Wesley Women's Soccer: The Final Push!

Wesley vs. Lebanon Valley - Another long bus journey with a confused bus driver gave the team about a 25 minute warm-up...I've been doing this for a long time and realized the importance of staying calm. If I keep things light the players will not let it bother them. We got off to a strong start when Lindsey Campbell scored her third goal of the season from about 30 yards out to give us the 1-0 lead. We held most of the possession and felt real good at the break. Late in the year and a non-conference game gave me the opportunity to play about 18 players in just the first half and everyone during the game. To start the second, Chelsea Buttacavoli put us up 2-0 just two minutes in for her 1st career goal. Just minutes later, Kim Fearnbach found the back of the net with a brilliant header from 12 yards. This was all we needed on the day and Sydney Kahan recorded her 6th shutout of the season.

Wesley vs. York - With two conference games remaining we felt a win or tie would get us that bid into the CAC playoffs. Tough conditions again for both teams during the match with the first half seeing high winds and rain. We were able to apply good pressure on York but were unable to capitalize on three direct kick opportunities just outside the box. Halftime came and both teams were unable to finish in the first 45 minutes. Both teams had 4 shots in the half. Being away from home, I knew York would come out strong in the second half and that's what happen...plenty of opportunities for the home side. At the 54 minute mark York scored on a loose ball in the box and took the 1-0 lead. The players did everything we spoke about during the week and showed quality leadership throughout the match. We continue to grow each day and show tremendous strength late in the season. We lost 1-0 to another top 10 team in the region but felt confident going into our last game of the season at Marymount!

Wesley vs. Marymount - This was it...It all comes down to the last regular season game! Win or Tie and your in the playoffs. Again the weather was just real tough for both programs...This was the 6th game of the season in rainy conditions and tough winds. We did look a bit tired from the start...our third road trip in the last 6 days. Even with the tough conditions we managed two or three quality chances early...Hitting the cross bar twice and several other opportunities. Yet, Marymount was the first team to get on the board...They were awarded a PK and took the 1-0 lead into halftime. The girls looked physically and mentally drained but I told them to take that deep breath and believe in each other. We continued to press in the second half until Lindsey Campbell scored the first goal of the night and her 4th of the season. Huge Goal! After the goal, you can see some of the pressure disappear and we started playing some of our best soccer of the night. With just over 8 minutes remaining, Lindsey Campbell scored again from just outside the box and we clinched a playoff spot. Back to York!