Game #11

The Sharks took to the pitch with all of their seniors in the starting lineup, and Jayden was in her usual midfield spot. Riverview controlled possession for a majority of the opening half, playing in their offensive zone throughout. Unfortunately, despite their positive play, they were unable to connect on their passes with enough precision to find the back of the net. They managed three shots on net, while holding Robinson without a shot, but not of them resulted in a score before the halftime whistle blew.

I had joined the other parents and siblings on the sideline prior to the end of the first half, and once the half concluded the senior night festivities began. Each player would be announced to the assembled crowd, and escorted across the field with her parents (and siblings or extra family members in some cases) while the head coach read a brief bio about the player, including favorite soccer memories, people they looked up to, and their future plans. Jayden was up first, and since Tara couldn't be here she was escorted by Samantha and myself. Words cannot begin to describe how proud I am of the progress Jayden has made in just her four short years of high school. She is a completely different person from her freshman year until now, with more self confidence showing each and every year, participating in and trying many new things throughout her high school career, as well as her excellent academic performance opening up great opportunities for her future.

Once each of the nine seniors were introduced and we had all gathered in front of the spectators, we posed for a few group photos. With pictures completed, the players returned to their sideline to warm up for the second half, while the rest of us returned to our seats to cheer on the Sharks in the second half.

The second half was a bit more even as far as ball control, but it was the Sharks who got the first shot on net, and it was the Sharks who broke the 0-0 tie by scoring the games first goal. Riverview made a nice pass ahead to their attacking forward, who ran alongside the Knights defense while in control of the ball, managing to get the shot off and up and over the Robinson goalkeeper. A great way to take a 1-0 lead! Unfortunately, the excitement that came from that goal was short-lived, as Robinson would even up the score a minute later on a wide open shot from the left of the net that went across the goal to the opposite side of the net, tying the score back up at one goal apiece. Each team would get another shot on net before the game would come to a close, but neither would convert. The game would come to an end with the score tied 1-1, ending in a draw.

Although not the outcome we hoped for, it was a battle against a team that was ranked higher than them, and the seniors definitely deserved their moment to shine! Way to go girls!