With several regular players unavailable and facing an opposition who had an excellent start in their first game, GC were well aware of the challenge that they were facing in their second game of the outdoor season.
Both teams started brightly in the first quarter but with Black Boys having the majority of the possession. They were frustrated by the good defensive work of not just the back four, but the GC side as a whole. Despite Black Boys being awarded two short corners, the first quarter finished 0:0.
The second quarter continued much as the first, with Black Boys constantly testing the GC defense and trying to find any opportunity to make an advantage on goal. Again the defense remained solid and on the few occasions that the ball made it through onto goal, Tilia was ready to make some important saves to take us into half time at 0:0.
At half time, we spoke about staying focused and keeping our concentration for the next half and to take the opportunity to counter attack and stretch the pitch when we had the ball in our possession.
Despite the heat and the intensity of the game, Black Boys were relentless in their attack. Their persistence paid off when the ball was drilled into the circle and an attacker neatly lifted the ball over the GC sticks and into the goal. Although the goal was with the run of play, it was disappointing to concede a soft goal after the good work that we had put it in the first half.
A second goal came soon after when a Black Boys shot from the middle of circle was deflected by a GC stick into the left hand corner of the goal, giving Tilia no chance to get a save in.
In the final quarter, with the score at 3:0 and with nothing to lose, GC started to counter attack and pressed the opposition. Nina had a fantastic run from within the GC half line into the Black Boys half. Her speed and stick skills meant that she was able to take on four opponents and get a cross across the circle but, unfortunately, no one was in the circle to deflect the ball towards goal. Julia also ran through the defense and got a shot on goal that was saved by the goal keeper and the rebound went wide.
Black Boys then had three short corners in quick succession. The first two of which were dealt with efficiently by the defense but it was third time lucky as they scored their third with a few minutes of the game remaining.
All in all, there were far more positives that we can take out of the game than negatives: as a team we played a lot better than in our previous match as well as individuals performing a lot better, we defended solidly throughout the game and our fitness training is definitely improving our endurance and stamina.
Special thanks to all of our supporters who came down to watch and support at Hardhof and to Marcel and Claudio for their tactical help throughout the game.
GC Players:
Tilia Schneider (GK), Tettje Halbertsma, Nicole Arlt, Mathilde Dupin (C), Charly Dahmen, Claudia Fux, Enara Iturrioz Garmendia, Laura Poulastrou, Julia Fröschner, Isabelle Nijman, Mira Wolf-Bauwens, Lyndsay Lomax, Anna Denkeler, Nina van der Veen
Coach: Marcel