CDH Soccer Scoop
Labor Day Edition!
THIS WEEK FOR THE RAIDERS
9th Grade
Tuesday, the Raiders played Hopkins at Hopkins, and we had an easier time finding the field only slightly. Olivia K., our keeper, played up with B-Squad so Paige and Annie selflessly sacrificed time on the field to each take a turn in net. Big thanks to Paige and Annie! The team would like me to note that the conditions of Tuesday's game were unfavorable. It was hot and the grass was unkept and the ref wasn't our biggest fan and these factors might have contributed to our loss. Olivia B. is quoted saying, "I don't like to play when it's hot." The standout player of the match was Izzy who played very impressively at center mid. She was strong on the ball and had a few absolutely spectacular touches to turn away from defenders and play the ball to our outsides and forwards. Although it was hot and the grass was up to her knees she kept the energy level of the team up through her work ethic and I am very grateful for that. Bridget mowed over an opposing player and blasted the ball past the other team's goalie to score our only goal. Keep your heads up Raiders we will get them next year when the grass is shorter and the temperature is 70 with a slight breeze.
Thursday's game against St. Louis Park was a great improvement. Especially in the first half, the girls did many of the things we have been working on—getting wide when we gain possession, checking to the ball, supporting the ball carrier and connecting passes. In particular, I think Ellie did this very well. As a center mid she was checking to our outside backs and mids and moving the ball around one touch. Ellie is very good with the ball at her feet and has a good knowledge of when to take people on and when to play the ball through. Ellie creates many dangerous scoring opportunities for our team. The Raiders were able to pull out the win thanks to Bridget and MK's goals and an all-around team effort starting in the back with Olivia. Hopefully we will continue to build off of our hard work.
B-Squad
Despite a tough loss away against Hopkins on Tuesday, Coach Des found a bright light in Anna A: "Anna A is the player I would like to recognize this week. Everything that could have went wrong at our game at Hopkins did. Anna, though, had a great game. She played hard and her effort was awesome to see. She kept trying even while standing in a puddle of mud and water. Keep up the effort Anna!"
The B-Squad also found some time for fun during the first week of school by celebrating a pizza party after practice on Wednesday. With such a quick season during the busy start to the year, it is wonderful to get in some team-bonding time. And what better way than pizza!
JV
The CDH JV team beat Hopkins 3-0 on Tuesday lead by 2 goals scored by Sophia Hoppe and the other by Sara Brown. Also with an excellent defensive effort by the defensive line to shut down the Hopkin offense.
Then on Thursday the JV team went to St. Louis Park and with an excellent passing game and defeated the Orioles 3-0 lead by goals scored by Grace TerEick, Payton Putrah and Anne Tuttle. The shutout was preserved by some great saves by Payton Meskan.
Varsity
Tuesday, the varsity had a hard-fought loss against Hopkins. The Royals, with some speedy and dangerous strikers, battled evenly with the Raiders, and took the lead with just five minutes in regular time, with the final score being 2-1. The Raiders’ goal came off a free kick from Maya Quigley, scored by Molly Jo Ploetz.
The Raiders pulled out a thriller out in St. Louis Park on Thursday night. After Paige Goaley crashed into the box to finish Maya Quigley’s corner kick in the 6th minute, the entire team displayed real grit to battle out the last 74 against some tough Orioles attacks. The team found moments of their best style of play in the second half, getting more players into the box and creating better chances.
But the real thrill came in the last minute of the game! Junior goalkeeper, Kerry Schneeman, came out strong on a clear breakaway, managing to put a crucial touch on a low shot from the attacking Oriole. Every Raider heart stopped as the ball appeared to be rolling into the net. But, wait! Out of nowhere comes our senior captain, Maria Zesbaugh! Maria dove fearlessly into the post to poke the ball out of bounds just before it could cross the goal line. That play was an emblem of the team play that went into Thursday’s win. If one player had not given everything they had from the first minute to the last, the game certainly would’ve gone the other way.
An especially loud round of applause to Kerry Schneeman who came up with a handful of great saves before coming up super big in the final seconds. The confidence Kerry had in controlling her box and coming out with tenacity was a huge difference-maker. Kerry has an important voice in the team’s social culture, both in her positivity and her problem-solving (especially when it comes to team-building). It was wonderful to see that same presence on the field in her 2016 debut. Way to go, Kerry!
THE WEEK AHEAD
* Goalkeepers-- please note the added trainings with Marco for this week. All keepers from all teams are invited to join!
* Last week, each of the teams took team and individual photos. For those of you who would still like to order copies, please follow the instructions below:
1. Go to www.michaelmurrayphotos.com
2. Click on the side tab named "Online Galleries"
3. Click on the "CDH Events 2016-17" icon
4. Enter the Access Code “17raiders" and click Submit.
5. Select the Soccer Teams gallery