Fall Sports Girls Soccer Sports

GVS: Girls Shut Out Taft for Victory

Krystiana Swain ’18 blew past a Tabor defender after receiving a ball from Sarah Humes ’16, firing a shot into the top-left corner of the net to score Andover’s only goal in a 1-0 victory over Tabor. The win improved Andover’s record to a competitive 3-1-2.

With pressure from Andover’s midfield comprised of Morgan Kuin ’17, Olivia LaMarche ’16, Courtney Masotti ’17 and Humes, Tabor’s defense was under constant pressure. The midfield energized the team, allowing quick transition opportunities for Andover.

Andover’s offensive assault progressed throughout the game. Although it produced numerous scoring opportunities, the team struggled to capitalize on many chances. Swain’s goal put Andover up in the second half, after the team had threatened on previous occasions.

Andover relied heavily on the backline, comprised of Co-Captain Jeanine Moreau ’16, Nichole Dlesk ’17, Natalia Suarez ’17 and Tookie Wilson ’18, to fend off Tabor’s final efforts in the last minutes of the game. As Tabor built momentum, goalkeeper Antonia Tammaro ’17 played a critical role in securing a shut-out.

Suarez said, “[Moreau] and I were really trying to stay composed, especially in the last fifteen minutes, because they had the possession for most of that time. Their strikers were really coming at us and trying to split us. Communication was really key with that. There were a lot of long balls, which [Tammaro] really helped us with. She was amazing coming off her line and grabbing those balls.”

“[Suarez] and [Moreau] are our center-backs, with a vision of the entire field. The two of them know what is constantly going on and where everyone needs to be. Staying with each other and as one defensive unit is our main goal,” said Dlesk.

Even with four starters sidelined with various injuries, among them Co-Captain Caroline Shipley ’16, Andover has been able to keep its record above .500, which will be critical for the team’s playoff chances.

“While it kills me not to be able to get out there on the field, I am really so proud of how the girls have stepped up these past few games,” said Shipley.

With a week of rest between games, Andover Girls Soccer will take time to recover physically before squaring off against Choate this Saturday.