momentum and a bit of bite", said Lennon. "It was just enough to put NCS on their heels and we tried to seize every chance with our hustle and will."

Forwards Amara N., Lizzy C., Mary M., Nia S., and Sidi G. ran down poor clearances and balls played over the top of the NCS defense with grit and purpose, so much so that SJC earned three direct kicks in the final ten minutes that came close to producing quality scoring chances.

Defenders Allison S., Kat O., Lis P., and Kayla P. performed in sync throughout the second half and limited NCS to two shots, both of which rarely threatened SJC 'keeper Kirsten G., who made 5 saves between the posts.

Despite out shooting the hosts 9-6, NCS conceded 4 corner kicks to the Cadets - all in the second half - and was caught offsides on eleven occasions by the dual referee system.

SJC hosts St. Pius X of New Mexico on Saturday, September 18th at 2:00 pm. Earlier in the week, St. Pius drew 0-0 with Bishop Ireton and is anxious to get a good result against the Cadets at Quinn Field. Coach Lennon has arranged for several youth soccer teams to attend the game and serve as "ball kids" for the non-conference match up.

FINAL STATS

            SJC            NCS
Shots    6                9
Saves    5                3
CK        4                3
FK        3                1
Fouls    6                10
Offside 1                11

NCS Goal: #14 38' (unassisted)

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SJC JV (1) - NCS JV (1)

In the JV match that followed the senior team, freshman midfielder Yoselin scored her team-leading third goal of the season to propel her team to a 1-1 draw with visiting National Cathedral School.

Photography by K. White

Yoselin converted a penalty kick early in the first half after one of her teammates was fouled inside the box as she attempted to shoot on the visitors' goal.

SJC played a complete match from top to bottom and battled well against the Purple Pride from start to finish. The team spirit displayed was infectious as every member of the squad pushed and prodded for opportunities on both sides of the ball.

NCS was able to find the equalizer late in the second half but could not sneak their strikes past SJC 'netminder Gina who made several key saves to preserve the point for the Cadets.

Well done, SJC!