Game #9

Jay's trouble started just 30 seconds in, as she pressured a Cougars clear attempt and ended up taking the kick square to her face. Although it stung, she was able to stay in the game. Durant absolutely dominated the first half, holding a commanding 16-0 edge in shots on goal. It took a little under 10 minutes, but they got the first of their goals on a drive through the defense that resulted in the ball finding it's way to the opposite side of the net and a 1-0 lead. The Sharks would be able to hold that score through the first water break, despite giving up six more shots before the opportunity to rest came. Jay subbed out at the break, and watched as her team gave up several more chances of the remainder of the half. Durant was able to convert on another goal, this time on a long kick that soared high over the outstretched arms of the Riverview keeper, making it a 2-0 game. Despite being outplayed, the Sharks entered halftime in the hunt, just down two.

Jay returned to the field once play resumed following halftime, this time in more of a forward role. She didn't get many opportunities to attack, however, as Riverview struggled to maintain any sort of possession. The Cougars added to their lead eight minutes in, but I missed the shot my view was blocked by moving spectators in the stands. That made it a 3-0 lead. The Sharks finally got their first shot on goal a short time later, but were unsuccessful in converting their chance into points. Durant widened their lead moments later on a play where the Riverview defense got beat the ball, outran to the net, and the Cougars converted a shot from the left side of the field that went into the right side of the net, making it a 4-0 game. A short time later Durant took a corner kick, and the ball was knocked around a few times in front of the net before being knocked in for the fifth goal of the game. Riverview made some subs at this time, and Jay was one of the players to check out. Thankfully that would be all of the scoring before the second water break. The pace of play slowed after the break, and it was Riverview who wound up with the final two shots on goal. Despite those shots, the 5-0 score would hold until the final whistle, giving Durant the victory.