7th/8th grade can't avoid mistakes, fall 3-1

So it goes for the 7th/8th grade soccer team, three winnable games, but also three losses.

The formula hasn't changed much from game one to three. By no means have they played poorly, but as the expression goes, "They play well enough to lose."

In Sunday's 3-1 loss at St. Ignatius, blunders by the goalie and defense led to the game's first two goals, and the offense once again could not cash in on their chances.

Joseph and Ryan Q. collided at the top of the box, and neither were able to get back up to their feet in time, and the other team booted a ball by the goalie Garrick to open the scoring. On that play, Jackie was also out of position, which led to the one on one chance for the other team.

Early in the 3rd quarter, Garrick rolled the ball right to the other team inexplicably and it came right back past him to make the score 2-0.

For whatever reason, Garrick is afraid to punt the ball and relies on rolling the ball to his teammates whenever he possess the ball. If he chooses to do so, he needs to make sure the ball goes wide and the person he is rolling it to can move the ball downfield.

Off a corner kick, the 7th/8th graders did answer when Alan's strong ball towards the front of the net was redirected into the goal by Thomas. Initially it looked like the ball didn't go in for a goal, but there was a hole in the net, which caused the ball to roll through.

Down 2-1, Ryan Q. had trouble with a ball on the far side of the field and the other team was able to gain possession and cross it to the nearside. Jason Z. was unable to make a play on it and with Garrick caught in the middle of coming out or staying in net, it was an easy chip in goal that sealed the game.

It's easy to point fingers at the goalie and defense, but the offense is not pulling its weight as they've scored a combined two goals in three games. That's not going to win a lot of games.

The scoring chances are there, Alan had a handful, and Raymond had a few chances to break free, yet neither could find the back of the net.

Also not helping was the absence of Alfonso, who missed his first game of the season.

Thomas, playing up in his position did step up his game and scored a goal, but overall, the quality shots on net are few and far between.

So it's back to the drawing board for a team coming off a championship game appearance. It's been a tough uphill climb playing in a higher division, but they're learning that a handful of mistakes is the difference between a win and a loss.