V Soccer ties Norfolk Academy 1-1

We took the three hour ride to Norfolk on Thursday to play what was sure to be a heated contest against Norfolk Academy. Norfolk is known for its fast play and high scoring capabilities. Their narrow and hard-pack field make ball control more difficult and quick flighted balls up the middle more attractive.

Our players had to adjust to the speed of the game. Our touches needed to be good and we needed to play feet early. But before we could do that we had to win the ball. Feeling the pressure of their attack, we tended to be more defensively conservative than necessary. Unfortunately, that meant we weren't winning the 50/50 balls in the air. In turn, Norfolk had more time to build its attack.

Norfolk's first goal came mid-way through the first half when their attacker beat us to a ball behind our defensive line. Chris came off his line, but couldn't close the space fast enough. The striker cut the ball to the side and played it into the open net.

We kept up our pressure, determined to get a goal. An opportunity came in the 39th minute when Shep, on a breakaway, snuck the ball in the middle of the box. Jack found his way there and fought off several defenders. When he found enough space he rifled the ball through the keeper and into the net.

The score remained 1-1 in the second half. There were many opportunities for both teams in the second half. But we would walk away with a tie.

We travel to Alexandria on Tuesday for a tough match against Episcopal High School.