Saturday Quick Hit
The game of the day saw the 7th/8th grade soccer team win 2-1. The 5th/6th grade boys lost by the identical score, meanwhile the 5th/6th grade girls dominated their morning game, winning in straight sets and the 7th/8th grade girls are now (3-2) thanks to a forfeit.
*Highlights Updated Below*
Defense strong as ever in 7th/8th grade win
They are not going to get on the highlight reel often, and won't show up on the score sheet very often, but the defense of the 7th/8th grade grade boys soccer team played their best game to date in their 2-1 victory that brings them back to .500.
The defenders, led by Julio, kept the other team at bay for much of the game, limiting their shots and quality scoring chances.
In fact, even the first goal of the game wasn't the defense's fault as Anthony got far too under a punt, and the other team just floated a ball towards the net before Anthony was able to get back in goal putting the 7th/8th graders behind early 1-0.
The offense made the most of their opportunities after that when minutes later Eloy made another highlight reel type play, tapping the ball to himself and kicking a laser into the corner of the net to tie the game at 1-1.
Pablo almost gave the team a lead in the second quarter when he broke through the defense and fired a shot towards the net. Only thing is he hit it way too hard and it bounced right off the crossbar.
He made up for it a few minutes later when he made a touch pass to Sebastian in the box to set up the eventual game winning goal.
The other team couldn't clear the ball out of the box and the 7th/8th graders kept the pressure on inside the zone. When Sebastian had the ball at his foot, he faked a hard shot, which deked the goalie, and all Sebastian had to do was simply squib the ball into the net for his fourth goal of the season.
From that point forward, the defense took over.
Julio, along with Daniel, Brendan and Hunter were physical and played smart soccer, getting themselves into good positions and kicking the ball with authority.
The midfield of John Jett, Brandon K. and Hartman also played admirably as they were a good buffer between the defense and offense.
Anthony, who had a rough start with the muffed punt, came back strong and made good decisions the rest of the way and made a crucial save in the third quarter to preserve the 2-1 lead.
This was by far and away the best team effort from a soccer team we have see in the four years here at St. Mary's.
The offense did what it needed to do and the defense held up strong from beginning to end.
The 7th/8th graders have two games remaining and have put themselves in a good position for a playoff spot.
To do that, they will need to replicate their effort and execution like today and they'll be a real tough team to play against the rest of the way.
With the win, the 7th/8th grade team has already set the record for most wins in a soccer season by a St. Mary's team.
Whether they are the first St. Mary's soccer team to make the playoffs will be determined in the next two weeks.
Breakdowns key in 5th/6th grade loss
The 5th/6th grade boys soccer team added to their tally of tough losses this afternoon with a 2-1 defeat, in yet another game that they could've won.
Dante scored his second goal of the season minutes into the game to give the boys a 1-0 lead, but the defense collapsed twice in the first half leading to the unanswered goals.
The first goal they surrendered was a blatant miss by several members of the defense. The ball was rolling and at least two, if not more St. Mary's players took a kick and completely missed the ball.
The other team's forward didn't and he booted the ball past Jason H. for the tying goal.
On the second goal, Jason had just punted the ball, but came too far out of the net. The ball went off a St. Mary's player's head and back into the box.
With Jason out of position and the defense too slow to get back, the other team pocketed the shot into the back of the net before halftime.
The 5th/6th graders had some chances in the second half to tie the game, none better than when Raymond was just a second too late getting to a ball by the goal.
Off a corner kick, the other team's defender clearly touched a ball with his hand after it ricocheted off his foot, but the referee was screened and was unable to make the call.
If a handball was called, it would've award the 5th/6th graders a penalty kick.
But that's the way the ball bounces for the 5th/6th graders who can't catch a break.
They've played good enough to win at least half their games this season, but right now good enough is just enough for a well played game.
Easy win for 5th/6th grade girls
The 5th/6th grade girls won easily this morning 25-8, 25-13 in straight sets.
Alexandria served the ball over for the first time in her career, sending two balls well over the net and Alexis made a great play in the game when she bumped a ball over the net, giving the team a point.
Fiona and Victoria were great with their serving, as Fiona served six consecutive balls over and Victoria nine.
Their record on the season is now (2-3).
Forfeit gives 7th/8th grade win
The 7th/8th grade girls won by forfeit this morning. Even though they didn't play, a win is crucial and puts them in a good position to make the playoffs, as their record now sits at (3-2).
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