Co-Captain Hannah Guzzi ’14 opened the game against Middlesex with a bang, netting a goal merely three minutes in on Wednesday. Andover Girls Soccer went on to seal the victory, avenging a tough loss to Rivers earlier in the week for an overall record of 1-1.
Andover’s defense fought hard against a particularly aggressive Rivers on Monday, but ultimately Rivers capitalized on a corner kick for a header in the final six minutes of the game to finish 1-0.
“We had a very good game overall,” said Elizabeth Kemp ’15, the goalie. “We didn’t get down on ourselves after the goal, and finished off the last five minutes with our heads up. I was very proud of the way that we played.”
A strong performance from Andover’s four defenders, Deyana Marsh ’17, Kinsey Yost ’15, Jeanine Moreau ’16 and Co-Captain Diana Tchadi ’14, anchored the team and kept the ball from breaking into Andover’s offensive third. Additionally, an impressive six saves from Kemp kept the team in a continuous back-and-forth against Rivers for much of the game.
“Our defense was on point and completely dominated their offense,” said Yost. “Sometimes there is just nothing you can do to defend some textbook perfect corners. They are a very good team, so for us to come together as one unified force and pressure them for a full 80 minutes was a victory in my eyes.”
“I am very proud to say I am a part of the defensive line,” she continued. “I think that if we communicate, we are unstoppable.”
After a strong start on Wednesday against Middlesex, the team increased the pressure to open up shots on the goal. Tosses from midfielder Sarah Humes ’16 and playmaking by Alex Thomas ’15 and Katie Krieder ’14 bolstered Andover’s offense.
“We are learning how to play together; the team chemistry is improving with every game,” said Moreau.
Andover was unable to play the final ball, however, and finished the game 1-0. Despite winning, the team remains critical of its performance and hopes to minimize missed chances in the future.
“It is definitely not a win that we are proud of,” said Tessa Peterson ’15. “We played down to their level and gave them the opportunity to get back into the game that they did not deserve.”
Andover will focus on practicing communication and precision to prepare for its next game against Loomis, known for switching the field quickly. Andover hopes to quicken the pace of game as well as continuing to create open space and opportunities to score.
“I think that we are playing very well,” Yost said. “We just need to get a better sense of how each individual likes to play so we can mesh better as a team on the field.”
Andover Girls Soccer looks forward to showing improvement against Loomis on Saturday.
