Mercer Island

Bellevue 1-1 Mercer Island  

I trust statistical advantages over a long season, but it can make for some frustrating results in the short term if we don't turn our possession and shooting advantages into wins. And so it was a frustrating and chilly night at MI in a game in which we played better than the final scoreline indicated; but the naked truth is that we tied 1-1, and failed to turn our 19-3 shot advantage and 5-3 corner margin into victory.     MI started very strongly as their 4-4-2 formation and diamond shaped midfield gave us a few match-up problems before we sorted out our defensive assignments. But once we made our adjustments (captains Ellie & Katie deserve all of the credit for communicating our way into the right shape), we bossed the game and pinned MI in their own end. We reigned shot after shot on the MI goal, and yet the half ended 0-0.  We expected more of the same for the second half, but MI scored an impressive opening goal against the run of play in the 44th minute as their #2 found the upper left corner of the goal from distance to give the Islanders a 1-0 advantage. Fortunately, ten minutes later, the now traditional MI streakers delayed the game (and possibly distracted the MI keeper who otherwise had an impressive night?) and a minute after the restart JoJo pounced on a sloppy goalie deflection from a Catie Buck cross and we were level at 1-1. We continued to press for the winning goal but at the end of regulation, and two brief overtimes, we left the island with our undefeated season intact, but with precious points left behind.     Highlights:  our corners were again very very dangerous as Sophie drove precise crosses into dangerous areas, one of which was met by Catie Buck's powerful header that seemed destined for the lower right corner but was somehow parried aside by the MI keeper; our backline was resolute as always. All four defenders made hard challenges when necessary and provided great cover; we tried several combinations of players in our four key attacking roles, rotating Grace, Joelle, JoJo, Kiley, Sophie and Courtney at striker, wings and center midfield as we kept looking for a way to unlock the MI defense. Kiley was especially effective in the first half, JoJo gave MI fits in the second half when she moved to striker, and Courtney came in late to settle down our midfield and give us a different look at the #10 position; substitutions were rare on Tuesday, as the game was tight throughout and we were consistently generating enough chances that I didn't want to make many changes. I was impressed by our girls on the bench who continued to stay positive and support our team even when playing time was elusive. I am acutely aware of our rotation (or lack thereof) in tight games.     On Friday we have our only regular season game on Friday night.  8pm at home vs Lake Washington. Another opportunity to get back to winning ways.