Strong. The single word that best describes Cave Spring’s first 2016 girls soccer game is this: Strong. You want scoring? How about 5 goals on 22 shots? Yep, that’s strong. You want defense? How about a shutout and only allowing 1 shot on goal? Doesn’t get much stronger than that.
What stood out most about this performance, however, was not the awesome results; but the way in which it was accomplished. The Squires played to their strengths. In short, they did what they do best. And so, by focusing on their strengths, it almost looked like they had no weaknesses.
“What, pray tell, are this team’s strengths?”, you may ask.
Defense. The Squire’s back line shut down Central Academy’s attack before it could even get started. The few times they actually made it into Cave Spring’s defensive third, it wasn’t long before the ball came flying out again. After awhile the CAMS forwards probably felt like they were playing against a kick-back net or the brick wall on the back of their house.
Aggressiveness. Cave Spring is loaded with girls who will run through you or over the top of you, if necessary, in order to get the ball. No fear. All out. “It’s my ball and you can’t have it!” As a result, the Squires won most every 50/50 ball. Along the way, they left a few opposing players players on the ground or wondering what just happened.
Speed. Given half a chance, there are girls on this team who will flat outrun you to the goal. To counter this, CAMS back line stayed well within their half of the field. They even tried to execute the “offsides trap” in order to slow the Squires down. Undaunted, Cave Spring used their speed to get the ball through the midfield quickly and to their forwards. The forwards, in turn, used speed to dribble past the defenders and in for a shot.
Enthusiasm. With each good play, the rest of the Cave Spring squad would cheer on their team mates. At times the entire bench seemed to explode with support for a job well done on the field, jumping up, arms raised, loud, excited. These girls are clearly having fun. And they are doing it as a team – all for one; one for all. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been playing travel soccer since you were a young child, or this is your first time ever setting foot on a soccer field. Everyone get’s praise for what they bring to the team and their success on the field. It’s an enthusiasm that’s contagious – and results in a strong, cohesive unit.
Keep playing to your strengths, Cave Spring. It will take you far.
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