SJC Girls Soccer opened the 2010 WCAC league table with a pair of home fixtures against Bishop Ireton High School on Tuesday, September 9th at Quinn Field. Neither team had rhythm, shape or balance - all key ingredients to success - in either contest and fell to the visitors from Alexandria on a warm afternoon.
The varsity squad conceded the first goal in the 11th minute as Ireton's midfielders combined outside of the 18-yard box to offset the Cadets' low-pressure defending. A swift give-n-go between the Ireton attackers produced a quality chance on goal as the Cadets' net minder Kiersten was beaten to the near post by a shot that was uncontested.
SJC responded in the 36th minute as junior midfielder Morgan jumped over a pair of Ireton defenders to head the ball up and over the visitors' goalkeeper for her first goal of the season. The play was the result of relentless pursuit of the ball in the final third, particularly between Cat, Shannon and Maise.
In the second stanza, Head Coach Colin LENNON inserted several players into the XI to spark the squad and help maintain possession. Sophomore forwards Mary and Nia provided pace and hustle up front alongside Shannon while junior defenders Becca, Demi and Kayla battled for loose balls and won tackles on the flank. Junior midfielders Carli and Mimi applied pressure in the middle third with the help of Najla, Maise and Morgan.
SJC's best scoring chance of the half came in the run of play as junior forward Liz was played into the attacking half off a pass from Najla, who found Liz free 35 yards from goal with nothing but the 'keeper to beat. Liz took the pass in stride and fired from 13 yards only to see her attempt curve wide and low of the far left corner.
Ireton found the winner in the 55th minute when they were able to separate from their marks in the SJC defensive third, and combine several passes to goal before a foul was called inside the 18. As soon as the referee whistled for the PK, SJC's 'keeper Kiersten stepped up to the penalty spot in an attempt to befuddle the Ireton player who would take the kick. Despite her best efforts, Kiersten was unable to prevent the Ireton player from converting the winner.
With the loss, SJC drops to 3-2 overall and 0-1 in the WCAC. The Cadets travel to St. Mary's County in southern Maryland on Thursday, September 9th for a conference fixture against St. Mary's Ryken. Kick off is slated for 4:00 pm for the varsity and 5:30 pm for the JV.
FINAL STATS
SJC BI
Shots 7 11
Saves 5 3
CK 2 2
FK 2 2
Fouls 5 9
Cautions: None
Goals: BI 11', 55'
Assists: None
