The afternoon was grey and just slightly drizzly as the Knights arrived at Riverbank for their nonleague matchup verses Calhoun.  The team came into the game missing seven players from the squad, meaning that there was only two players on the substitutes bench.  Several of the players counted among the missing are regular starters, including junior goalkeeper Sara Caplan (missing with an injury) and central defenders Minnie Hutchins and captain Hazel Hutchins.  It was a thin version of the Knights that took the field, with little back up in case of fatigue or injury.  While LREI have not lost to Calhoun in the last four years, last year’s match was a tense and physical affair that saw several players come out through injury.  The match ended in a 1-1 draw. 

 

So there was some uncertainty in the team as to what to expect from not only the opposition, but themselves.  Stepping in for their first starts were several players, and several more were playing in positions that are not regular for them.   It would have been understandable for the LREI team that day to play below their usual standard. 

 

And the opening minutes were slightly tense as the new look lineup felt out new positions and arrangements.  The team quickly settled in though, and began moving the ball about in their typical short passing style.  Junior forward Olivia Sharp hit the post twice in the first ten minutes as the team threatened.  Seniors Finley Martin and Ana Maroto, usually paired in the center of midfield, were slid back into deeper roles in the midfield and defense, yet found a way to combine to win and recycle possession in the middle third of the field.  Junior Maya Pacheco-Berger, usually on the outside, slotted in beside Maroto in defense and played her usual high-energy game.  Sophomore defender Jordana Castro, starting for the first time this season, was both calm and physical when called upon.  Senior forward Cara Colasanti, also getting her first start, played a full game and made several intelligent plays, receiving the ball wide and looking to combine with the midfield. 

 

The difference in the game came midway through the second half, just as the rain that had threatened all through the beginning of the game started to drizzle.  Martin won possession right over the half line on the LREI side of the field and drove forward at pace before slipping a ball into space between two defenders.  Freshman Rachel Morrow, playing in behind the strikers, pushed up into the back line of Calhoun and took a great touch into space.  The opposition back line, uncertain who to cover given three players from LREI making runs, afforded Morrow space, and she outraced and outmuscled the Calhoun centerbacks to the goal before poking the ball underneath the onrushing keeper. 

 

The LREI midfield and defense made the goal stand up, and the team walked of the field deserved winners.  LREI is now 3-0-2 against Calhoun in the last four seasons.

 

LREI is back in action on Oct 15^th at Pier 40 against nonleague opponent Friends Seminary.