Senior Girls' Soccer Team – Grit & Determination

Happily and energetically, the KES Senior Girls’ Soccer Team returned to action, two weeks short of a year, on Tuesday afternoon in Bridgewater to open the 2020 NSSAF D1 Soccer Season. To expect a well-oiled, smooth functioning performance in as far as team play is concerned would have been a mistake; however, the girls put in a tonne of grit, determination, and never-say-die attitude. This mindset was extremely important and served them well because the game’s end result really came down to almost the last shot taken; a rising bullet fired just inside the penalty area by senior Allie Martin to secure a 4-3 victory.

After an inauspicious KES start following kick-off, Parkview capitalized within the first minute to go up 1-0. Ten minutes later the Panthers doubled their lead in similar fashion to that of their opening goal, again taking advantage of a KES miss cue. With plenty of time to play, our squad had a choice to make – ante up and dig in to fight, or, accept that it wouldn’t be our day and let things happen as they may. In true KES spirit, the girls quickly regained their composure and began to show their quality. The passing became purposeful, movement off the ball to create passing options started happening, and an increase in intensity and deliberate communication was felt and heard across the field. By half time, Allie Martin broke through the Panther backline and goalkeeper twice, and Neila MacDonald converted a rocket of a penalty shot for KES to take a 3-2 lead into the break.

The second half produced plenty of back & forth action and scoring chances at both ends. In particular, KES Grade 9 goalkeeper Danica Scully made not one, not two, but three sensational saves in succession to prevent what looked to be sure goals. It was truly an inspiring effort and example of never, ever giving up on the play while Parkview evened the score with 17 minutes left, and it looked like both teams would settle for a draw, Scully’s saves actually boosted the visiting KES team to make a huge surge in the last five minutes of the game. This momentum swing saw Martin create a gap in the Panther defence following great collective pressuring and passing efforts by Lily Gale, Reegan Wagg and Hannah Bryant to smash home her hat trick and game-winning goal. 

Defensive Players of the Game honours were shared by Grade 11 centre-back Neila MacDonald for anchoring the backline, and goalkeeper Danica Scully for her incredible efforts and maintaining laser-sharp focus when the team needed it. 

Offensive Player of the Game honours go out to senior striker Allie Martin for scoring 3 goals and creating numerous other chances.

The KES Senior Girls D1 Soccer Team have selected their Leadership Committee for 2020-21. This group of outstanding leaders is made up of five members and include both Grade 12 players Lily Gale and Allie Martin, and Grade 11 players Maya Faucher, Jill Griffith, and Neila MacDonald. Martin, Griffith and MacDonald will serve as this year’s captains.

The purpose of the Leadership Committee is to provide and maintain a consistent and open line of communication between players, and between players and coaching staff. Further, it is about creating positive team spirit, a supportive environment, and making positive decisions that benefit all team members to ensure we operate and provide the very best team experience for all.