The game could best be described as a momentum see-saw. Each team took turns with possession and shots. Both teams had some point blank range shots that they probably usually put in the net….but this is tournament play and things just tighten up a bit as the nerves increase with the scope of the game.
Neither team would score during the first half of play and you just had the feeling early-on that the regional rivals were going to give their fans bonus play for their money.
SK would get on the board first when Jessie Cooper would take the ball down the left side of the penalty area. Cooper was able to get off a cross in the box that Aris Kuntz was able to collect behind the sweeper and shoot past the charging keeper. This score was tallied in the last 15 minutes of the second half. Unfortunately, the lead would be short lived as Ryle would tie the match just 3 minutes later on a direct free kick from the left side of the penalty area. Ryle’s set plays would create havoc for the Pioneer defense as the Raiders made runs from beyond the goal area that seemed to confuse the Neers at times. This Raider play would be executed perfectly as the Pioneers watched their lead evaporate in just a matter of moments.
For whatever reason, the Ryle goal shot the air out of the Neers. During the last 10 minutes of regulation, the Pioneers were on their heels, backing up, retreating and playing into the hands of the possession style game of the Raiders. SK would take some narrow misses but were able to stave off the Ryle attacks.
Jessie Cooper and several of the girls walked off the field at the end of regulation looking beat, almost like they really didn’t want the extra frames. The game was physical and Cooper suffered what appeared to be a broken hand in the first half after getting stomped on while she was on the ground. In typical Cooper style, the senior dug in and got things going again with some possession and pressure on Ryle as overtime got underway. The team seemed to be playing with more confidence resulting in better passing and pressure. Several times through the first over-time, Tiffany “Bulldog” Landrum was able to pressure the Ryle defense with some full out half field runs. The Little Neer that could seemed to pick up steam as the period was rolling on. Despite the nice pressure by Cooper, Landrum and the other Neers, Coach Barwell chose to give Landrum some rest at the start of the second overtime after she made several long runs. Perhaps the small rest paid off. With just under 4 minutes in the second overtime period, Ryle was whistled for and infraction just outside the penalty area. Mallory Steele wisely grabbed the ball, sat it down and hit a strong shot that was tracking for the goal. As the Neer luck was going, the ball bounced off the crossbar and was looping in the box. Bulldog came crashing through the box and launched herself towards the ball. Landrum, sporting a vertical jump that had to be 30” in the air was able to get enough on it to put the ball over the goal line for the 2-1 lead.
The Raiders didn’t quit though. They again found another gear and had several point blank shots in the final two minutes that were unable to score. SK holds on for an absolutely thrilling victory. While the midfielders and strikers get a lot of recognition above, you have to tip your cap to the defense tonight. Fedderman, Kennedy, Russell, Repka, Carmony and others dug in, bent but didn't break. Great job girls.
Finally, it was great to see Carrie Ayers on the bench tonight cheering on her team after a successful knee surgery this week. Get well soon Carrie!
Congratulations to Coach Barwell, the players and the entire program for your 4th consecutive trip to the Regional Final. The game will be played on Thursday night at St. Henry at 7:00 versus the Dixie/St. Henry winner.
Aris Kuntz gets off the first goal of the game in the second half.
Take care of the hand Coop.
Able give up a little in the size department but will stick her nose in there with anybody. She looked as strong at the end of the game as she did in the beginning.
Great game by Verchek and the other defenders.
Ninja
Steele perhaps had the play of the game with a quick direct free kick that caught almost everyone but the Bulldog off guard...get it?
Carmony wearing the saddle several times tonight.
Aris Kuntz celebrates with the Original Bulldog after the tie breaking goal.
Just how close was Ryle to tying the game with less than two minutes to go?
A happy group of SK Pioneers leave the field.
Pat yourself on the back if you see yourself here for being a part of a great game. You were the 12th man on the field. Especially if your last name starts with a J or K; you were heard!!!
