The second seed Fossil Ridge Sabercats girls’ soccer team won their first playoff game against the 31 seed Denver South Ravens 2-0 on Tuesday, May 8.
“This team has built a lot of chemistry and we can go really far and we’ve worked hard… getting over the nerves even though it is a playoff game. Every game should matter and every game counts,” says co-captain Abby Ballek.
The Sabercats started strong with their offense, keeping the ball on the opponent’s side for most of the first half, but did not manage to complete any of their goal attempts despite the pressure.
After skillful maneuvering from Ballek, she was in line for a clear goal. However, the ball got ahead of her and the referee called offsides, losing another opportunity.
The Ravens pushed for the ball more intensely after that, but with several cross-field kicks from both teams, the ball ended up back in the Sabercats’ favor.
This allowed Ballek to get control and score the first point of the game 22 minutes into the first half.
The Ravens attempted to gain momentum once again, but with outside players Anna Rogers and Amelia Larson, the ball did not get very far. The first half ended in the Sabercats’ favor at 1-0.
The Ravens focused more on one-on-one battles during the second half, fighting harder to individually break through the Sabercats defenses.
This strategy led to a particularly close call, the ball moments before crossing into the Sabercats net before Ballek lept to cut off its path and goalkeeper Shay Masters grabbed the ball.
The Sabercats held strong despite the Raven’s efforts. However, with 20 shots this game, they are underperforming compared to their average of 4 goals with 15 shots per game.
A strong play by Lily Wale allowed her to run down the Raven’s defense practically unchallenged, but she missed her goal attempt. Yet Ballek was quick to follow up and finally scored the Sabercat’s second and final goal of the game.
The Sabercats won their first playoff game 2-0, allowing them to continue their season.
Watch the next playoff game on Fossil’s home field Friday, May 10 at 7 p.m. for $10, or $5 for students.
