(August 25, 2023) Mena, Arkansas - After an early scrimmage in August, the ladies had nearly 2 weeks off to prepare for their official season opener this mornng at Tapley Park. This was the second matchup between the Bucks and Mountain View from Dallas. The teams tied last season in an early season scrimmage.
UARM got off to a quick start putting pressure on the back line of Mountain View from the kick off. Despite an early 8:30am start time, the UARM players were focused from the first minute. This focus and pressure led to the first goal after only 7 minutes. Kyla Ferguson (Wickes, AR) was played into space on the right wing and her cross found Jasmin Nielsen (Aabybro, Denmark) to finish with a clean header from 6 yards out. UARM had most of the possession for most of the first half but one mistake in midfield led to a Mountain View break away on the right side of the field. The resulting cross was not dealt with and the ball fell to the feet of a Mountain View striker who finished from 20 yards out. Jazmine Pacheco (Tulsa, OK) in goal made a valiant effort to keep the shot out but could only manage to get a partial hand on the shot, and both teams went into the halftime break tied 1-1.
The second half started in much the same way as the first half with UARM playing a fast paced attacking style of soccer. The reward was immediate when in the 2nd minute of the half Abbie Sunners (Liverpool, England) played a through ball behind the mountain view back line for Jasmin Nielsen to finish a 1v1 with the goalkeeper. UARM had the opportunity for the insurance goal only 2 minutes later when Jasmin Nielsen was tripped in the penalty area for the award of a penalty kick. Carla Todd (Lochgilphead, United Kingdom) stood up to take the kick but hit the post with her shot and was cleared. UARM controlled much of the second half and kept Mountain View away from the goal despite one or two dangerous set plays into our penalty area. Chances were few for both teams, but there was a golden opportunity in the last minute to kill the game for UARM when Carla Todd was presented an open goal 6 yards out but unfortunately her one time shot just missed the goal. Despite the miss, UARM were able to see out the game and get the win.
Coach Sherry was excited for his women's team. "I am very proud of the ladies putting in such a great effort despite the early start and increasing heat in the 2nd half. Everyone played their part and executed their role to almost perfection. Special mention to Emmaleigh Daniel (Stephenville, TX), Maegan Hill (Benton, AR) and MJ Rosas (Surpise, AZ) for marshalling the back line with great skill and concentration."
#DefendTheMountain