The girls soccer team left everything they had on the field in an eventful 2-2 draw against the Aragon Dons on Tuesday evening.
Right off the bat, the Dons maintained early possession in the Bears’ territory, keeping M-A’s defense on their toes. Despite this, the Bears were able to create a few opportunities on offense, with a powerful shot from senior center back Ella Mohr. M-A was consistent in applying pressure, despite heavy resistance from the Dons’ defensive line.
The Bears struggled to keep possession and move the ball forward. Additionally, because of a slip on defense, the Dons managed to swiftly penetrate the Bears’ defense and nail the ball in to give them a 1-0 lead. After, M-A played a strong defense, fighting off any more of Aragon’s attempts on goal.
“We weren’t communicating well and that’s what got them their first goal. But after we were able to solve that problem, it went a lot better,” Mohr said.
Motivated by Aragon’s goal, M-A found the energy to play harder offensively. However, the Dons stayed composed, moving the ball laterally across the field, trying to cross in from the outside for a second goal. But all of these attempts were immediately shut down by M-A‘s tight-knit defense.
Along with really strong plays from the defensive line, M-A’s offense was able to maintain possession for long periods upfront, testing Aragon’s cracking defense.
The crowd sat on the edge of their seats with the nearing probability of a goal. In the excitement, there was a hectic shot attempt by the Bears that the Dons’ goalie attempted to stop, but it was inevitably tipped in by sophomore forward Cassidy Thomas with less than 10 minutes left in the half, 1-1.
As the clock ticked down to the final seconds, both teams directed all their efforts towards creating fast opportunities right in front of the other team’s goal. Even so, the Bears midfielders worked quickly in the center of the field, regulating the game, and working together expertly to hold the score at 1-1 going into halftime.
“This game we did really well at controlling the middle and being very quick to transition on defense,” Mohr said.
M-A started out slow in the second half, giving Aragon lots of opportunities to score. After playing strong defense and passing the ball up the field, Mohr sent in an early long ball, but was blocked by Aragon.
“We had a lot of amazing shots that, if we just put on frame and took our time, we could have made some,” Thomas said.
The tempo picked up toward the 30-minute mark with numerous fouls and offsides being called. In a moment of pressure, a foul by the Bears gave Aragon a penalty kick that bounced off the crossbar, but luckily the Bears regained possession of the ball.
At the 24-minute mark, Aragon powered through M-A’s defense to get a shot off and put them ahead 2-1. The Bears stayed resilient and came back strong after the Dons’ goal, firing off several shots that nearly went in.
“I feel like we just need to capitalize on our chances. But I feel like the team put in a lot of effort in good competition,” senior center back June Wagner said.
Continuing to play impressive offense, M-A penetrated Aragon’s defense to earn a corner kick taken by Ruiz. Her direct kick to the middle created an opportunity for Mohr to direct the ball in the goal with a header, tying the score once more at 2-2.
M-A proceeded to attack the Dons’ goal, skillfully dominating on Aragon’s half. After yet another offside call on Aragon, Ruiz took a free kick that moved M-A up the field, but was cut short.
Even with M-A’s tenacious offense, the game finished in a hard-fought tie, 2-2.
“I think it was a really good game overall. We never gave up, and I feel like we all put our best, hard work into it,” Thomas said.
The Bears will travel to Hillsdale next to play against the Knights on Thursday at 4:30 p.m.
