District Quarterfinal Game

The Lady Sharks were the 6th seed in District 7, while Ravens were the 3rd seed. Based on their season records alone, tonight's outcome was not a surprise. Riverview was able to keep the Ravens off the board for the first 10 minutes of the game, making saves on the games first two shots. The third shot broke the ice for Alonso, however, as they were able to take control of a shot that bounced off the crossbar to make it a 1-0 game. It took four minutes, but Alonso converted on their next kick on net to make the score 2-0 on a shot that should have been saved. Just three minutes later, it was a 3-0 game, after an Alonso player outran the Sharks defense to score another easy goal. Thankfully that was it for scoring as the two teams headed to their bench for a water break. It didn't take long for the Ravens to widen their lead coming out of the water break, scoring on their first shot to make it a 4-0 game, thanks to a long kick ahead that the Riverview defenders got outraced to, and the Sharks keeper probably should have come out to play (and likely would have been successful in doing so, despite the numerous misplays throughout the season). It appeared that the two teams might be heading into halftime with a four goal differential, but with under four minutes to play the Ravens added to their lead, this time thanks to a penalty kick, making the score 5-0. That would be the final shot on net in the opening half.

The second half was all Alonso as well, as they only took a little over four minutes to score. This goal came on a play that Riverview has tried all year - a goal kick from the corner of the box out to a deep defender. It hasn't worked well for them all year, and this time it led directly to a turnover that was promptly passed out front for an easy goal and a 6-0 score. It would become a 7-0 game not even a minute later, this time following a corner kick that was headed into the net. I somehow missed the final goal of the game - not that it mattered, as that was the nail in the coffin for the Lady Sharks, as their season came to an end with the 8-0 defeat, as the mercy rule ended the game at that point. Certainly not the outcome that the Lady Sharks wanted in this game, but they should be proud of their season regardless after qualifying for the playoffs. Great job girls!