Springfield got a corner about 2 minutes into the game and their #6 Rittler made a terrific dodge, getting free for a shot to make it 1 - 0. We have a lot of confidence in our 5 back on defensive corners. Early in the season, we got called for too many defensive corners and the opposing teams scored on several of them, so this became a practice focal point. Over the next few weeks, the players worked hard to improve on defensive corners and also minimize those called against us.
Our flyers on corners - either Melissa Torpey or Ella Gould are fearless sprinting out on the opposing team’s striker. We invested in “corner masks” in the off season to protect our 4 field players back in the circle with sometimes 9 field players bearing down against them. Julia Gallen is our trail and Izzy Duncan and Kelly Bates protect the back. We keep stats on the corners and most corners, we get a defensive hit out as a result, so it was disappointing to the players that Springfield scored so early.
But the team bounced back immediately for the rest of the half, playing more evenly and keeping Springfield away from the goal. Any shots Addi Hurley faced, she was solid, making 8 more saves in the half.
With the score only 1-0, the Bears started getting in their attacking circle and getting some shots. Soph Riehle and Kyleigh Convey combined for several shots to put pressure on Springfield.
In the 3rd quarter, the Spartans did get another goal, but Ash Conrad played awesome making 9 saves.
Bridget Hess, Olivia Torres and Ella Gould played well at midfield getting the ball up to our forwards and getting back to play awesome defense against Springfield’s deceptive stickwork.
Both Bear goalies, Addi Hurley and Ash Conrad played very well totaling 10 saves each.