No loss of love here, it’s always a battle; AVHS vs FHS Girls Soccer. But drizzling rain made it more interesting for certain. Adding to the interest was that many of these players play on club teams together so know each other well. Opposing coaches also know them! So it seemed strategy of attacking and defense, from the outsider, might play a huge roll tonight.
Amador Dons came out with energy and connection, looking to string passes together to penetrate the backs of Foothill. Falcons also came to play, utilizing their DF backs ability to serve 40 yard balls to their speedy forwards. In between, the Amador midfielders collapsed upon the FHS center players to dispossess them of the ball, and on many occasions attacked quickly together, though unable to pass thru the center back or keep the ball on frame in shooting. FHS also attempted to gain possession with their tall strong midfielder, and utilizing outside halves but no team was the certain winner of the cool rainy first half.
Second half, the Dons picked up pace and played their game, yet the physicality rose and the battle was heating up. (FYI: Fans continued to be cold and wet!) Play continued to be back and forth, not one team winning entirety of possession. Until a quick FHS run out of the midfield positioned a lone dribbler just about the 40 yard line, who looked up to catch sight of a spot behind the Dons GK; this long arching ball to the back netting made this hard fought game showing a score 1-0, Foothill.
Although Amador never quit, the game stayed pretty much the same with hard knocks, pushing and pulling when the teams could, just to get the upper edge. Foothill continued the long balls from their center back as a primary attack, and Amador stayed true to teamwork and hoping to prove successful with the passing game that has rewarded them in games before. FHS GK made some pickup saves thwarting Amador scoring, but the Dons really didn’t test the keeper like they have in other games- it was just that type of game. It was a tough back and forth game, that felt unfair in its scoring, as the Dons really deserved the ‘W’ when it came to ‘who should have won’… more soccer play and possession, rather than a lone shot at goal. Luck sometimes is at play in sports.
In the end, Foothill held out to keep the 1-0 score. Next game, Cal High, HOME Jan. 10, 4 PM, 6PM Varsity.