The Lightning faced Los Amigos, a division V team from the Garden Grove league, for the first time on Wednesday. We lost the home-game with a 1-3 score in a fierce battle between the teams. Slide tackles and physical shoving dominated the entire game, resulting in 5 yellow cards (two of which combined for a red card).
The opponent was technically sound, excelled with both pure and technical speed, and read the game well, always looking for opportunities. They had better ball possession and had an edge over Sage Hill. However, the Lightning was not easy to push around. We frustrated the opponent by playing good defense all around interrupting the opponent's set ups. Despite the fact that we had no recovery time from the previous night, we hustled quite a bit, giving 100% to the game. We created our chances mostly by changing points of attack from one side to the other. We also transitioned well between thirds. Probably every player put a good five miles of running into the game. Max came out because of the double yellow. Blake was pulled back to fill the stopping position, giving Jake a chance to play up top. Blake, Lion, Nick and Taylor each took a good shot.
In minute 21, Los Amigos scored the first goal. Our defenders lost track of one of the opponent's fast attackers.
In minute 46, the opponent was awarded a penalty kick and delivered successfully.
In Minute 52, we were awarded a penalty kick as well. Nick Singarella placed it on the left hand side of the keeper. It was a good shot, well placed and well paced.
In minute 67, Michael Bear chased the ball on the side. Keeper Craig Jackson called it and came out, but couldn’t get to it in time. The opponent took advantage and made a pass to an open player in front of the empty net to seal the deal.
Senior Justin Stroud had a wonderful game as a left fullback. He used his height and strength to his advantage, and was named player of the game by his teammates. Overall, it was an immensely physical and challenging game. The Lightning undoubtedly learned a great deal from playing against this fierce and skillful opponent.
Thanks to everyone who came out to support. Please join us today at 3:00 at Corona Del Mar High School for our third game of the week!
Sage Hill School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. The School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs, and athletic and other School administered programs.