Zoe Oasis ’17 barreled down the left side of the field, making an aggressive cut back to receive a well struck, high-soaring cross. Oasis gained control of the ball, firing a bullet over the Middlesex goalkeeper’s extended arms to give Andover Girls Soccer a 1-0 lead in its game on Tuesday.
Despite Oasis’s efforts, Andover struggled to maintain the high caliber of passing that it usually exhibits in the midfield, and the offense faltered as a result. Despite defensive midfielder Natalia Suarez’s ’17 efforts, Middlesex strikers slipped past the Andover defense multiple times, connecting on two goals to secure a 2-1 Middlesex victory.
“We struggled as an attacking unit. We did not play together but, rather, played as individuals and did not combine the offensive and defensive aspects of our game,” said Oasis.
Oasis and Suarez stood as two strong showings for Andover at opposing ends of the field. Andover’s lack of midfield presence, however, made it extremely difficult for the two to connect.
Andover’s loss followed a miraculous comeback draw against Rivers this past Saturday, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Following a Rivers goal, Andover played with renewed energy, attacking until Cassie Chin’s ’17 arcing strike slipped past the goalie with four minutes left.
Chin said, “We were down, and it was nearing the end of the game. It was only a matter of time before we finished one of our chances. We pulled through in the end. It took the whole team to get that goal. It started from the backline and worked its way into the midfield and then to me. [Suarez] played me a perfect ball, and I had to finish it.”
Andover’s midfield chemistry played a large part in its win against Rivers and contrasted greatly with its showing on Tuesday. Midfielders helped to facilitate the exchange between backs and strikers seamlessly, leading to endless opportunities for the strikers.
The team hopes to regain its offensive momentum in its game against Loomis Chaffee on Saturday.
