Did not have my camera for this game.
This was a much closer game than the previous match ups between these two teams. Yancey was leading 2-0 when I arrived with 12 minutes to go in the first half. Mr. Powell subbed his 7th graders for the final ten minutes of the half.
The second half saw Avery press the attack and stretch the Yancey on several occasions. Likewise, the Cougars made numerous good runs and had several excellent shots controlled by the Avery keeper.
Avery cut the score to 2-1 on a corner and seemed to be surging when Yancey launched a furious counter attack and pushed the score back to 3-1.
The two teams traded attacks, with Yancey getting the better shots and the better chances but were unable to find the back of the net.
Avery refused to quit, their goalie getting long clearances and BIG bounces. Avery was awarded a free kick just outside the area. Yancey formed a wall, but the shot found a way in to make the score 3-2.
It was at this point that we were treated to a scene that has repeated itself several times this year. Santiago grabbed a ball in the defensive third and just exploded up the field. He penetrated deep into the Avery box, but instead of attacking the goal, he drew the defenders and then laid down a perfect cross that Eduardo (I believe) tucked past the helpless goal keeper. Santi has the ability and the confidence to take a ball end-to-end and find a way to score or create great opportunities for his teammates.
This finally took the wind out of Avery's sails and made the final score Yancey 4, Avery 2.
These two teams will likely meet one more time to decide the Conference Championship.
The Cougars host Harris this Thursday in regular season finale.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Thursday, September 27, 2007
YCMS 4, Harris MS 1
Weds, September 26, 2007
The shadows were lengthening in Spruce Pine as the Cougars visited Harris Middle School one last time this season.
The teams seemed more evenly matched this time as the Cougars did not find the net until the 10th minute when Eduardo's drive clipped the underside of the crossbar and went in. In the 27th minute Juan turned a fine left footed drive into the Cougars second goal (a shot that also hit the crossbar but went in). Yancey took a 2-0 lead into halftime.
The Cougars came out determined to put the game out of reach and scored in quick succession in the 36th and 37 th minutes.
Mr. Powell allowed his younger players to play the last 20 minutes. These guys played hard and the forward combination of Luke, Christian, and Jacob Jones had several good runs, while Joe, Cortland, Jacob Hughes, and Charles worked hard in the midfield. Harris did get one goal back to make the final score Yancey 4, Harris 1.
The shadows were lengthening in Spruce Pine as the Cougars visited Harris Middle School one last time this season.
The teams seemed more evenly matched this time as the Cougars did not find the net until the 10th minute when Eduardo's drive clipped the underside of the crossbar and went in. In the 27th minute Juan turned a fine left footed drive into the Cougars second goal (a shot that also hit the crossbar but went in). Yancey took a 2-0 lead into halftime.
The Cougars came out determined to put the game out of reach and scored in quick succession in the 36th and 37 th minutes.
Mr. Powell allowed his younger players to play the last 20 minutes. These guys played hard and the forward combination of Luke, Christian, and Jacob Jones had several good runs, while Joe, Cortland, Jacob Hughes, and Charles worked hard in the midfield. Harris did get one goal back to make the final score Yancey 4, Harris 1.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
YCMS 5, Avery MS 2
This game was rescheduled and Luke had an orthodondist appointment and could not make the road trip up to Avery.
I called Mr. Powell after the game to get the score. He said the team played well. He put a different goalie in (I forget who) to give them a taste of how hard the goalie position is. Ron said he had to settle the team down as they tried to play several long balls rather than concentrating on shorter, crisper passes.
The Cougars remain undefeated and have a goal differential of +34 (49 For, 15 Against).
I called Mr. Powell after the game to get the score. He said the team played well. He put a different goalie in (I forget who) to give them a taste of how hard the goalie position is. Ron said he had to settle the team down as they tried to play several long balls rather than concentrating on shorter, crisper passes.
The Cougars remain undefeated and have a goal differential of +34 (49 For, 15 Against).
YCMS 7, Asheville MS 3
Thursday September 20, 2007
This rematch was supposed to be a replay of the tough, gritty, 4-2 victory the Cougars earned at Asheville's home field the week before. Instead, with his full compliment of players available, Mr. Powell coached the Cougars to a relatively easy 7-3 win over Asheville.
Having Clay back in goal allowed Juan to play his natural position and the Cougars were able to put more skill in more places than Asheville.
The score was 7-1 when Coach Powell subbed in his younger players. A poorly decided handball call allowed Asheville to score on a penalty kick, and after Mr. Powell switched goalies Asheville scored a meaningless goal.
Overall, Yancey completely dominated this game from start to finish and played a complete game both offensively and defensively.
This rematch was supposed to be a replay of the tough, gritty, 4-2 victory the Cougars earned at Asheville's home field the week before. Instead, with his full compliment of players available, Mr. Powell coached the Cougars to a relatively easy 7-3 win over Asheville.
Having Clay back in goal allowed Juan to play his natural position and the Cougars were able to put more skill in more places than Asheville.
The score was 7-1 when Coach Powell subbed in his younger players. A poorly decided handball call allowed Asheville to score on a penalty kick, and after Mr. Powell switched goalies Asheville scored a meaningless goal.
Overall, Yancey completely dominated this game from start to finish and played a complete game both offensively and defensively.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
YCMS 4, Harris MS 1
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
A taste of fall in the air as the Cougars travelled to Spruce Pine to rematch Harris. The Cougars were without Dalton. Luke had earned a starting spot this week due to his hard work during practice.
The Cougars went to goal three times in the first half. Scoring on the 16th, 22nd, and 28th minutes. Goalkeeper Clay did not have to stop a single Harris shot as the Cougars ended the first half up 3-0, a score which would have been higher if not for several offside calls against the Cougars.
The Harris keeper was kept busy in the second and she stopped numerous shots, and those she didn't stop were either hitting the crossbar or flying just wide of the mark.
Mr. Powell encouraged his defenders to boom the ball forward and Martin did just that as he launched an amazing shot about 4o yards out from goal that found the back of the net.
Several of the Yancey defenders decided to carry the ball forward and eventually got caught out of position when Harris cleared a long ball that found one of their big forwards who scored ball one on one against Isreal in goal.
Yancey will face a tough challenge on Thursday when Asheville Middle School visits Burnsville.
Go Cougars!
(PS - Didn't have my camera again today as my wife is still traveling)
A taste of fall in the air as the Cougars travelled to Spruce Pine to rematch Harris. The Cougars were without Dalton. Luke had earned a starting spot this week due to his hard work during practice.
The Cougars went to goal three times in the first half. Scoring on the 16th, 22nd, and 28th minutes. Goalkeeper Clay did not have to stop a single Harris shot as the Cougars ended the first half up 3-0, a score which would have been higher if not for several offside calls against the Cougars.
The Harris keeper was kept busy in the second and she stopped numerous shots, and those she didn't stop were either hitting the crossbar or flying just wide of the mark.
Mr. Powell encouraged his defenders to boom the ball forward and Martin did just that as he launched an amazing shot about 4o yards out from goal that found the back of the net.
Several of the Yancey defenders decided to carry the ball forward and eventually got caught out of position when Harris cleared a long ball that found one of their big forwards who scored ball one on one against Isreal in goal.
Yancey will face a tough challenge on Thursday when Asheville Middle School visits Burnsville.
Go Cougars!
(PS - Didn't have my camera again today as my wife is still traveling)
Friday, September 14, 2007
YCMS 4, Asheville MS 2
Thursday, September 14, 2007. At Asheville.
I didn't have my camera as my wife took the digital on her trip, but I did get to attend the game.
The game was much more intense than the 4-2 score might suggest.
The teams were tied 1-1 at the half; Asheville having scored first and Yancey equalizing.
The Cougars kept the ball in Asheville's third for much of the second half. After the 4th or 5th strong run, the Cougars were rewarded with a goal to go up 2-1. Then, things got weird.
Asheville got a breakaway. Our defender was even with the man with the ball. The ball carrier took a shot which Juan stopped beautifully. Another Asheville player then slammed into Juan (the 2nd hard collision that Juan had to endure). The ref blew the whistle. We in the stands thought "good..penalty for roughing our goalie". WRONG. The ref called an illegal pass back to the goalie on the Cougars. Asheville was awarded an indirect kick about 5 yards outside of the goal. The Cougars quickly lined up a wall, but the tap then shot went in to tie the score 2-2. Very odd play as it certainly looked like the Asheville player shot the ball and Juan stopped the shot (then got creamed). But, alas, that's soccer.
The Cougars were so eager to correct the situation that they ran to the circle and kicked off, beating the ref to the spot by about 30 seconds, and resumed play. The ref did take kindly to this and called all the players back to the circle to "wait on him". On the kickoff, Santiago took the ball deep down Asheville's left side and won a corner. Santi then launched a beautiful looping corner to the center of the goal about two yards in front where Brian Krause turned the ball into the goal. BAM! Cougars back in front...to stay. Asheville's will sagged a little as a roar went up from the Yancey players and fans.
After some tough defense, the ball found Victor about 15 yards out from Asheville's line. Victor fired a shot on goal which an Asheville defender tried to head away, but instead, headed the ball into his own net. Cougars 4-2.
Yancey stood toe to toe for 5 more minutes of frantic soccer to secure the 4-2 win.
Impressive win for the Cougars in what was by far their most intense challenge. Asheville had enough player to have two squads of ten players, with very little dropoff in talent between their two sides. All of coach Powell's players played with guts and determination. Can't wait for the rematch in Burnsville next week!
I didn't have my camera as my wife took the digital on her trip, but I did get to attend the game.
The game was much more intense than the 4-2 score might suggest.
The teams were tied 1-1 at the half; Asheville having scored first and Yancey equalizing.
The Cougars kept the ball in Asheville's third for much of the second half. After the 4th or 5th strong run, the Cougars were rewarded with a goal to go up 2-1. Then, things got weird.
Asheville got a breakaway. Our defender was even with the man with the ball. The ball carrier took a shot which Juan stopped beautifully. Another Asheville player then slammed into Juan (the 2nd hard collision that Juan had to endure). The ref blew the whistle. We in the stands thought "good..penalty for roughing our goalie". WRONG. The ref called an illegal pass back to the goalie on the Cougars. Asheville was awarded an indirect kick about 5 yards outside of the goal. The Cougars quickly lined up a wall, but the tap then shot went in to tie the score 2-2. Very odd play as it certainly looked like the Asheville player shot the ball and Juan stopped the shot (then got creamed). But, alas, that's soccer.
The Cougars were so eager to correct the situation that they ran to the circle and kicked off, beating the ref to the spot by about 30 seconds, and resumed play. The ref did take kindly to this and called all the players back to the circle to "wait on him". On the kickoff, Santiago took the ball deep down Asheville's left side and won a corner. Santi then launched a beautiful looping corner to the center of the goal about two yards in front where Brian Krause turned the ball into the goal. BAM! Cougars back in front...to stay. Asheville's will sagged a little as a roar went up from the Yancey players and fans.
After some tough defense, the ball found Victor about 15 yards out from Asheville's line. Victor fired a shot on goal which an Asheville defender tried to head away, but instead, headed the ball into his own net. Cougars 4-2.
Yancey stood toe to toe for 5 more minutes of frantic soccer to secure the 4-2 win.
Impressive win for the Cougars in what was by far their most intense challenge. Asheville had enough player to have two squads of ten players, with very little dropoff in talent between their two sides. All of coach Powell's players played with guts and determination. Can't wait for the rematch in Burnsville next week!
YCMS 3, AveryMS 0
Monday, September 10, 2007
At Avery. I didn't get to attend this game as I had to work in Asheville, but the Cougars continued their unbeaten streak by beating avery 3-0.
At Avery. I didn't get to attend this game as I had to work in Asheville, but the Cougars continued their unbeaten streak by beating avery 3-0.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
YCMS 5, Avery MS 2
The Cougars played host to Avery and jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead.
Avery got a goal back off of corner kick to make the score 2-1 at the half.
The Cougars started the second half strong and pushed out to a 4-1 lead.
Avery got a goal back to make the score 4-2.
The Cougars got the last goal and the win, 5-2.
Next Game: Monday, September 20, 2007 at Avery.
Friday, August 31, 2007
YCMS 7, Harris MS 1
August 30, 2007
The Cougars finally came home and did not disappoint the fans as they dominated Harris from start to finish.
The score was 4-0 when I arrived with 5 minutes left in the first half.
Everyone got to play valuable minutes this afternoon. Players who normally focus on offense got to play some defense. Some of our defensive stoppers like Tim and Victor, got to spend some time up front.
In the second half Coach Powell displayed excellent sportsmanship when he pulled a player off and played with ten. Later the Cougars actually played several hard minutes nine vs eleven.
To their credit Harris never quit, their goalie made several good saves, and they earned a late goal off of a corner kick.
The Cougars head into the Labor Day break with a 4-0 record, three road wins, and a +16 goal differential (21 goals scored, 5 goals surrendered)
The Cougars finally came home and did not disappoint the fans as they dominated Harris from start to finish.
The score was 4-0 when I arrived with 5 minutes left in the first half.
Everyone got to play valuable minutes this afternoon. Players who normally focus on offense got to play some defense. Some of our defensive stoppers like Tim and Victor, got to spend some time up front.
In the second half Coach Powell displayed excellent sportsmanship when he pulled a player off and played with ten. Later the Cougars actually played several hard minutes nine vs eleven.
To their credit Harris never quit, their goalie made several good saves, and they earned a late goal off of a corner kick.
The Cougars head into the Labor Day break with a 4-0 record, three road wins, and a +16 goal differential (21 goals scored, 5 goals surrendered)
YCMS 6, NBMS 0
August 28, 2007
Playing their third straight road game, the Cougars traveled to north Weaverville to take on the Blackhawks in a last minute schedule addition. Mr. Powell warned that the Hawks would be tough, but the Cougars came ready to play.
This game included a bit of added drama in that former Cougar Zane Warner was wearing the captain's armband for his new school.
For the first fifteen minutes, Yancey pushed hard but could not find the net. However, when Coach Powell moved Santiago and Isreal from defense up to striker, the game did not remain scoreless long. Dalton broke the deadlock when he pounced on a deflected shot and punched it past the keeper. On his third hard run, Isreal's shot clanged off the near post, crossed in front of the keeper onto Santiago's waiting foot who blasted the ball to the back of the net. A few minutes later, the Cougars won a corner. Santi' took the kick and bent it like "you know who" high into the far corner to give Yancey a 3-0 halftime lead.
The Cougars continued their tenacious 'D' into the second half, frustrating the Hawks at every turn. The Cougars scored two more times in the second to build a solid 5-0 lead.
Though Clay was rarely pressured, he did stop a cannon of a shot from Zane. After being smothered most of the game, the big guy finally found a little room on Hawk's left side and loosed rocket toward the goal. Clay was perfectly positioned and didn't give his former teammate an inch.
A bad day got worse for North Buncombe when one of their defenders played a beautiful header....into their own goal. The error made the score 6-0 and the Cougars finished strong to preserve the shutout.
Playing their third straight road game, the Cougars traveled to north Weaverville to take on the Blackhawks in a last minute schedule addition. Mr. Powell warned that the Hawks would be tough, but the Cougars came ready to play.
This game included a bit of added drama in that former Cougar Zane Warner was wearing the captain's armband for his new school.
For the first fifteen minutes, Yancey pushed hard but could not find the net. However, when Coach Powell moved Santiago and Isreal from defense up to striker, the game did not remain scoreless long. Dalton broke the deadlock when he pounced on a deflected shot and punched it past the keeper. On his third hard run, Isreal's shot clanged off the near post, crossed in front of the keeper onto Santiago's waiting foot who blasted the ball to the back of the net. A few minutes later, the Cougars won a corner. Santi' took the kick and bent it like "you know who" high into the far corner to give Yancey a 3-0 halftime lead.
The Cougars continued their tenacious 'D' into the second half, frustrating the Hawks at every turn. The Cougars scored two more times in the second to build a solid 5-0 lead.
Though Clay was rarely pressured, he did stop a cannon of a shot from Zane. After being smothered most of the game, the big guy finally found a little room on Hawk's left side and loosed rocket toward the goal. Clay was perfectly positioned and didn't give his former teammate an inch.
A bad day got worse for North Buncombe when one of their defenders played a beautiful header....into their own goal. The error made the score 6-0 and the Cougars finished strong to preserve the shutout.
YCMS 4, ACA 2
August 23, 2007
It was a muggy afternoon in Swannanoa as the Cougars took on Asheville Christian Academy. When I arrived, the Cougars were ahead 2-1 about halfway through the first period. Isreal put the Cougars up 3-1 with a terrific breakaway goal to build a lead that the Cougars would take into halftime.
The ball spent the first 15 minutes of the second half in the cougar offensive end and the cougars went up 4-1 off a corner kick.
ACA pushed hard for 10 minutes and were rewarded when their forward unleashed an unstoppable strike from outside the area.
The Cougars played tough defense to seal the
win.
It was a muggy afternoon in Swannanoa as the Cougars took on Asheville Christian Academy. When I arrived, the Cougars were ahead 2-1 about halfway through the first period. Isreal put the Cougars up 3-1 with a terrific breakaway goal to build a lead that the Cougars would take into halftime.
The ball spent the first 15 minutes of the second half in the cougar offensive end and the cougars went up 4-1 off a corner kick.
ACA pushed hard for 10 minutes and were rewarded when their forward unleashed an unstoppable strike from outside the area.
The Cougars played tough defense to seal the
win.
YCMS 4, Madison 2
Tuesday, August 2, 2007
A rainy afternoon in Madison turned sunny for the Cougars. Tied 1-1 at the half, the Cougars dominated the second, keeping the ball in the Madison defensive third for most of the first twenty minutes. Numerous attempts on goal, good runs, and good passing finally paid off when Eduardo drilled a shot past the keeper for a 2-1 lead, which became a 3-1 advantage after Luis finished off a great diagonal pass from Christian.
Down two goals with less than five minutes remaining, Madison turned on the pressure and scored a late goal that just slipped under goalkeeper Clay to make the score 3-2. Several minutes of tough defending remained for the Cougars as Madison pushed all of their players into the attacking half of the field. The Patriot's gamble turned unlucky as a long clearence by Tim Hensley found Isreal who raced downfield to score a beautiful solo goal to make the final score Cougars 4, Patriots 2.
Great opening road win for East Yancey.
A rainy afternoon in Madison turned sunny for the Cougars. Tied 1-1 at the half, the Cougars dominated the second, keeping the ball in the Madison defensive third for most of the first twenty minutes. Numerous attempts on goal, good runs, and good passing finally paid off when Eduardo drilled a shot past the keeper for a 2-1 lead, which became a 3-1 advantage after Luis finished off a great diagonal pass from Christian.
Down two goals with less than five minutes remaining, Madison turned on the pressure and scored a late goal that just slipped under goalkeeper Clay to make the score 3-2. Several minutes of tough defending remained for the Cougars as Madison pushed all of their players into the attacking half of the field. The Patriot's gamble turned unlucky as a long clearence by Tim Hensley found Isreal who raced downfield to score a beautiful solo goal to make the final score Cougars 4, Patriots 2.
Great opening road win for East Yancey.
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