Mid Atlantic, New England to fight play-off games in National Women Championship
The crucial match of the National Women Championship between Mid Atlantic and New England concluded with a 3-3 draw that took place at the American University in Washington, DC, on May 26, 2011.
Though it was quite crucial match, the Mid Atlantic seemed exhausted and shattered at the start of the game. However, Katie O’Donnell managed to earn the first short corner in the fourth minute of the game, but it was denied from the other side. With
a bowl over, the New England team held the ball under their control and carried out back-to-back strikes. Chapin Duke of New England showed impressive passing onto the field and scored first goal in the 11th minute of the match. In
a matter of one minute, Abby Beltrani unleashed a powerful shot and doubled the tally. The goalie of the Mid-Atlantic team did not find a chance to stop the ball.
After conceding a couple of goals, the Mid Atlantic attack came alive and started storming the opposite side. The Mid Atlantic team, with to-and-fro attacks, made a comeback into the game in the 14th minute. Jill Witmer found
her alone before the net and struck a comfortable shot at the goal-post, reducing the lead down to a single goal, 2-1.
In the later time, the England team counter-attacked and intercepted a pass from Dina Rizzo. She passed the ball to Pam Spuehler, who was standing at the right flank having enough space to score the goal. Spuehler did not miss the chance and expanded
the lead up to two goals in the 21st minute of the game.
Owing to fast and furious game from Gonzalez, the New England side continued to dominate the field throughout the first 35 minutes. With three minutes remaining on the clock, Haley Carpenter managed to take the ball at the top of the circle and struck
a drag flick into the New England goal, decreasing the lead down to a single goal, 3-2, at the half-time.
The second half of play was quite low scoring, as only one goal was scored from the two sides and match was concluded with a draw. Owing to aggressive playing style, two of New England players were awarded green cards. However, the resilient defence-line
kept Mid Atlantic off the score-board until the 55thminute of the match.
Witmer managed to get into the defensive circle of New England and unleashed a powerful shot at the right corner of the goal-post, locking horns at 3-3. After an end-to-end play, the two teams could not get a go-ahead goal and the game was concluded
at three-all.
New England will play against California for the fifth and sixth places while Mid Atlantic will face Pennsylvania for the third and fourth places.
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