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All Heart

You can’t judge “heart” by wins and losses. You have to watch the game and see the Effort to understand the organic fabric that underlies the rhythm and foundation of any team. I’m hoping that line makes sense because the reality is I’ve been very inspired by the play of the JV Gold Girls team these past few weeks and the last game these athletes played, a 2-1 loss to SMS, was nothing short of outstanding.

Under the lights, on the big stage of Applejack field, the Bulldogs did not shy away from the attention or the moment.WIth an undefeated varsity SMS team, filled with potential semiprofesional athletes, the Bulldogs matched the intense atmosphere with spirited play, physicality, speed, and overall exceptional play.

Highlight of the game? The first 10 minutes of the second half. The Bulldogs opened with the same tenacity they had brought in the first half. Driving the ball into the attacking half on the opening play, the Bulldogs were relentless, winning corners, 50/50 balls and being proactive about a seemingly never-ending attacking approach. It was all heart and what amounted to a very exciting show for the two hundred plus fans in attendance.

It is said by many that the backline is the heart of any soccer team. As the backline goes, so goes the team. And the back four showcased why they are perhaps the most feared line in the state of Vermont. With speed and tenacity, the backline does not give up many goals. Captain Addison “Scared you should be if you see me” Kujovsky anchored the defense with her co-centerback Graciana “Come at me if you dare” Maier. Supported by their speedy outside backs Lily “I got ‘sole’” Cole and Halyn “I don’t tire” McIntyre, these four backs are relentless as defenders and few teams have found the solution to penetrating this lightening quick and physical defense.

Midfield play throughout the game was solid with layoffs to supporting center-midfielder, and captain, Alexa “I play hard and tough but I also play clean so there will be no sin” Witkin and her co center-midfieler Tully “50/50 balls? I be the winner” Trimmer. Support from the two center-mids allowed for a strong attack with many opportunities not to mention making life difficult and extinguishing any developing attack’s early to prevent chances for the visiting SMS club.

Supporting the CMFs were our outside midfielders Mia “I just found out she’s lightening fast, didn’t know where that speed came from” Sherwood and Brielle “the technical doctor” Proctor. Both have different talents but very few defending opponents want to see these two taking them on 1v1. Their skill is evident and along with Witkin and Trimmer, have made the Bulldogs season in the midfield, one to be proud of.

Up top was Livia “I’m pretty funny AND my soccer IQ is tops so listen to what I say” Barclay and Brooke “I score goals” Weber. Both have done an outstanding job feeding off each other all season long. Barclay could be seen in the corners battling for the ball with local legend Kelly Quinn who has been playing soccer for close to 47 years. Weber was breaking ankles (no ankles were actually broken) with her change of speed and cutbacks all evening long, one of which ended with a lovely left footed knock in through the keepers legs (after cutting and feinting through two of their defenders). If you haven’t seen these two play, you’re missing something special.

In goal was Hannah “Few play with more heart than I, with my fearlessness and tenacity” Troumbley. Troumbley was one of the few to step up in goal and frankly has been the surprise of the season playing a difficult position and over the last six weeks, rightfully earning that starting keeper spot. With great instincts, outstanding athletic play, and proactiveness with any dangerous balls in the box, Troumbley has been a rock in goal.

Laurel “Corner kick specialist and drive any ball” Baker along with Hannah “I’m staying with no fear” Cyr can play any position in the field (including goalie if need be) and have become the heart of the BBA team with their positioning on the field, physical play, strong deliveries and all around play. Baker is bodying opponents off the ball and winning the big 50/50 central balls which are crucial to transitions and creating opportunities. Cyr is physical as well and not afraid to get in the mix. Her understanding of the game allows her to anticipate what’s going to happen next and react to either support the play or prevent it from building up into something more dangerous. Both sophomores are clear leaders on the team and big contributors with their constant communication and knowledge of the game.

Casey “Still the communicator” Vogel understands the game well and continues to provide feedback for her teammates highlighting the importance of communication on the field. Her midfield play has been outstanding, jumping any potential crosses and putting the Bulldogs in solid position to attack the other side of the field. Having a player be able to anticipate a play building up and then eliminating that threat immediately saves the coach from a lot of antacid bills. Nicole “All heart” Mackson works her tail off everyday in practice, as well as in games, and understands the importance of positioning on the field as well. This prevents a great deal of attack’s from getting more dangerous than they should and BBA keeper Troumbley is happy to have her back there supporting the back four.

Finally, and definitely not last, Lucy “No quarrel” Farrell can play any position on the field, and she pretty much has. Lucy has been seen as a back, a winger, a center-midfielder, and a forward. Her ability to technically manipulate the ball, be physical and not back down from overzealous opponents, her knowledge and understating of the game, makes her dangerous at any position. Having a player like Farrell makes a coach’s job easy because there is nowhere on the field Farrell can’t play.

The Bulldogs honestly played their best game to date and there are a few opponents the Bulldogs would like the opportunity to see again, but alas, that’s soccer. Oftentimes, you only get one opportunity. The Bulldogs made the most of these opportunities though, never backing down, and if the last few weeks of the season are going to be anything like the first six weeks, it’s sure to be a fantastic finish. As always, there is nothing but praise when it comes to appreciating and Honoring this team’s Effort.
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