For a 2:30 pm kick off, Waterford had only 7 players for their 7v7 match-up, against Westbrook’s total team of 16 players. 

The Waterford players weren’t thrilled about not having any subs, but remained enthusiastic and excited for the upcoming match.

The Westbrook coach kindly offered to loan players if needed (which Waterford didn’t need to use due to such dedication from the girls), and to play the games in four quarters instead (which was gladly accepted for some extra water breaks)! 

The team lined up as follows:

Striker: Coraline

Left Midfield: Maris

Centre Midfield: Mackenzie

Right Midfield: Sonya

Left Defense: Charlotte

Right Defense: Lennox

Goalkeeper: Zophia

1st Half

The game had a strong start, with some great play from the midfield. Sonya played a great defensive game, kicking the ball out of play whenever it landed at the opposition’s feet. 

After some wicked attacking play from the team, a well-placed, early goal from Coraline put Waterford 0-1 up, securing the team’s second goal of the whole season, and boosting the morale of the players. 

On our throw-ins, Sonya and Lennox launched the ball far onto the field, finding Coraline, Mackenzie and Maris who all did a great job at finding space and calling for the ball.

Maris ran for an outstanding solo run up-field, but her shot went just wide to the left of the goal.

HT

The girls came off for the half 0-1 up over Westbrook. “I’m not even tired!” was spoken by a number of players, and when asked how each of the girls were doing out of five, the resounding answer was ten! 

“We still need another goal! We can’t let them score because then it’s only 1-1 and we might not win” - some keen insight from the Waterford players.

2nd Half

With only a single swap of position, Sonya to striker and Coraline to midfield, the second half began strongly. 

Lennox and Charlotte continued to hold firm in defense, which allowed for our offense to stay attacking the goal, with strong offensive runs from Mackenzie through the middle of the field. 

An unfortunate ball clearance from Sonya launched the ball straight into Maris’ face, causing the game to take a brief pause. 

But, after a short pep talk (and concussion protocol) from Coach, some giggles, an apology high-five from Sonya, and claps from both the Waterford and Westbrook players, Maris was back on her feet.

Shortly after the brief stoppage, Maris took on the Westbrook defense, and shot the ball which was nearly saved, but fumbled through the keepers legs for Waterford’s second goal of the day! 

Westbrook switched on, and started attacking the Waterford goal. Despite incredible efforts from the Waterford defense, Westbrook had three good shots in a short space of time.

But it was not problem for the new U10 Waterford keeper, Zophia, who pulled out an incredible, first-time goalkeeper performance. Pouncing like a tiger onto each of the balls that came close to the goal, Zophia held onto the ball over and over and distributed from the back well.

Charlotte and Lennox nailed their defensive positioning and kept the ball away from Zophia for most of the game, helping to lead Zophia to her first clean sheet as goalkeeper.

Final 

Westbrook 0 - 2 Waterford 

A sensational victory, despite the rain and lack of substitutes, the squad looks to photo day on Wednesday before their next fixture against Groton on Saturday 5th October at Spera Field.