There aren’t too many girls soccer coaches out there that have the luxuries Jon Hall enjoys.
Hall’s Albemarle squad is packed with depth, which allowed Hall to rest the majority of his players on a warm night at Albemarle for long stretches, shuttling them in and out of the game while still cruising to a 4-0 victory over North Stafford.
That would’ve been impressive in a regular season game — but the Patriots were locked in a Commonwealth District semifinal match with a berth in the final on the line.
“Last night we even brought up four junior varsity players up and got them in and not just a minute or two some of them got five or eight minutes or more,” Hall said. “It’s important this time of year with the heat to have a rest because the games come fast and furious.”
The Patriots’ depth makes practice occasionally the most competitive situation Albemarle faces during the week.
“Some of our practices are just intensely fun to watch,” Hall said. “Sometimes I just stand back and go okay (and watch).”
Albemarle got goals from Maggie Tubridy (her 26th on the season), Lizzie Marks, Carmen Thomas and Anne Brady.
Thomas added an assist to her effort while Yasmin Laredo notched yet another assist and Sheila Ford also chipped in with a helper.
“This team is so deep and so strong,” Hall said. “And it’s truly a team — every last girl plays for each other.”
Albemarle will battle Colonial Forge Friday at 6 p.m. in the Commonwealth District championship.
