Stratford vs Cypress Creek

08-Feb-2022

Our Stratford Lady Spartans ventured north for a Tuesday night district matchup with the Cypress Creek Cougars. As has become our girls’ pattern, Stratford applied strong pressure from the opening kickoff.  10 minutes in there was a hard foul on Allison Goodwin as she was breaking into open space.  Rileigh Toner drilled the free kick into the top shelf of the goal to open the scoring from 7 yards outside the Box.  Stratford continued to apply pressure throughout the first half, as Cy Creek was able to muster an occasional counterattack.

Stratford continued to control the pace of play but was struggling to breakthrough with another goal, until there was a great passing sequence down our left side with 3 minutes remaining in the first half, culminating in a final pass from Allison Goodwin to Ryann Weber for the goal.  Great teamwork to make it 2 - Nil at half-time!

Stratford resumed aggressive play with more pressure in the second half.  Twelve minutes in, Lauren Ahearne was able to put away a shot from in front of the goal off a nice corner kick from Hope Coltrin.  Defense continued to maintain control with steady play and ball control from Cameron Ballard, Kristin Geczik, Elle Stephenson, Annika de Jager, and Hannah Ryan.

Midway through the second, half Lauren Ahearne crossed a beautiful pass from the left side to Hope Coltrin in front of the goal, making the score 4 – Nil.  Stratford inserted additional substitutes and continued to apply pressure during the remainder of the game.  The final score was 4 – Nil. 

The Spartan midfield of Rileigh Toner, Elizabeth Prentzantzin, Lizzy Emerson, Ryan Weber, MC Paul, and Kendall Emery continue to win 50/50 balls and dominate possession.  And Erica Eastman and Claire Holcomb made several good saves in goal.

Jersey Village vs Stratford

11-Feb-2022

Our red-hot Stratford Spartans hosted Jersey Village on a brisk Friday evening.  Three minutes into the game Kristin Geczik drilled a close range shot into the net after receiving a beautiful cross in front of the goal from Hope Coltrin.  Six minutes later Hope delivered an Olympic goal on a corner kick from the left side as Stratford jumped out to a 2 – Nil lead.

The Lady Spartans continued to apply pressure and midway through the first half Lizzy Emerson made a beautiful pass to Rileigh Toner who delivered a beautiful shot to score from the top of the box.  Now in control 3 – Nil, Stratford cruised through the action.  Finally, with less than a minute to play in the half, Kristin Geczik assisted Lauren Ahearne on a strong shot from the right side to make it 4 – Nil as the girls went to the break.

Coach Walters made wholesale substitutions to begin the second half and continued to substitute in waves throughout the duration of the match.  Stratford demonstrated ball control and dominated possession during the remainder of the game which ended 4 - Nil.  The defense turned in another strong performance thanks to Elle Stephenson, Whitney Bui, Cameron Ballard, Annika de Jager, Kennedy Mayer, Hannah Ryan, Allison Goodwin, and Kristin Geczik.  Overall, it was a solid win for the Spartans!

Our gals will be back on the road next Tuesday night against Northbrook’s Ragin’ Raiders.