(September 10, 2023) Mena, Arkansas - Coming off a regular season win on Wednesday, the ladies of Bucks Soccer had some momentum going into today's match with region foe, Northeastern Oklahoma A&M. Last season, the Bucks took down the Lady Norse in both games.
One change was made by UARM from the previous game with Anja von Allmen (Matten, Switzerland) replacing Kyla Ferguson (Wickes, AR) in the right wing-back position due to injury. UARM was hoping the momentum was still with them after a high scoring performance earlier in the week against National Park. Playing with only one outfield substitute available was always going to be a very difficult scenario for UARM to navigate, but the weather did cooperate as the recent oppressive heat had decreased, enabling the players to pace themselves through the game better.
Sixteen minutes into the half Carla Todd (Lochgilphead, United Kingdom) received the ball 35 yards out on the left, turned and unleashed a high driven shot which sailed over the head of the goalkeeper to give UARM the 1-0 lead. Scoring the first goal of the game gave the UARM offense some much needed impetus, and the ladies took advantage this momentum soon after when Carla Todd played a through ball behind the NEO back line for Jasmin Nielsen (Aabybro, Denmark) to receive. She rounded the keeper and passed into an empty net for the 2-0 lead. Twelve minutes later, it was 3-0 when the two strikers combined again. Nielsen was the one to play the through ball this time, and it was Carla Todd receiving on the run to finish with a low shot into the corner.
The game became very stop-start, which did not allow for any flow to be generated by either team as the half came to a close.
NEO came out for the second half with a lot more aggression and their efforts were rewarded in the 59th minute with a goal from a penalty kick. The Bucks stood strong and kept their defensive shape despite the constant attacks, and in the 74th minute, UARM counter attacked to close the game out. A counter attack led to a corner kick and from that resulting cross into the area, MJ Rosas (Surprise, AZ) had a shot saved, and Carla Todd scored with e a header from close in off the rebound. That was the last action of the game, except Carla Todd hitting the post with almost the last kick of the game.
The win was the Bucks fourth win of the season. Coach Sherry is happy with his team's progression this season. "I was happy with the performance from the ladies today. There is a mix of poise and physicality in defense, mixed in with some dynamism in the attacking phases of play. We have put a lot of work into improving the technical fundamentals of the players, and I could see the improvements in their play today. The team is developing every week and are on course for a bright future."
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