Bellevue vs Lake Washington 9-30-21

Bellevue 3-1 LW
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7th min LW goal
20th min Alex (Kendall)
32nd min Kendall (Emily, Bekah)
55th min Kendall (Nova)
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In a rematch of the 2019 3A state championship game (the most recent state championship due to covid), our girls played a magnificent game and prevailed 3-1 over the defending state champs. We knew from their results so far this season that they would be a formidable opponent, with speed and toughness all over the field. Our full effort was required, and full effort was given. It was one of our most complete performances of the season, with good play on both sides of the ball.     
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However, we began the game by conceding in the 7th minute. Sigh. I've watched the video and...well sometimes the other team scores a nice goal. I'm not sure how the LW left winger got her cross off, because she was well covered, but she did, and the run into the middle was timed to perfection, one-touch finish, and we were 0-1 down. But our girls responded well. Never panicked, and simply continued to play our style of possession-oriented soccer. Kendall had an amazing game, with 2 goals and an assist, but the assist she earned against the Kangs might have been her easiest. In the 20th minute, Kendall gave a square pass to Alex deep in our own half. That's it. And our sophomore winger did the rest, racing a full 70 yds pursued by several LW defenders before unleashing a shot to the lower right corner to equalize at 1-1. Ok Big Al. We see you. Wonderful goal. 
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In the 32nd minute, we got our first lead, as Hinana won the ball at midfield and set Rebekah free on the right-wing with a clever ball into space. Bekah cut inside, and slid a wonderful ball to Emily on the left-wing; Emily's shot was deflected directly into Kendall's path to slot home for a 2-1 advantage. Beautiful build-up play, and clever industrious running by Kendall to be in the right place at the right time. We added our third in the 55th minute, as Bekah earned a "hustle" foul deep in LW territory on the right-wing. The quality of Nova's free-kick was top-notch, and only outdone by the quality of Kendall's glancing header that left the goalie no chance as it settled in the net at the far left post. As a player, I loved free-flowing combination team goals (who doesn't), but as a coach, I love to see us convert chances from set-pieces too. As we get closer to the pointy end of our season, oftentimes set pieces can be the determining factor as games get tighter, and with so many willing and talented headers of the ball in our team, we are always a threat when we get a free-kick. And that was it. Ashley made a series of fine saves in both halves, and our team defense was outstanding all night, as we swarmed the Kangs and left them very little space to pick dangerous passes. We had several more chances, but so did they. And in the end, we did enough to preserve our two-goal margin of victory.    
There is no doubt that LW is a quality team and an excellent program. So tonight was a very good win for our girls. The stats were 14/5 vs. 9/2 shots/corners in our favor. Certainly not domination as the Kangs had plenty of good chances, but very well deserved by our Wolverines. 
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Next we play on the road against our favorite island team in maroon and white. Mercer Island has had a solid season so far, but records don't matter much for rivalry games. It will be a battle. It always is. I can't wait.