by Niki Cunningham
Sports Editor
e-reporter
Bob Nielsen
The U-14 Lassen Arsenal played it’s sixth match of the season in Anderson on Saturday, October 04, in a battle of top-ranked teams. The pitch was muddy in places and rough all over, which made the ball bounce unpredictably. Even warming up, the girls noticed their shots were high and wide. Once underway, Lassen came out and dominated the field. For the first 15 minutes, they picked apart Anderson’s defense with accurate passes and deft touches. Most impressive were the two identical unselfish passes of striker Paige Martin to midfielder Emma Newton that produced some very dangerous shots, which ended up just over the crossbar.
However, The Anderson Constrictors defense adjusted to the pressure and began clearing the ball to the wings. From there, they found a very quick right forward, who earned a couple of breakaway opportunities, and used just the right finishing touch to get them past the Lassen keeper, Brittney Patton. Those were the only two goals that got past her on the day.
Down two points to a very talented team, veteran defender Amber Jackson came in to provide the speed and boost the confidence of the back line. Reinforced, the defense reset and began clearing the ball back to midfield. Between the score and the midday heat, the girls struggled to keep the ball out of the net, and were grateful for a 10 minute halftime break in the shade.
At the half, the girls regrouped, and decided that the game was well within reach. For the first 15 minutes of the second half, they controlled the Anderson attacks while sending up counter attacks of their own, forcing the Anderson keeper to make saves at the corners. Once Jackson moved up to the center midfielder position, Lassen began moving the ball with confidence and a purpose. After making a run from midfield to the penalty box, Jackson put in a shot from 20 yards out to the lower corner beyond the range of the Anderson goalie. Recharged, Arsenal redoubled their efforts; with Jackson having a similar shot blocked just minutes later to preserve the Constrictor’s lead.
With just minutes to go, fumes in the tank, and the will to score, Lassen unleashed shot after shot, each time missing just wide or high. Anderson was unwilling to let the game slip away, and took their own shots on goal in the waning minutes, with a couple of crosses that snuck past defenders but were placed over the crossbar. The score was 2-1 when the game ended, with both teams having showed great skill and stamina. It was Lassen’s turn to accept defeat gracefully, as they shook hands with their opponents and the officials. They sit atop the standings at 5-1, with 3 games left in the regular season. They play Palo Cedro Mustangs, next Saturday at 10:00 am at Riverside Park. This should be another high-powered game, with the Mustangs sitting just behind Arsenal in the standings.
