Griffin 7th Grade Girls Soccer

After years of anticipation 7th grade Spring Soccer had arrived!  Jordan survived a 50/50 cut as 35 players battled for 18 spots.  The season would be a 5 week sprint to close out the school year.  

Game 1 vs Staley

The season opener arrived on a low 50s evening with a cold 15mph breeze.  Not sure what to expect from the newly built team, the Gators outplayed their opponents the 1st half and carried a 2-0 lead into the 2nd half.  Griffin extended the lead to 3 before conceding a breakaway score as the crowd distracted the defense.  The Gators quickly bounced back with a 4th score and the game played out to a 4-1 win.  Jordan got 30 minutes of field time playing Right Midfield and attempted multiple Corner & Free Kicks throughout the match. 

Can you spot Jordan as the team celebrates a 1st half score

Jordan blasts a 2nd half Corner Kick - unfortunately but impressively kicking it past the offense

Game 2 vs Cobb

This highly anticipated game of the 2 Middle Schools that feed Wakeland Soccer's best in class program was unfortunately impacted by unseasonably cool and stormy weather.  For 20 minutes the teams battled to a scoreless standstill when lightning caused a 40 minute delay.  Cobb pressed the Gators defense for most the half - the tie carried well into the 2nd when the Gators defense began to show weakness and gave up a goal on a low shot crossing right to left across the goal.  The Gators battled and just missed squaring-up the game on a open goal shot that hit the top crossbar.  Cobb held on to win by the smallest of margins, 0-1.  Jordan played Midfield and some Forward during the game.    

Jordan fights for position on a Throw-In 

Game 3 vs Sherman

We finally enjoyed beautiful Texas weather with sun and low 80s temperatures at Wakeland High Stadium.  Sherman traveled an hour for the game and was clearly outmatched from the start.  Griffin beat the defense on on both sides of the field - holding possession and taking hard shots at the goal.  Jordan played some time at Right Midfielder during the 1st half and got some touches deep in opposing territory.  a 4-0 halftime lead swelled to 6-0 and Jordan played defense the rest of the 2nd half.  The Gators dominated a weak Sherman team 9-0. 

Jordan takes control of the ball just outside the Goalie Box

Jordan wins a Throw-In

Getting significant time on defense in the 2nd half, Jordan won the ball on several deep penetration plays

Clearing a ball after taking possession

Jordan brings up the rear returning to Midfield after the teams 3rd score

Game 4 vs Stafford

The weather was ugly for the final game after days of storms - high 50's temps and a dark/overcast sky was the backdrop for the match.  The game looked odd from the start as the teams played 9v9 due to a player shortfall on our opponent.  We would get to 10v10 but no higher, impacting game time for several players, including Jordan.  Griffin took a early lead but would play a mistake filled half with 4 offsides calls, Handballs, and turnovers.  The outmatched Stafford team would collapse in the 2nd half yielding 5 goals, including a Penalty Kick.  Jordan would play defense exclusively in the game and had several effective clear passes contributing to the 6-0 shutout. 

Jordan holding the line on a Goal Kick

Covering on the outside

Fighting for the ball

Griffin finished 3-1 in the short season and Jordan grew from her experience as a Gator!  We are thankful to the FISD for managing to keep sports going through the year and a level of normalcy for the kids.