I would describe this as a typical SOL matchup between two teams who competed really hard and a game where both had spells of domination. Both groups lost key players from last season and where we would both normally be more prepared for each other I think it was probably harder to plan or understand the strengths and weaknesses. Neshaminy is always a tough game, they're well coached, well prepared, and you can guarantee they will play a full 80 minutes with intensity.
I thought we had the better of the first 30 mins or so, we started well, and were able to take advantage of some good combinations and create some early shots. About 10 mins in Darcy McCullough slipped a pass in behind for Keagan Terry who was able to strike a low hard shot past the keeper, that gave us some good momentum and we capitalized again when Sarina Igval created a turnover and crossed for Keagan to finish again. Both goals were really well taken and I thought we deserved our lead at that point.
In the second half Neshaminy were the stronger team, they dominated us in territory for long periods and were very aggressive in winning first and second balls. We really had to dig deep and defend well, and we were proud of our effort to get the result in the end. Every time you win a division game you can feel good and keeping a clean sheet in the process is really pleasing.
Everyone deserves praise today in different ways, our backline and goalkeeper for a clean sheet, we also had to shuffle some players around through injury and we got some really great minutes from Sofia Cozza, Claire Kelly, Ashley Barone and Darcy McCullough, and it's hard to ignore Keagan with her two goals.
Really pleased with the win and the team effort.