Kyra's Dad on the Pacesetters!

By my count it was 4-0 Pacesetters. But a loss is a loss I suppose.

Can anyone remember the last time the Force lost? If you can believe, it was way back in February! Since then the girls have had 9 wins and one tie. So I'm sure the loss came as a bit of shock to many of us. But it shouldn't, really. From the opening whistle, the combination of size, speed, skill and most of all, opportunism the opponent from Ohio possessed, would bring us all back down to earth. As much as the girls tried to establish their possession game, early pressure from the Pacesetters had them back on their heels, earning a corner kick just a few minutes in. The kick was well placed and the action in front of the goal had Kate down on the ground. The loose ball ended up on the toe of a skilled forward who quickly took advantage. 1-0

The Force proved determined, however, and finally found their rhythm with passing and possession. For the remainder of the half, the girls controlled play as they typically do, but were never really able to solve the Pacesetter defense and never posed any serious threat. And once again, it was the opportunistic Pacesetters who made the plays when it mattered. After a strangely challenging series of throw-ins in the Pacesetter end, the Force gave up the ball when caught out of position. The opponents' quick action delivered the ball to a speedy forward, who had only Kate to beat. Kate valiantly attempted the save and got a piece of it, but not quite enough and it trickled in the left corner. 2-0.

The second half found much of the same. Force controlling the play and getting a bit more pressure deep in the Pacesetter end, even to the extent of generating some legitimate chances. At one point, Lauren delivered a brilliant strike at about the 18, but was thwarted by a strong headwind which nudged the ball just wide. It seems on this day even mother nature was our foe. And what was it that I said about opportunistic? Not once, but twice did the Pacesetters use their skill and savviness to steal the ball deep in the Force end and find the back of the net. 4-0.

So a winning start to the spring season was not to be. The girls played well enough, but were outsized and outhustled at crucial points in the game. Let's hope this isn't a sign of things to come. Maybe these usurpers from Ohio will prove to be head and shoulders above everyone in league. Jags better beware.

One final note: I, along with the rest of my family, would like to sincerely thank everyone for their heartfelt support and generosity in response to our devastating loss. The level of kindness from friends and community has been truly overwhelming. Coach Cookie and the teams tribute in Indy last week, as well as Ken's eloquent words were incredibly touching. We are so very thankful.

See everyone next weekend,
Kyra's Dad