After a scoreless first half, girls soccer fell to Mt. Carmel 2-1, Jan. 17.
Winger Cammie Beal (10) said that one of the team’s strategies to combat MC’s quick offense was to maintain position with the wingers dropping back to defend.
“While we kept the same formation with three defenders, four box midfielders, two wingers, and one forward, we changed so that the wingers were more defensive and the attacking center-mids were more offensive and supported the forward more,” she said. “MC has really fast players, especially on the wing and forward. With the wingers getting back, we were hoping to shut down more of their opportunities.”
This strategy countered Mt. Carmel’s fast forwards and shut out attempted goals, resulting in the first half ending 0-0. Attacking midfielder Maya Calderon (10) said that after a stagnant first half, the team was energized.
“We were all very hopeful that a goal was going to happen for us since we had worked so hard and had multiple good chances,” she said.
Westview took the lead at the start of the second half, as Calderon passed the ball up to Elle McMurrey (11), who was running in line with MC’s defenders. The MC goalie moved to the right of the goal to anticipate the shot, but McMurrey crossed the ball to the left corner of the goal, and it sailed into the open net.
“I think we were all glad to have a reward for our hard work,” Calderon said. “It felt great that I had contributed to it.”
However, Mt. Carmel tied the game just three minutes later when a player crossed the ball to the center of the field, finding an open teammate who made an attempt to score. The shot was deflected off Westview’s keeper’s hands, but a second MC player shot and scored.
Two minutes later, the Sundevils broke the tie as an MC player had a fast break, running just ahead of Westview’s defenders and scoring.
With 30 minutes left in the game, Calderon said that the team gave it their all, creating more opportunities to score and taking more shots.
“Our coach had us focus more on attacking in hopes of getting the equalizer,” she said.
Despite the loss, Calderon said that she looks forward to improving as the season goes on and the team grows familiar with one another’s playing styles.
“Everyone worked really hard in that game, and it was definitely one of our best games,” she said. “I’m looking forward to when the team develops a full understanding of how everyone plays, which is when I think we’ll be at our best.”
