V Soccer defeats STAB 4-0 in League Opener

The varsity soccer team kicked off its league play with a solid win over STAB. The STAB goalkeeper was most effective, despite the 4-0 tally. He made some impossible saves against a ceaseless wave of Woodberry attacks on goal.


After a few good opportunities, Woodberry's first goal came in the 17th minute when Shep deflected a clearance deep in STAB's field and followed it to net with a nice header. Six minutes later a STAB defender raised his arm to stop a through ball from Ian to Jason, resulting in a card for the STAB player and a free kick for Woodberry. Jason struck a hard ball that the keeper couldn't quite get a hold of. Shep finished it with an off-footed finish to the near post.


Defender Hill Fleet kept the Saints off the board during a corner in the first half. He "stayed home" as coach Tallman said, and protected the far post. On account, Hill was in good position to head out a ball that most surely would have found the back of the net otherwise.


Woodberry found more organization in the second half. We found the passing lanes and were able to keep possession. And the chances at goal came early and often. In the 71st minute, Connor cut the ball back after a long run down the right side and found Bear who struck an off-footed shot to take the Tigers to 3-0. "It was just a beautiful cut back," Jack Fleming said of Connor's move.


Connor was at it again a few minutes later when Jason's shot deflected off a defender. Connor controlled the ball, made a quick step into space, and finished with a well placed shot on goal.


Kofi relieved Chris in goal for the final ten minutes of the game. And it was not an easy stretch to be the keeper. The Saints had several free kicks within reach of the goal, which caused Kofi to warm up quickly.


We head to Christchurch on Saturday for our second league game of the season against a tough opponent.


See the write-up in the Charlottesville Daily Progress: http://www2.dailyprogress.com/sports/2011/sep/20/woodberry-cruises-past-saints-ar-1324768/


See pictures of the game taken by a Scrimmage Play photographer: http://www.scrimmageplay.com/media/photos/sights-woodberry-shuts-out-stab

Shep's second goal.

Hudson moves forward on the attack

Noah moves to a supporting position for a counterattack

Peter, just after heading a ball back into the attack



The team enjoys some snacks after the game. Thanks Parents!