GJVS Shuts Out Middlesex, 1-0

The Girls’ JV Soccer team headed into long weekend on a good note by defeating Middlesex 1-0 on Friday afternoon.

 

Emily Pollis scored the game’s only goal just four minutes after the opening whistle. After receiving a pass from defender Isabel Brown about 35 yards out, Emily carried the ball into the penalty area and then slid between two Middlesex defenders before placing a low shot beyond the goalie’s reach and into the net. Groton threatened several more times in the first half, with Emily using her speed to get past the defense and Calen Cagney and Lauren Clark moving the ball nicely down the right side. Tai Campbell also created a great chance from the right corner when she beat her defender and crossed the ball back to the 18, but Lidia Spada’s shot went wide of the mark. Alex Canellakis had a good opportunity of her own later in the half but put her shot over the crossbar.

 

On the defensive end, goalkeeper Anna Pimentel kept Middlesex off the board in the first half with several aggressive stops, and Lilly Gordon took over at halftime and preserved the shutout the rest of the way. Defenders Isabel Brown, Leah Canellakis, Harriet Winterer, Addison Hyde and Maya Luthi played another strong game in support of their keepers.

 

Player of the Game was Sabrina Blanton-Rich. At a dangerous moment in the second half when Middlesex was threatening to score, Sabrina dropped back from midfield to support the defense, and she was responsible for a key stop and a clear from inside the penalty area. She also played a smart and aggressive game in challenging her opponent near midfield, producing several turnovers and helping create opportunities for our offense.

 

Thank you to the family members and others who came to watch us play on a sunny afternoon. Special thanks to Alex and Leah’s mom for the Gatorade at halftime and the delicious apple cider donuts after the game.

 

After the long weekend, the girls will be back in action on Wednesday at Nobles.