Now three games into league play, the Bruin girls soccer team hosted the St. Mary’s Lady Crusaders in a non-league match at Bruin field Monday afternoon, putting two very similar teams to the test.
In the first half of play both teams aggressively fought for control of mid-field play to set up their offense, but neither team could maintain possession long enough to consistently apply pressure at the others goal.
The Lady Crusaders worked their offense into more scoring opportunities in the first half of play, working the ball through the mid-field and getting shots on goal, however, the Bruin girls would work the ball into the penalty area and sophomore forward Amelia Bruce would be fouled, awarding a penalty kick to the Bruin girls midway through the first half of play. The kick would be blocked, and the Lady Crusaders and the Bruin girls would remain tied at the half.
The Bruin girls defensive backs had little trouble sweeping scoring threats to the outside and advancing it to the halfbacks, and although it seemed the Lady Crusaders controlled play in the first half, it would be the Bruin girls that would miss more quality opportunities to take a lead in the game.
As the second half of play progressed, the Bruin girls wrestled away control of the mid-field and despite a few Lady Crusader breakaways, play in the second half was primarily on the Bruin girls offensive half of the field.
As time became more of an issue, the attacks on goal became more and more relentless and the Bruin girls consistently pushed the ball to corners to create an opportunity for a cross to get the ball to the middle for the shot. But the Lady Crusaders defense tightened on the perimeter holding the Bruin girls scoreless.
The Bruin girls would not get the ball in the net Monday afternoon, leaving the score tied 0-0 after a defensive battle of wills.
The now 2-2 Bruin girls will next see action at home next Monday, September 26th, as the Bruin girls host the now 4-0 Sutherlin Lady Bulldogs in what is lining up to be the biggest game of the Bruin girls with kick-off set at 4:00pm.
