Junior midfielder Najla M. scored her second game-winning strike of the season in the 2nd minute of a WCAC fixture against host Bishop Ireton to lead the Cadets to a 1-0 shutout victory over the Cardinals at Fannon Field in Alexandria on Friday, October 8th.
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| Najla scored the game's lone goal in the 2nd minute Photo: K. White |
The goal was created when junior forward Shannon C. chased down one of the Cardinal defenders and forced the 'keeper off her line from just above the 18-yard line. Shannon's pressure duped Ireton's Jessica Bobeck into a poor clearance that fell to the feet of Najla, who calmly chipped Bobeck and the Cardinal back four from 28 yards to record her third goal of the season.
"I was delighted with our opening rush at the Ireton back four", said SJC Head Coach Colin Lennon. "We put them back on their heels for the remainder of the half with that early goal and it allowed us to settle into our tactics a bit more. Najla's goal was exceptional and shows how determined she is to win."
Junior defender and co-captain Ally G. led the Cadet back four with a variety of timely tackles, set piece deliveries off of free kicks, and a command of the defense that helped preserve the clean sheet. SJC's Kirsten G. made 5 saves en route to her sixth shutout of the season. Currently, Kirsten is ranked among the top 5 goalkeepers in saves and shutouts according to the Washington Post.
SJC's victory was the result of intense defending across the field followed by hustle and a "never say die" attitude from every player. From front to back, the Cadets displayed courage under fire and a will to win that was noticeable throughout the 80-minute contest.
With the victory, SJC improves to 2-4-2 in conference play and 8-7-2 overall. The Cadets have a busy week ahead of them as they host St. Mary's Ryken on Tuesday, October 12th followed by a perennial darby with WCAC leader Good Counsel on Friday, October 15th. Friday's match begins at 3:30 PM followed by the JV fixture at 5:00 PM.
YOUTH SOCCER OPEN HOUSE REMINDER...Friday's home game against Good Counsel marks the first annual SJC FALL YOUTH SOCCER OPEN HOUSE. Be sure to spread the word and let friends, neighbors, colleagues and area families know that SJC is opening up its doors to the youth soccer community.
