With less than five minutes left in the game, Avery Westerfield ’18 scored a goal from 40 yards out, securing Andover Girls Soccer a 4-0 shutout against Governor’s on Wednesday. Bri Fadden ’17, Isabella DiBenedetto ’20, and Krystiana Swain ’18 also contributed to the team’s win, each scoring one goal for Andover. Coupled with Andover’s 0-0 draw against St. Paul’s on Saturday, the team’s record now stands at 5-4-1.
Against Governor’s, Andover dominated the field, rarely letting the ball cross over into its defensive half.
Co-Captain Antonia Tammaro ’17 said, “The production from the midfield was the best it’s ever been. It was really helpful, because Governor’s gave us a ton of space in the midfield so we were able to play through balls to Zoe [Oasis ’17] and Krystiana.”
“Also, we moved the ball up the field, which is something we have been struggling with. I think the past couple of games have been huge for us. We are really starting to settle in,” she continued.
Andover’s defense held strong throughout the game, preventing any scoring opportunities for Governor’s.
Tookie Wilson ’18 said, “No matter who our defenders are on the field, I think we all understand that above all, we work together and play as a unit, stepping and dropping together.”
Against St. Paul’s on Saturday, neither team was able to find the back of the net. Andover, however, came out strong and maintained possession.
Swain said, “Overall, I think we dominated the game. We moved the ball well and did a good job countering. The only problem was that we couldn’t put the ball in the back of the net.”
On the defensive side of the ball, Tammaro recorded a penalty save in the first half, keeping the game level. In addition to Tammaro’s saves, her defensive backs were able to stop St. Paul’s scoring opportunities.
Tammaro said, “Defensively, we are really improving. As the season progresses we are becoming more and more comfortable with each other’s style of play. Everything is starting to mesh together, and it’s a great feeling.”
In the upcoming weeks, Andover will work on controlling the tempo of the game and creating more scoring opportunities.
Head Coach Lisa Joel said, “We are a team that has picked up steam as the season goes on, and as teams get tired… I think our main goal is to really get better everyday. We want to play smart soccer, our soccer.”
Andover will look to continue its success when it travels to Northfield Mount Hermon on Saturday.
