Co-Captain Elise MacDonald ’19 received an assist from Hailey Lovell PG ’19 and scored Andover’s only goal against Rivers on Saturday. Despite suffering a 1-2 loss, the team looks to battle back for its next game against Middlesex. The team’s record now stands at 1-1.
New Lower Emma Fogg ’21 received the Player of the Game award for her skill and poise on defense, according to Emily Hardy ’20, Co-Captain Allison Zhu ’19, and Isobel Glass ’21.
Hardy said, “Emma Fogg played really well against Rivers. She stepped into her first game with the team, and she played with composure in the back and was able to break up multiple attacks.”
Zhu added, “The game was high intensity and physically draining, but Emma Fogg was fierce and kept her composure in the center back throughout.”
Glass continued, “Emma Fogg played really well. She really stepped up into a leadership role in the defensive line, which is especially impressive since she’s a new player [on] the team.”
Andover’s back line was successful in stopping Rivers’ front runners. The team, however, still looks to improve upon its communication skills in order to maintain possession of the ball, according to Zhu.
“Rivers played a very direct attacking approach, in that they consistently sent long balls over the defensive line to feed their frontrunners. In the first half, defensively, although we were able to contain and delay, we found ourselves chasing the ball. We are working on our communication at every practice,” said Zhu.
For its next game against Middlesex, the team also aims to increase its shooting opportunities and improve its execution, according to Hardy, Zhu, and Glass.
“We will [also] be working a lot on finishing our chances, but also creating more dangerous shots on goal,” said Hardy.
Zhu said, “Next game, we want to see more numbers in the box and more shots on frame. This comes with playing faster to feet with one- and two-touch passes.”
Glass added, “As a team, we did a good job switching the point of attack. I think whenever we did that well, we ended up seeing more scoring opportunities, so we should continue that into our next games to see better results.”
Although Andover has areas to improve on in the coming practices, the team remains optimistic for this season, given its performance so far, according to Zhu.
Zhu continued, “[Andover Girls Soccer] is a family. We work hard and play hard together. We still have work to do in terms of communication, even when a player is not directly involved in the play. But, seeing our solid defensive line, tactical midfielders, and incredibly fast front runners, I could not be more excited for what’s to come.”
The team will play an away game at Loomis on Saturday, September 22.
Editor’s Note: Allison Zhu is a Commentary Editor for The Phillipian.
