#4 Catholic NI (1) v #5 Sacred Heart NO (2)

[licensedsoccerdad]

This one should be another classic battle between the same two teams who played each other in the finals of Division III for the past 2 years. Catholic NI has only given up 5 goals in 26 games this season. ASH NO has scored 21 goals in just their first two games of the playoffs. This will be a contrast in styles with each team being very proficient at their respective area of focus. In one so close to call, I'd usually pick the home team. However, I'm gonna go with two of the classic theories - "defense wins championships" & "it's tough to beat a team 3 times in a row".....Catholic NI in a nail biter 2 - 1

[arm]

I wish I could make game but can't make it. Would someone please post game updates. Thanks

[Tiger4Life]

12 minutes left in half.....pretty evenly chip with SH controlling the pace of the game from side to side and a couple of opportunities. Looks like CHNI playing directional and counter game

[Tiger4Life]

SH scores Mallory Rodrigues scores bouncing ball in the 18...3 min left in the half.

[Tiger4Life]

SH pressing hard and scores again Kristen kern from the top of the 18...nice score

[NutMeg]

7minutes left

[NutMeg]

Halftime.

Sacred Heart has controlled much of the first half. Catholic NI has had one or two chances in the first half.

[Tiger4Life]

I'm sure this game is on late in the 2nd half but can't be in two places at once. As soon as I find out score I will post

[aderitter]

Can you call in as soon as game is over at 504-556-9696 to talk about the game on Monday Night Futbol?

[Tiger4Life]

SH wins 2-1

[licensedsoccerdad]

Feb 13, 2012 19:42:39 GMT -6 mydove4 said:

So much for the "can't beat a team three times in row theory".

So much for mydove4 being able to read. I said "tough" to beat a team 3 times in a row. Obviously ASH NO, proved it could be done. Congrats to them and best of luck the rest of the way. Also, congrats to the CHS Lady Panthers on another terrific season.

[ashcards]

Physical is fine, but this was the most brutal girl's games I have seen in years. Officials were never in control. Their arrogance reduced the number of calls in the second half. MMA has now joined with LHSAA. It was fortunate there was only one major injury. Neither team deserved the disregard for player safety as shown by this crew.

[ashcards]

Scorers for Sacred Heart were Martin and Kern

[licensedsoccerdad]

ashcards is correct on both counts. ^^

[personalservant]

Interesting game. CNI much bigger, more physical than ASH. I thought it took most of the first half for ASH to match that physicality. Having said that, ASH totally dominated first half. I can only assume that Nutmeg was referring to a couple of long balls that brought the ASH goalie out as the CNI forward tried to run the ball down as CNI's "one or two chances" in the first half. ASH's goalie was never tested in the first half. CNI's goalies (they played two) were both outstanding (the one constant in the last three games between these two teams was terrific keeper play by four different CNI keepers). Two great late first half goals gave ASH a 2-0 lead at the half. ASH seemed to have game well in hand and was seemingly on its way to another easy win. CNI never let up and never quit and started to even the possession time in the second half, but no real scoring chances. I think it was about half way through the second half when CNI scored on a nice move and strong shot (I think by Miss Lehasky). I thought the game completely changed at that point. CNI was totally reenergized and ASH was on its heels and less attacking and more tentative. ASH abandoned its possession game and just began clearing every ball and CNI was relentless in seeking the equalizer. With just a few minutes left CNI (again I think it was Miss Lehasky) made a very nice move in the box and got off another strong shot just missing the post and banging into the side of the net. ASH held on the last few minutes for the win. Very good game. Well played. CNI brought a lot of fans and are a classy bunch. Good rivalry between the schools (CNI has ended ASH's volleyball season the last two years during the playoffs) Congratulations to both teams and good luck to the Cardinals.

[uhscubs1]

Catholic NI boys played at University last night and several members of their girls team were there supporting them. I had read this thread during the day so I struck up a conversaion with them about the physical nature of the game and they agreed. Said the refs let a lot of things go both ways. One incident that stuck with me was they said their keeper came out of the box and a ASH player grabbed her jersey and held her. They said something to the ref who replied the keeper was out of the box so no call. Sounds like the reffing was interesting to say the least.

[uhscubs1]

Did not think you hold any players jersey regardless of who or where on the field. If they were not calling either way then I guess I see where you are coming from Alice.
The main point that I let get lost in the talk about the refs is was neat to talk to these girls and get their perspective. And in no way were they blaming the officials at least when talking to me.

[CatholicNI]

I believe that our (Catholic NI) match vs Sacred Heart N.O. was a classic!

These young women played good soccer out there. Sacred Heart is well coached and they controlled the game the first half. Some tactical adjustments were made at half and the tables turned in favor of Catholic NI on the attack and Sacred Heart countering.

The panther ladies gave all they had. The cardinals did get up with two early goals they apparently held to the final whistle.

As far as the officiating: - It was right on point! The officials called a playoff caliber match. Bottom line is that all of our youth were able to learn and will continue to show great sportsmanship.

Uhscubs1- I know what you meant about your statement and the exact point intended. Thank you for speaking with our ladies last night. We enjoyed the hospitable environment you all gave us.
Catholic will be back again.

Congrats to everyone and good luck to all

[soccerfan10]

I would like to thank the Sacred Heart coach for his kindness to some of the Catholic High players. After the game he came up to a few of our players who were crying. He told them that they had done a good job on the field. I know it made my child feel a little better after a heart breaking lost. I hope to see our two team meet again next year for a very exciting game. Good luck to Sacred Heart!

[uhscubs1]

CatholicNI
If those ladies are any indication of your team then you have a team of great ladies. I wish I could put into words how well they carried themselves and represented their parents and school. I really enjoyed the conversation and their insight about the game.
I hope we get to play next season.