Salem Soccer - game #4 recap
After inclement weather canceled the game last Thursday, the Salem Saints soccer team returned to the field on Tuesday afternoon for a rematch against the Crown of Life Raiders. This time around the Saints were on the West St Paul turf. The Saints had a small, but dedicated fanbase to start the game. Those few fans got to see the Salem team get off to a speedy start!
Griffin was the first to score about 7 minutes into the game with a strong run down the field. Never wavering, he took a solid shot putting the Saints into an early lead. The Saints continued to play strong for much of the first half taking many shots, getting some closer and closer to on goal. Finally 27 minutes into the game, Lars found the sweet spot and scored again for the Saints. A handball by the Raiders in the box gave a penalty kick opportunity to Alexis in the final minutes of the first half. Her reliable accuracy put the Saints up 3-0 at halftime.
The number of fans started growing as school and work days ended and the volleyball games were completed. Starting off the second half was an inadvertent goal as the Crown of Life goalie couldn't quite get a handle on the ball. Play continued as Birk, Isaac, Isaiah, and Eli covered a lot of ground as midfielders. Their endurance was needed with our limited number of players and full-size field! Zander, with his first full game as goalie, stopped a few shots that happened to make it through our strong defensive line of Gideon, Reese, and our fourth grade Noah. About 50 minutes into the game, the forwards were once again on the attack. A great pass to seventh grade Noah allowed him to drive downfield and score his first goal of the game. Showing great determination, our opponents never gave up and managed to come away with one goal before the end of the game. With a focus on passing and specific strategy, the Saints secured another win 5-1.
Coach Collins was proud to see how well the team was passing the ball which allowed many players opportunities to score. Every goal we had was scored by a different teammate! The Saints next game is just down Hwy 36 to Maplewood. The Saints will once again battle the Christ Lutheran Cougars. Game time is 4 pm on Thursday, Sept 27. Let's finish the season strong!
Griffin was the first to score about 7 minutes into the game with a strong run down the field. Never wavering, he took a solid shot putting the Saints into an early lead. The Saints continued to play strong for much of the first half taking many shots, getting some closer and closer to on goal. Finally 27 minutes into the game, Lars found the sweet spot and scored again for the Saints. A handball by the Raiders in the box gave a penalty kick opportunity to Alexis in the final minutes of the first half. Her reliable accuracy put the Saints up 3-0 at halftime.
The number of fans started growing as school and work days ended and the volleyball games were completed. Starting off the second half was an inadvertent goal as the Crown of Life goalie couldn't quite get a handle on the ball. Play continued as Birk, Isaac, Isaiah, and Eli covered a lot of ground as midfielders. Their endurance was needed with our limited number of players and full-size field! Zander, with his first full game as goalie, stopped a few shots that happened to make it through our strong defensive line of Gideon, Reese, and our fourth grade Noah. About 50 minutes into the game, the forwards were once again on the attack. A great pass to seventh grade Noah allowed him to drive downfield and score his first goal of the game. Showing great determination, our opponents never gave up and managed to come away with one goal before the end of the game. With a focus on passing and specific strategy, the Saints secured another win 5-1.
Coach Collins was proud to see how well the team was passing the ball which allowed many players opportunities to score. Every goal we had was scored by a different teammate! The Saints next game is just down Hwy 36 to Maplewood. The Saints will once again battle the Christ Lutheran Cougars. Game time is 4 pm on Thursday, Sept 27. Let's finish the season strong!
