Match Report: UC v's Carson Newman

    As the sun climbed above the Appalachian Mountains on Saturday 25th August, the new look University of the Cumberlands Women’s Soccer team prepared for their first scrimmage of the season against a Division II Carson Newman College also going through a transitional stage after such a successful and storied history.
    With game time scheduled for 10:00am it was an early start for both teams, but with all the excitement of game day time was never going to be a factor. As my first game as a Head Coach it was exciting for me to finally see such a talented and ambitious group take to the field. After a short team talk that allowed us to reflect upon the opportunities we have been given, the ladies began their pre match routines.
   
    After going through Nine days of pre-season it is always a challenge to beat the mental and physical fatigue, and this and the excitement of the game definitely showed in the opening twenty minutes. As a team we failed to take control the game and offered Carson Newman far too much time to move the ball around the field. The opening twenty minutes were controlled by Carson Newman, and to their credit they looked very comfortable on the ball, though I would have liked to see more pressure out of the team to not allow such easy movement. Once the game had settled into a rhythm we began to find out feet, and worked our way into the game, moving the ball the way we have been in practice and finally developing some confidence to try the things we know we are capable of. With both teams creating several chances in the opening third we came into the break holding our own with a scoreline of 0-0.
   
    The talk during the break centered around the work we have done to get us to where we are, and the game style we are looking to play. It was also made clear that although there was frustration with how the opening 20 minutes had gone, most of the players have not played a competitive game since the loss to Lindsey Wilson in the conference Semi-Finals last fall.

    The second third started with both teams looking to control the game. As we aimed to apply pressure higher up the field we began to see more success in gaining possession and began to move the ball well throughout the field. Unfortunately, we conceded shortly after the restart with a goal from a corner. I never like to concede from any set piece but with a hectic pre season schedule we could not spend as much time as I would have liked working on this. However, our response to been scored on was good and we carried on working on playing our style of soccer, something that will continue to be developed and refined throughout the course of the season. Carson Newman’s second goal came from another set piece, this time it was from our goal kick as we failed to secure the ball and former Patriot Danna Stringle managed to find the back of the net. Again while credit must be given to Carson Newman for crating and executing their chances, to concede two goals from two set pieces is unhealthy and the blame must be sat directly on my shoulders, and I take full responsibility for organizing and working on this area. Again, the ladies showed tremendous character in adversity and for the remainder of the second third we played with fluidity and creativity. This was rewarded with a great team goal in which the ball was moved throughout the team, before been crossed and then finished by Victoria Paynter.
   
    Coming into the final break we felt we had gained some momentum and wanted to carry that through to the final third. The players again showed their willingness to work on aspects of their performance and understood their roles and responsibilities.
   
    The final third showed what great spirit we have in the team and the togetherness we are developing. While tired legs began to show the ladies still pressured Carson Newman and moved the ball well when in possession. While Carson Newman added to their total with another goal, the result was far overshadowed by the fantastic attitude of the team. After Carson Newman’s final goal, the game fizzled out a little and eventually the final whistle was blown with a scoreline of 1-3 in the favor of Carson Newman.

    With only three starters from last season it was clear to see that people were making the most of the opportunities they were given. For the freshmen this game offered them a great chance to shine and prove that they have what it takes to be a part of this programs future successes, and they definitely did not disappoint. While I am so proud of all the players for their attitude, performance and work rate, I must give a special shout out to Autumn Williams and Katie  Ullery. Autumn was magnificent in the goal, keeping us in the game on several occasions, and Katie has worked so hard to come back from injury, and it was great to see her out on the field performing to the standard we all know she is capable of. Also I must say a special thanks to all the training room staff for everything they have done, without them the program could not operate and my job would not be possible.

    While there are many things still to work on, such as applying higher pressure to the ball, and moving the ball quicker and more effectively when in possession, it has to be said that we have only had nine days together as a team. The game style is new to everyone and it is something that will be constantly built upon and progressed. I couldn’t be prouder to be the Head coach of such a group of young ladies. They have shown pride, desire and passion in the face of all diversity, and I know that is going to stand us in good stead for the season to come.