Last Tuesday, Eastside Catholic made their way to Seattle to take on the Bears. In a hard-fought, foul-riddled game, the two teams walked off the field with a tie as their season debut game score.
Coming out of last season with Bishop Blanchet losing 1-0 to Eastside Catholics Varity girls soccer team, it was unclear how this first game was going to turn out. Tensions held high with 2 yellow cards and 26 fouls being given throughout the tough 80-minute game. Bishop faced a loss of 2-1 in a preseason game against Redmond just 3 days earlier but continued to fight hard in their official season debut.
Eastside had a strong start in this game getting shots off within the first 5, all being taken in by Bishop goalkeeper Maya Mullaney. As first half played on, the game began to become more competitive with shots and offensive plays from both teams.
For Eastside Catholic’s defense, Camryn Trick held a strong stance on the left outside blocking crosses and holding off Bishop’s attack. Through the rest of the field, strong plays by both teams in the midfield forced a 0-0 score at half.
In second half Eastside Catholic started off with first play heading to goal but were quickly forced back onto defense. Eastside Catholics centerback Hadley Hagwell brought support with amazing tackles and tight defense against Blanchet’s Gracie Boden bringing her team shot after shot. Unfortunately for Blanchet Eastsides GK Logan Heller had a fantastic half with diving saves and high blocks.
The tensions rose in this half with many fouls and even 2 yellow cards. One foul forcing Eastsides CB, Laney Bandsma to be out of the game for the remainder of the game due to harsh collide. This intense playing could be seen in the stats with a recorded 26 fouls combined.
Both teams played a strong and strategic game with intense aggression and tactical passing. Ending the first season game for Eastside Catholic and Bishop Blanchet with a 0-0 tie. Statics showed Bishop held a higher possesion percentage at 54.7%, while Eastside had possesion at 45.3%.
The rest of the week continues with Eastside Catholic having a challenging game against Bellevue who held an 8-1-win ratio overall last season. And Bishop Blanchet playing West Seattle who had a 2–8-win ratio in their 23-24 season.
