Game 11

Game 11 – 9/29/07
Team Controls Game, But Forced to Battle Back for Tie

The Priory J.V. soccer team traveled to Whitfield on Saturday morning. The Rebels knew that they would be in for a battle and the Warriors came out strong. The teams exchanged chances early on. Whitfield built an early attack and Rebel keeper Bobby Heitz stepped up and made a diving save to keep the score even. The Rebels then settled into the game and then really controlled the action for much of the half. Unfortunately many of the Rebels’ chances sailed wide or over the goal. The Rebels’ best chance came when Jack Wegman received a ball at the top of the box and turned nicely to rip a shot that the Whitfield keeper dove and stopped. It was clear that the Rebels controlled the game in the midfield for much of the first half, but they could not finish their attacks and the score at halftime was 0-0.

The second half was similar to the first. The Rebels controlled most of the action but the Whitfield defense did just enough to frustrate the Priory attack. A couple of foul calls in the half gave Whitfield several free kick opportunities from distance. The Rebels did well to thwart most of these efforts, but one mistake cost them a goal. A Warrior defender stepped up to a free kick from about half and sent it into the box. The ball bounced past the Rebel defense and onto the foot of a Whitfield forward who finished with ease. The Rebels suddenly found themselves in an unfamiliar position: down a goal in the second half. However, there was no panic on this team. They knew they were getting their chances and that they just had to finish. Brendan Kelly did just that. About five minutes after the Whitfield goal, Kelly took control of a ball that was 25 yards out. He beat a man and then took the ball to the top of the box. When he got to the box he fired a howitzer that connected with the bottom of the crossbar and then found the back of the net. The Rebels were rejuvenated and continued to attack the Warrior net. They had their chances to get the win, but unfortunately time ran out before they could put one away. At the end of the day, the Rebels had fought back for a good tie but they left the field wanting more.

Goal: Kelly (1)

Game Balls: Kelly, Wegman

Up next: Tuesday October 2 @ St Pius @ 4:15