By Nick Eilerson / Scrimmageplaycva.com contributor
The Tandem Friends girls soccer team just needed one Tuesday afternoon. A Briana Carel goal a mere 11 minutes into the match proved enough for the Badgers as they held on to defeat a resilient Covenant side 1-0 on the Eagles senior night.
“Kate Moody was able to find an opening and get a cross off,” said Carel, known by her teammates simply as “Bri”. “As the ball bounced I saw it was going over the defender’s head so I ducked in behind her and was able to knock it in.”
In the second half, Covenant seemed energized on defense, working hard to keep the potent junior strike force of Carel and teammate Leci Irvin at bay. With the backline holding strong and goalkeeper Sarah Maria Finley making save after show-stopping save, the Eagles looked poised to grab the tying goal.
“I was a little concerned and talked to them at the half about coming out strong and trying to net one or two more,” said Tandem coach Brian Williams. “Obviously 1-0 and 2-0 are the most dangerous positions to be in. We came back from two down at St. Anne’s just last week to win 5-3 and I think if we can learn anything from that it’s that even a two or three goal lead isn’t safe when playing a good team like Covenant.”
In the 48th minute, senior Rachel Maxwell nearly proved the opposing coach correct, spotting junior Hannah Klein streaking down the left side. Klein alertly touched the ball to senior Alyse Marotta, however her right footed effort sailed agonizingly wide of the target. In the 59th minute Maxwell again found herself in the middle of the action. After cleverly finding Klein behind the Badger defense, the senior forward barreled towards goal and as Klein’s low cross whizzed into the box Maxwell looked all but certain to latch onto it, however a last minute tackle from the Tandem defense put an end to the threat.
“Though we aren’t perfect we play hard every game,” said Covenant coach Pat Campbell. “Today was a game we couldn’t score.”
As the final whistle blew, and the Covenant seniors left their home field for the last time, their coach couldn’t help but admire all they have done for the program.
“I want to keep playing with these gals, they are a wonderful group,” Campbell said. “They fight really hard, and have fought through a lot of injuries. They play with a lot of pride, integrity and heart. I’m blessed to be their coach.”
As both teams prepare for the postseason, Williams feels his Badgers are peaking at the right time.
“I think the team is coming together and the last few games have really been team wins,” Williams said. “I have full faith in all of my girls that when push comes to shove someone is going to be out there to make a play.”
With playmakers like Carel and Irvin, he never has to look very far.
