Bellevue vs Lake Washington 10-15-19

Bellevue 0-2 Lake Washington
 
In a very tightly contested, competitive game, our girls fell to the first place Kangs 2-0. LW got two second half goals, scored five minutes apart with just over twelve minutes remaining to break a goalless deadlock that looked like it might continue long into the night. The first goal came from a series of unfortunate events in the 65th minute. Their busy left winger crossed dangerously low and hard towards our far post where their right winger got a fortunate defection off of our keeper to score from point blank range. Just a few minutes later, it was 2-0 on a somewhat controversial PK. There is no disputing that the ball made contact with our player's hand, but the shot was from less than a yard away, volleyed at pace, and our defender's hands were at her side (a "natural" position as per the FIFA rule book). Some referees give that as a PK, other's don't. The subjectively of what constitutes a "natural position" being the frustrating part for both coaches and referees. I understand both positions (it undeniably hit the hand vs. point-blank range with no intention and arms at sides in a "natural" silhouette), but maintain that we were a bit unlucky to have the call go against us and effectively end what was until then a very lively and tight game. A "soft" PK at the most generous.
 
Full credit to LW. They are a very good team, but again, our girls gave as much as they got for most of the match until the momentum shifted solidly in the Kangs favor for the last 20 minutes or so. 
 
We hope we get the opportunity to play the Kangs again this season. At least once more. If not more.  
 
Up next: we go to Liberty on Thursday, where the Patriots are always tough.

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