Our third game in three days was against #4 Cathedral. This is always a big game for many reasons, but also because the traveling trophy is up for grabs.
The opening 15 minutes were in Cathedral's favor has they created a few dangerous opportunities right off the bat. After a few build-ups from our girls, we were able to settle down and show we could play with the Irish. The first half ended a bit uneventful as both teams shared possession of the ball.
After scoring 7 of our last 8 goals in the second half of games, we knew the opportunity was there. Nine minutes into the second half, Kate Clark played a ball into the box for an oncoming Maddie Malatestinic who was taken out earning us our third penalty in three games. Kate Clark stepped up to put it away to give us a 1-0 lead.
With the solid play of our backs and midfielders, we did not have to sit back and defend for the next 30 minutes. We continued to go forward and that is exactly what Jen Dimos in the 61st minute when she dribbled down the left flank and eventually found Malatestinic who struck a laser home to the top corner for a 2-0 lead.
The visitors got one back with 6 minutes left but that was it as Annie Clark came up with a few big time saves to secure the 2-1 victory. The shot count ended at 10-9 in favor of the Irish. This gives the Lady Braves their third win in a row against Top 15 competition. After seven consecutive games against ranked opposition, Brebeuf comes out going 4-3.
Goals: Kate Clark, Maddie Malatestinic
Assist: Jen Dimos
Saves: Annie Clark (9)
Game Stats
The Junior Varsity Lady Braves played very hard in a heart breaking 2-0 loss against Cathedral. The girls battled hard the entire first half, only allowing Cathedral into our half a hand full of times. Play was dominated by our girls tonight with many scoring opportunities that just wouldn't fall into the net. On a single defensive break down with three minutes to play in the half, Cathedral was able to capitalize and go up one to zero. At half time we rallied knowing that we were still in control of the game despite the unlucky finish by Cathedral. The girls knew that it would take us scoring to be able to beat this team.
The second half was played just as hard as the first with many opportunities from our offense on frame. Again, luck was not on our side as we shot time after time hitting balls off posts and their keeper having brilliant saves. A major blow in the game came when Cathedral was awarded a penalty kick with just twelve minutes to play that they were able to finish on. Our overall team morale dropped at this point, but I was very proud of how our Lady Braves finished the
game strong. A very unlucky loss tonight to our girls who dominated
posession and the game. We move forward to our game Thursday night
against Lawrence North knowing that we can't win games without getting
goals. Kate Hahn and Madelyn Geske demonstrated great team leadership
in goal tonight. Thank you ladies!