Really impressive showing tonight from our team that resulted in a great team win. CB West is a tough place to go, they have a big physical team and you know how intense the game is going to be before you start. We are still a relatively young group and for us to take on that challenge and be successful will only instill more confidence and belief in ourselves.
We got off to a great start, we had some early possession and Taylor Fischer was able to find Mia Cairone who dribbled through the center backs and forced a strong shot home. I thought after that we were a little sloppy, as if we needed to defend that lead for 75 minutes instead of trying to play better soccer and score more. Our second goal was similar to the first, we were able to find Mia on a longer ball, she turned and penetrated the back line, hit the post but luckily Kayla Raghunandanan had sprinted 60 yards to support her and was there for an easy finish.
West was able to get one back on a quick throw in when we were expecting a free kick call, but credit to our girls for staying the course after that and getting a 3rd goal on a great through ball from Tavi Copestick to Alyssa Tyler who took the keeper on and finished with great composure.
At half time we spoke about being prepared for more direct balls, set pieces and long throws. There were a couple of moments when we got a little lucky but a lot of credit to Danielle Eden and our back 4 for being organized, winning headers, and cleaning up where necessary.
I thought we were really dangerous at times tonight in possession, our assistant coaches Trevor & Jorge ran a great practice yesterday on different movements and options when we had the ball and I really felt that made a difference tonight. The win was a true team effort, we went 17 deep on the roster and got important minutes and moments from everyone. I thought our midfield did a great job tonight defensively and also in building some of our attacks, Ella Needham, Taylor Fischer & Maya Raghunandanan were excellent as group. I also though Tavi Copestick had her best game of the season so far. Mia Cairone & Alyssa Tyler did very well up top and Jayne Bogle was very threatening as the game got stretched in the second half.
For us moving forward this needs to be the benchmark of how we approach every game, as a staff it's exciting to see that growth, we also believe that the group has more potential still, hopefully we can help them find it.