Having three games within the space of four days is very much a double edged sword. Win all three and you have had a truly spectacular four days. Lose all three and it feels like your season has just fallen apart in such a short space of time. This been said, every opportunity must be looked on in a positive light, and we must take our chances when they come along. As a program each of us is doing what we love to do within a group that we love and appreciate.
As we took to the field for our opening conference game against Bluefield on Wednesday September 12th, we were optimistic about the game and the days ahead. We had had our problems leading up to the game, losing our starting goalkeeper through a concussion, but were determined not to let this effect our focus.
The game started and once again we controlled the tempo and the ball with great quality. We seemed to be controlling the game well against a hard working Bluefield team, but we were unable to create the chances we needed to open the scoring. In games like these I always feel the first goal is crucial, and unfortunately that went against us reasonably early in the first half. The response was good and for much of the half we continued to move the ball well. As the half wore on it was clear to see the frustration was building. We have worked hard and committed to our style of play and as of yet have had nothing to show for it. Although we were putting up a valiant effort we conceded three more times before the half was over.
Our halftime team talk centered around our desire to define the program, and no matter what the result at the end of the game we should look at the game and the day as a turning point in the season and for our program.
As we took to the field we looked hungry to change the course of the season, and eager to put in a performance that was on a par with the work we have done to get us to where we are. Unfortunately as hard as we worked it was just not our day. We had some momentary lapses that offered Bluefield opportunities to score and they jumped on them. While the 8-1 scoreline in their favor flattered them a bit, the result never lies.
As dejected and upset as we were after the game we knew we must continue to look at the long term goal. I spoke of reflection on the opportunities we have been given. Playing and coaching a collegiate sport is not a right, it is a privilege reserved for the very few. While we have all worked hard to get to where we are, there are many that have labored without the same rewards.
With a one day turnaround before we took to the road to play back to back against Midway College and Brescia University it was a great opportunity for us to get back on the horse and show ourselves and everybody else what we are made of. I had said in previous weeks that at some point everything would click into place, and after dealing with some tough results there is always a time as a coach where you question if your doing the right thing. The hardest part about coaching is staying true to your philosophy when things aren’t going right, but I believe in my players and knew deep down the turning point would come.
While the warm-up was shaky and less than ideal for the game against Midway, as soon as the players took to the field it was all business. The ball movement was great as it has been for much of the other games we have played. What was different was the overall commitment to the game. While we have showed passion and dedication throughout, it was clear to see this game was going to be different. We started the game with confidence and this grew as the game went on. We managed to grab an early goal through Kim Robinson, after creating some good opportunities and been patient in the final third. For the remainder of the first half we continued to control the game and could have added to our tally with a little more composure in and around the box.
At halftime we discussed continuing to play the way we had been, along with been aware of the threat Midway posed. Though I don’t like to bring it up we discussed the possibility of Midway scoring and our reaction to this. We felt in total control, but knew a goal either way would change the complexion of the game.
Thankfully the second half continued the same way the first had with us moving the ball with confidence. There are times when we have slight lapses and give the other team opportunities, and to be fair to Midway they kept working hard and trying to move forward. A 1-0 scoreline is always difficult to keep, and the more opportunities you squander usually leads to increased nerves. But the players showed great resolve and though more goals would have been a good reward for the performance, the game finished 1-0.
After the game I let the girls know that while I am sure we would have all appreciated more goals it was great to see that we can take a slight lead and hold onto it for a long period. Our resolve was strong and we showed fantastic quality throughout. It was stated to enjoy the result until we got back to the hotel, and then we must focus on the following days game against Brescia.
With a 10:00am kick-off we only had a mere 14 hours since the final whistle had blown against Midway to prepare. In situations like this it is very much a mental conundrum as much as a physical one. While bodies are tired, it is your mind that controls them and it is the individuals and teams ability to prepare the best they can both physically and mentally that defines their success.
With confidence high from the night before, we started the game in the same vain. Our work rate and intensity was matched by our quality to move the ball and willingness to put everything into the game. We managed again to score early, this time with the goal coming from Ana Derrico. Brescia did show a response and managed to create a couple of chances, but thankfully we dealt with them accordingly. After this we never looked back, continuing to pressure to gain possession and take care of the ball once we had it. As we created chance after chance it seemed like a recurring theme that we couldn’t quite find the back of the net.
Thankfully this changed when Victoria Paynter, who had come on to replace Ana, scored from the edge of the box after great team pressure to win the ball back.
With a score of 2-0 at the break the next goal was crucial again. It was made clear that we had put together three great half's of soccer across two games, but this would mean nothing if we threw the fourth out of the window.
What happened in the second half is a testament to the players the program has. The performance capped of the weekend and we managed to score four more times before the referee blew his final whistle. With five different scorers, including Briana Parrish, Kim Robinson, Esme Purkis x2, it showed what a fantastic team effort it was. While the scoreline may reflect otherwise with Brescia, both opponents caused us problems and offered up some difficult opposition to play against.
There is often a turning point in every season whether it be a positive or negative one. For us we hit that turning point on Wednesday and continue to look to go from strength to strength. However, we must also understand that this is just the beginning. The race is long, and short term results mustn’t be favored over the long term success of the program. We have a unique opportunity to build something special, something that will last, and something we can all say we are truly proud to be a part of.
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