Strong BB&N Squad Beats GJVS, 2-1

Despite putting forward a great effort, the Girls’ JV Soccer team lost 2-1 to a very skilled BB&N squad on Saturday of Parents Weekend.

 

Maya Varkey got Groton on the board about ten minutes into the first half, charging towards the left post and redirecting midfielder Calen Cagney’s free kick from the right sideline. Groton then threatened to add to the lead several times, as Calen teamed up nicely with Elena Junkala on the right to create several chances, while Maya worked with Alesandra Powell on the left and Emily Pollis and Lidia Spada in the middle. BB&N’s goalie made several saves and a few other shots went wide, but for a while Groton was controlling the play with our hustle and effort. However, BB&N is a very good team and they pass the ball quite well. They tied the game 1-1 a few minutes before halftime as a forward ball split the defense and allowed a girl to break in alone on goal.

 

Groton got off to a flying start in the second half, with Lidia Spada sending a shot just over the crossbar, and Calen Cagney and Elena Junkala coming close on chances from the right. But it was BB&N who got the game-winner ten minutes before the final whistle, as an errant ball in our defensive end led to a shot from in close to the left of the net. Despite the final score, our defense of Isabel Brown, Leah Canellakis, Harriet Winterer and Addison Hyde (with assistance from Maya Luthi, Annie O’Leary and Alesandra Powell) was strong for us again, limiting BB&N’s opportunities and sending the ball upfield.

 

A number of other girls turned in strong efforts as well, including Bea Agbi, who worked extremely hard as a left forward, challenging the BB&N defenders and midfielders and winning several loose balls; and Fio Viacava, who was very solid at midfield, picking up where she had left off last game.

 

Players of the Game were Elena Junkala and Calen Cagney. This was the first game where they teamed up together, as they usually substitute for each other as forwards on the right side. With Calen at right mid today, they created multiple runs down the right sideline and into the middle, leading not only to our goal but also to several other great chances. Honorable mention goes to Lidia Spada and Emily Pollis. Emily played the entire game at center mid and was instrumental in our prolonged offensive efforts, while Lidia continues to create dangerous chances for us up top.

 

Thank you to the family members who attended today’s game. Our next game is Wednesday at Cushing.