Cougars Get the Best of Greenwich in Rematch
In a rematch of the scoreless draw on opening day, the Girls Varsity soccer team visited Greenwich Academy on a sunny and warm November afternoon in a telling barometer of the progress of the squad.
With both teams dealing with the small pitch and soggy surface, the Cougars got off to a strong start. Co-captain Sam served two crosses from her left wing position that left the hosts' defense and goalkeeper only able to watch to see if her fellow strike parters Ellie and right-winger Caroline B. could get on the end, as they each came agonizingly close to opening the scoring. Both had efforts graze the far right post. Co-captain Charlotte C. confidently corralled the first opportunity for GA, a rifled free kick from distance. Maggie was pulling the strings from central midfield in the first half, threading through-balls down each channel and dictating the tempo of the match. To partner her in midfield, Ella came in with 15 minutes remaining in the half to add a spark of energy. After a stoppage in play, Emma was thrust into action, deputizing at right back and doing so with tremendous confidence and success. Julia's vocal leadership from central defense and fearless tackles helped ensure that the hosts were kept scoreless through to the end of the half.
The second half was much like the first, with the Cougars maintaining the majority of possession and creating the better chances. Clare came into the midfield to win several brave tackles as well as being instrumental in an outstanding team passing move with a deft turn on a pass fired into her feet. The opener finally came 12 minutes into the second half. Caroline C. strode from her defensive central midfield position between two opponents, across midfield, and found Charlotte P. on the right wing. Charlotte fought off two defenders herself as she entered the penalty area, then drilled a right-footed shot into the far left-side netting for her first goal of the season. Five minutes later, it was her sister, Olivia, who sparked a second, feathering a chip over the top to center-striker Ellie, who was able to lace cool finish from the right side of the penalty area to extend her scoring streak to five games. The defense was able to keep the opponents at bay largely because of another incredible composed performance by Charlotte M., this time in the heart of the defense. She was aided by a phenomenal effort by Caroline I., who switched to left back in a time of need for the team and was able to courageously thwart the GA stronger side time and again while also playing excellent possession from the back. A goal for Greenwich with less than a minute to play on an excellent finish following a mis-hit shot that turned into a perfect pass made it 2-1, but there was no time for any more chances for the hosts.
The Cougars celebrated a fourth-straight win and an impressive display against a good Greenwich Academy squad that had earned a draw in the opening match. There was another great showing of family support in the stands, for which the coaches and players were very appreciative. NCCS ends the campaign next week with another shot at King School, who upended the Cougars in the second match of the season.
Back
The second half was much like the first, with the Cougars maintaining the majority of possession and creating the better chances. Clare came into the midfield to win several brave tackles as well as being instrumental in an outstanding team passing move with a deft turn on a pass fired into her feet. The opener finally came 12 minutes into the second half. Caroline C. strode from her defensive central midfield position between two opponents, across midfield, and found Charlotte P. on the right wing. Charlotte fought off two defenders herself as she entered the penalty area, then drilled a right-footed shot into the far left-side netting for her first goal of the season. Five minutes later, it was her sister, Olivia, who sparked a second, feathering a chip over the top to center-striker Ellie, who was able to lace cool finish from the right side of the penalty area to extend her scoring streak to five games. The defense was able to keep the opponents at bay largely because of another incredible composed performance by Charlotte M., this time in the heart of the defense. She was aided by a phenomenal effort by Caroline I., who switched to left back in a time of need for the team and was able to courageously thwart the GA stronger side time and again while also playing excellent possession from the back. A goal for Greenwich with less than a minute to play on an excellent finish following a mis-hit shot that turned into a perfect pass made it 2-1, but there was no time for any more chances for the hosts.
The Cougars celebrated a fourth-straight win and an impressive display against a good Greenwich Academy squad that had earned a draw in the opening match. There was another great showing of family support in the stands, for which the coaches and players were very appreciative. NCCS ends the campaign next week with another shot at King School, who upended the Cougars in the second match of the season.
New Canaan Country School
New Canaan Country School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin and are afforded all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid policies or any other school-administered programs.
