Stratford vs The Woodlands High School - January 2nd

The Spartans traveled north to Woodforest Bank Stadium to kick off the 2024 slate against The Woodlands -- considered to be one of the top teams in the greater Houston area. Woodlands High School controlled possession in the game’s opening minutes, leading to an opening opportunity down the sideline in the 4th minute but Junior Hannah Ryan and Freshman Audrey Brendel were up to the task, combining to shut down the opportunity and take back possession for the Spartans. Stratford settled into the match and dictated play over the next 15 minutes of the first half leading to a great opportunity for Sophomore Sara Benton, who weaved her way into a dangerous position just outside of the box, firing a shot on goal in the 20th minute that glanced off the crossbar and just over. Benton continued to work well with Junior Ryann Weber and Junior Mary Charlotte Paul in the Stratford midfield to control the ball and keep The Woodlands opportunities to a minimum.

In the 34th minute of the game, The Woodlands combined to create a great scoring chance. The initial shot was saved by Junior Goalkeeper Liv Harbison, who then recovered to make another diving save on a dangerous rebound opportunity, grabbing the ball inches before it crossed over for a goal. It wouldn’t take long for Stratford to create an opportunity of their own as Freshman Juliana Molinas pressed The Woodlands center back,  forcing a turnover just in front of goal. One touch later and she was able to score her first goal for the Spartans this season and give the Spartans a 1-0 lead just before halftime.

In the second half, The Woodlands came out aggressively looking for the equalizer. Their first opportunity would come in the 44th minute of the match, but the Freshman duo of Zoe Lawless and Audrey Brendel combined to deny any real chance for the Highlanders. As a driving rain started to fall, The Woodlands was able to break through the Stratford back line earning their first corner of the match in the 60th minute. The corner found the head of a Highlander attacker, who put a dangerous ball on frame,  but Freshman Goalkeeper Addie Greenway made a great save to preserve the Stratford lead.

As the minutes passed by, The Woodlands team was stymied by Stratford’s high press by Junior Allison Goodwin, Sophomores Sydney Valentine and Avery Rushing, and Freshman Sophia Beviaqua. The Stratford attackers forced numerous turnovers and kept the Woodlands pinned in their own half for much of the second half. The Highlanders were looking for the chance to level the match in the 70th minute as the rain started to pick up in intensity,  but Freshmen Natalie Goodwin and Lawless beautifully combined to thwart a dangerous opportunity late in the match.

Stratford held on for a well-earned 1-0 result in a match where the Spartans saw six freshmen see meaningful minutes for the Green & White. It was an impressive defensive performance by all involved for the Spartans, including Hannah Ryan, Junior Whitney Bui, Senior Layla Walker, Zoe Lawless, Audrey Brendel, and freshman Natalie Goodwin, along with outstanding goalkeeping from both Liv & Addie, which proved to be the difference in the match.