Monday, October 1, 2007

YCMS 4 , Avery MS 2

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.