September 12, 2021 | Westfield, MA
Season Opener
The Lady Gunners had a great tournament in preparation for the season opener. Any part of their performance carried over into their first game would breed success. A beautiful, sunny, warm Sunday afternoon was a perfect setting to kick this season off to a great start!
Opening
The Gunners started the game possessing the ball well. The midfield combined consistently to sustain control. Wide play was executed, with constant reminders for winger to extend their position to the sidelines while in possession.
NEFC was a strong side with dangerous players of their own. With tight pressure on their creative players, the Gunners were able to minimize threatening attacks. At the half, the Lady Gunners held a commanding 1-0 lead.
2nd Half- Final Result
At halftime, the team discussion was about being more clinical finishing chances, especially in the box. There were at least two shots taken by the Gunners inside the box, struck directly at the keeper's hands. A slotted pass, low to the corners, would have done the job.
As the second developed, the heat factor actually affected the Gunners' team chemistry in midfield. The disconnect in the middle, actually gave NEFC some momentum, but not enough to create fatal chances. In the end, the Lady Gunners did hang onto the 1-0 win.
Lady Gunners dominated the first half, and walked away with a win. Sometimes, it requires grinding out your way to the desired results, which is what they did in the second half.
All players did their part, many had great spurts of brilliant play. The two outstanding performers were Alexis, (scored from a free-kick) and Lilly (controlled the middle of the park defensively). Both were instrumental in the team dominating performance, as well as the important goal to record a win for the effort.
Congrats to you both on a well-deserved Players of the Match Award!!
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