As we took to the field to play our final conference game of the season against Campbellsville university we were in good spirits. The day was senior day, and it was a chance to show our only senior Toni Dempsey just what she means to the program. It is a massive achievement to play college soccer for four years, and as I have always tried to stress, it is not a right, it is something that must be worked for every single day. Toni has not only done this, but she has also come back from two knee surgery’s that have kept her out for close to two whole seasons throughout her career here at Cumberland. Toni has given her all in everything she has done throughout her four years and we wanted to honor her in this game with a quality performance and a result to match.
With a drastic change in weather conditions over the week previous both teams were not only battling each other, but were also battling the elements. However, the game started at a frantic pace, with both teams looking to gain an early advantage. As we aimed to keep possession and take an early control of the game we unfortunately gave the ball up too easily and Campbellsville capitalized with a goal within the opening five minutes. Although conceding so early is far from ideal it has to be said that the reaction was positive and we continued with our style of play, something that we had sometimes struggled to do earlier in the season. As we continued to possess Campbellsville also continued to play to there strengths getting the ball into the forward who dropped deep and playing off her. This created there second true chance of the game, and again they were able to find the back of the net.
As the half wore on we continued to battle and show positive resolve. We created several clear cut chances after great build up play. Our fluid passing meant that Campbellsville struggled to defend effectively, and the chances we created were a testament to our ability to retain possession. unfortunately we could not convert these chances and we went into half time 2-0 down.
At half time we talked about our ability to keep the ball, and discussed several tactical points before stressing the important part of the trust we must place in one another in order to play our style of play and work towards the result we want.
The start of the second half was back and forth with both teams getting up and down the field at a frantic pace.As we tried to settle into our rhythm and control the game, we allowed Campbellsville another chance which they duly took. To take initiative in this stage of the game was difficult for us. We felt as though if we could get the first goal of the second half there would be no doubt we could get the result. Going 3-0 down made it a little bit more difficult, but each player still showed a commitment and dedication to the cause. Though the passing wasn’t as clean and crisp in the second half the determination to get something from the game was there throughout. As we kept pushing for the goal it finally came on the 65 minute mark. Some good pressing high up the field led to possession which was eventually put away by Victoria Paynter.
After the goal we continued to push and create chances whilst also limiting Campbellsville to few opportunities. Though we cannot blame officiating for any losses it has to be said that the standard in this game was extremely poor, and across the board the standard of officiating in the US must change in order for the sport to move forward.
With the game finishing 3-1 it wasn’t the ideal way to finish the conference, or the result the team or Toni deserved. We should have got something from the game, but as with the majority of our games this year the performance has been there but unfortunately not the result to match.
As the season comes to a close we are already looking to the future to build on what we have achieved this season. It has been a tough season, but there are so many positives and so much to build on. Nobody ever promised us it would be easy, and as we move forward the task will continue to be difficult, but it is a task that we will continue to face the challenge head on.
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