United Quest Blue '85 Athena (U-14) - Fall 1999 Game 5 - Lost 3-1 vs. Macon Centric United

This page was last updated on October 19, 1999.

Game 5 vs. Macon Centric United:

• Sunday, October 10, 1999, 3:00 PM at Charter field 1 in Macon. Weather conditions: Cloudy and warm in the 1st half, heavy rain in the 2nd half. The field was in excellent condition until midway through the 2nd half, then it became water-logged.

The Quest has played Macon three times before, losing all three games and being dominated most of the time. Macon is a good team ... they have size, strength and speed and some skilled and aggressive attacking players.

Macon took the early initiative and put the Quest defense under some intense pressure right away. They took a 1-0 lead in the third minute on a high shot from the left side.

The Quest struck back quickly, though, and earned a corner kick two minutes later. Elisa took the kick and hit a dangerous high ball that dropped in the middle of the goal area. There was a big scramble for the loose ball, and Meagan (who had come forward from her sweeper position) got a foot on the ball and knocked it home. Goal Quest and a 1-1 tie.

As the first half developed, Macon controlled more of the play, and they frequently created dangerous attacks. Quest goalie Sally had to make a number of saves, and the Quest defenders blocked some shots too. (Don't be surprised if the Quest defenders are sporting some ball bruises at the next practice!)

In a few cases, the Quest defense had to concede corner kicks. Macon consistently hit dangerous corner kicks, and with 10 minutes left in the half, they converted one to take a 2-1 lead. The goal came from a first-time side volley shot from the penalty spot.

The Quest created several attacks of their own, but couldn't build up to a clear shooting opportunity. Halftime came with Macon still ahead 2-1.

As the second half began, Macon again controlled more of the play. But the combination of the Quest defense and Sally in goal did an excellent job and shut down Macon before they could get any good shots. The Quest would build an occasional attack, but was only able to get close to the Macon goal a few times.

The Quest's best chance came when Rachael was fouled near the left corner flag. Alex took the free kick and hit a high ball toward the back post. Meagan had once again come forward and was first to the ball, but her header shot barely missed.

A few minutes into the half, it started to rain. Then it started to rain harder. Midway through the half, the referee spotted lightning and suspended play. During the delay, the rain kept coming, and by the time the game resumed 15 minutes later, the field was soaked and had lots of puddles.

The players all love to play in the rain and on wet fields, but the Quest isn't really built for these conditions. The game turned into a long-ball struggle for field position. (It's hard to play quick passing soccer on a soaked field.) Macon had the bigger, stronger players, so they were able to play the longer passes. Their strength also helped them win the majority of the loose ball challenges that result on a sloppy field. The score was still 2-1, but Macon was now consistently keeping the ball deep in the Quest end. The occasional Quest attacks were stopped farther and farther from the Macon goal.

Macon scored again with three minutes left to take a 3-1 lead. The goal came from a well-struck high shot from outside the penalty arc. The Macon shooter deserves credit for such a good shot under such tough conditions. The Quest never quit, but a second straight miracle comeback just wasn't in the cards. (The Quest scored twice in the final five minutes yesterday to snatch a tie from the jaws of defeat.)

Goalie: Sally (full game). Sally had plenty of action and made lots of good saves. She didn't have much chance on any of the Macon goals, all of which came from quality shots.

With today's loss, the Quest's fall regular season record is now 1 win, 2 ties and 2 1osses. This gives the team 9 points (5 for each win, 2 for each tie) in its quest to "stay in B."

This was the second game of a weekend double-header against two very good attacking teams. The Quest defensive crew deserves special mention for their play during both games:

• Marking backs Charlsey and Lauren consistently thwarted some excellent 1v1 attackers. When they won their challenges, they coolly created time and space to make accurate outlet passes, as opposed to aimlessly whacking the ball out of bounds or knocking "hopeful" balls up the field. (Charlsey also had a shot on goal in yesterday's game.)

• Meagan was a tower of power at the sweeper position. She dominated loose balls and quickly converged on the few opponents who got through the defense. She also scored the Quest goal in today's game.

• Stoppers Christina and Elisa short-circuited numerous central attacks and were quick to pounce on loose balls in the Quest defensive area. They both started some attacks with well-placed passes to the forward line. (Christina's pass started the play that led to the Quest's first goal in yesterday's game.)

• Goalies Sally and "Big J" were both tested frequently. They made all the routine saves and some excellent saves too. And they were fearless, diving on many loose balls in the often crowded goal area.

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Created: 09/11/99 Revised: 10/19/99