Connersville

Friday, September 26th, saw a co-ed squad of your CMS Spartans travel to Richmond Premier Soccer Club to take on their co-ed U15 squad. The Spartans started the game off strong, and for the first fifteen minutes, they dominated possession, keeping the ball in the attacking half and rarely letting it leave. However, in minute 20, the Spartans gave up the first goal of the match. This goal resulted from miscommunication between defenders, which is to be expected for a team that has not practiced together. Unfortunately, this communication breakdown left our goalkeeper in a difficult position. Five minutes later, with another defensive lapse, the Spartans conceded another goal, falling behind 2-0. This could be enough to shake any team, giving up two quick goals on the road, it wouldn't be unreasonable for that to shake their confidence, but that wasn't the case for your Spartans. Less than a minute after conceding the second goal, Charli Corbitt scored for the Spartans, and the half ended in a 2-1 score. At halftime, the team discussed that, outside of two defensive lapses, we had been the more aggressive team, leading both sides in shots taken and possession. The team was challenged not to let the ball leave the attacking half for the first five minutes of the second half, and they delivered. With the sustained pressure, the Spartans were awarded a penalty kick in the 7th minute of the second half. Blakelynn Branstetter converted the PK, leveling the game at 2-2. While the Spartans were probably the more progressive team in the second half, they were unable to capitalize on any further opportunities, and the game ended in a 2-2 draw. Notable performances and statistics include: The Spartans took 17 shots during the game, with ten in the first half and seven in the second half. Abbie Lindsey had four shots on goal and was the player who drew the PK. Blakelynn Branstetter had four shots on goal, and with great combination work with the midfield and other forwards. Bentley Rowe, Jaxon Meyers, and Hunter Robinson with stellar midfield performances. These players dominated the midfield for the vast majority of the match, thanks to their excellent positioning, effective communication, and precise passing. Maddie Welter had another strong outing at center-back; Welter leads the Lady Spartans in minutes played this season. Last, but certainly not least, goalkeeper Adam Jones. Jones had nine saves on the night, including three BIG saves that came within about ten to fifteen seconds of each other, which kept the score 2-2.