The atmosphere wasn't pretty last weekend when the GCSU women's soccer team hit the field for their second conference match against Lander University. Raining the full 90 minutes, GCSU played in horrendous conditions all evening.
But the outcome was well worth it! GCSU defeated the Bearcats of Lander 2 to 1, coming back from a 1 goal deficit to claim the victory. GCSU trailed at the end of the first period, but scored two quick (and impressive) goals in the second period to put Georgia College ahead for good. Freshman Brittany Borror knotted things after receiving a pass in the box from freshman Katie Taylor. Borror turned on a dime, and got enough on the shot to literally slip it past Lander' keeper. GCSU's second score came eight minutes later when senior forward Kayla Emerson found the back nets, this time from Borror.
The effort these ladies present is outstanding!
Unfortunately, that effort like we saw at the beginning of the second period against Lander must be present the whole contest against no. 9 Armstrong Atlantic State University (AASU). Head coach Chris Faulconer has a lethal team that can score goals in bunches (36 on the year) and a defense that can stop anything that gets in its way (6 goals allowed on the season).
So, with that being said, here's what Hope Clark's Bobcats can do for a victory:
1) DETERMINATION: As I alluded to earlier, GCSU must play the full 90 minutes of the match, or this thing could get ugly in a hurry. If GCSU's defense breaks down the slightest bit, Armstrong's talented forwards could break this game open quickly. I'll be looking for the GCSU back field to play strong. Sophomores Olivia Holden and Jamie Colcord will be tested, along with junior Tawnt Moffatt and senior Jessica Binkowski in the middle. These players cannot afford to let a player beat them with diagonal cuts, easy crosses, and simple passes. The defense must be turned up a notch.
The same can be said for the GCSU offense. How well players such as Taylor, Borror, juniors Megan McAlpin andKaren Bonilla, and sophomore Anna Wierzbicki handle the Pirate pressure will be imperative. Will the team be relaxed and play like they know they can? Will the team fold under pressure? We'll just have to wait and see. But one thing is for sure: without determination, this battle is lost. Head coach of UNC basketball Roy Williams and former UNC hoops coach Dean Smith say it perfect: "Play hard, play smart, play together."
2) FIELD: Last Wednesday was some of the worst weather Bobcat Field has endured since school began in August. With the players playing in muddy conditions, the field might have some odd spots present. Obviously the advantage is for GCSU due to being able to practice on it over the past week. It will be interesting to see if the field has any impact on the game, along with the cooler temperatures we're experiencing.
3) TEAMWORK: This is obvious. You have to play team oriented in any sport you participate. But for the ladies this Wednesday, this has to be the biggest aspect of the game if the Bobcats want a chance to win. Questions will have to be answered such as: "Does my team mate have a better shot? Do I want to keep the ball or send it off to the midfield. We have the possession, but cannot get anything going on this side of the field, I'm going to be unselfish and make the defense move." You get the drift. The ladies haven't had a problem with this all year long, but that aspect can get lost in a heart beat when playing against a highly ranked team.
4) HAVE FUN: Isn't that the point of all of this? Granted we all want to win at the end of the day, but if we give a 100 percent effort and have fun while playing, then at the end of the day, we're all winners. If the team is too tense, GCSU will not be able to get into a rhythm. Every sport requires rhythm: look at how the USA Golf Team did this past week. They waited too long to get into a rhythm. And GCSU can't afford to wait too long in this one.
I always say this, but more stories will unfold throughout the contest Wednesday night. Tune into the broadcast on WGUR 88.9 FM in Milledgeville or online at www.gcsuradio.com (listen live button). First kick is set for 6:30 p.m, while air time will be at 6:20. We hope you make your plans to join us.
Wednesday's game is special because:
a) I will be joined by former Bobcat great, Jamie Nevin, on the broadcast.
b) It is "Greek Night" at Bobcat Field. All sororities and fraternities will be present to raise money for their organization and to help those who are hungry. A great cause, as always, put on by the ladies of GC!
Talk to you from Bobcat Field!
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