Holy Cross Game

October 31, 2015 (Saturday)

Today's the day, what I thought would be my last day playing at my home field.  However, it turns out we have clinched a home field playoff game with our season's performance, so it will only be my last afternoon game at the Ridley athletic complex. We will be battling the Holy Cross Crusaders for either 3rd or 4th place in the Patriot League Tournament. I have come to this field at least six days a week since August 4th this year and have cherished the last several weeks playing and practicing here.  And so today, while I will not be honored as a senior, I feel amped to step on the field with my Hounds and thank the people who have supported me over the years with a great performance.

However, it seemed the team did not have that on their agenda today.  We have 5 seniors and myself (a fifth year team member) on the team, so we assumed the girls would find much to play for in trying to honor the seniors on Senior Day, but we came out flat and lethargic without the emotion I had envisioned before the starting whistle. As a goalkeeper my job is to make saves to keep my team in the game, but it hard to watch from the defensive end of the field as my teammates cannot string together a solid attack. It's hard to say that our team is playing like we have nothing to play for, because it is a day to play for the seniors, but that is how I felt watching from my box.

The first goal of the game for Holy Cross came early in the first half when our team got called for a handball in the box stemming from poor all around defensive organization. The ensuing penalty kick on me led to the eventual game winner for the Crusaders as were were unable to score in the 90 minute match. There were moments when I just put my hands on my hips and shook my head at the heartless effort we showed. A team relies on every member, and when one member is weak, the rest have an excuse to stoop down to that level which was how it seemed we were performing. 

The seniors put up a valiant effort, but we ultimately lost the game 2-0 sealing our playoff position at 4th place. I think the squad had their minds on Halloween and their costumes rather than closing out a strong Patriot League season undefeated at home. It was comforting to know that I had another night to finish off my home career strong, but I wished today could have been different. Our team was good enough to play better, and we chose not to do that. 

                                                  (Video courtesy of Loyola Athletics)