Report on DDS Varsity Soccer v Melrose on Monday October 15th

Another very competent performance by the DDS Varsity Soccer team meant a comfortable home 7-2 victory over a spirited Melrose team. The game started very much in our favor with Kayleigh and Griffen both scoring during a sustained bout of DDS pressure. Melrose tried gamely to reduce the deficit and were rewarded with a penalty which unfortunately crashed against the bar and was cleared by relieved DDS defenders. At first the DDS defense were feeling the tension of the game and the ball at times was zinging around our penalty area with no one able to put their foot on the ball and slow it down. Gradually heads began to look up and more control of the ball was in evidence as passes started to hit their target. Sebastian came on late into the half, and not for the first time, scored with his first touch of the game. Probably the most unfortunate player not to hit the back of the net was Hudson who found frequent goal scoring positions but was just unable to get enough power or angle on the ball to get it past the Melrose keeper. However all credit to him and frequent providers Griffin and Kayleigh for their persistent play. At the back, Danielle was having her usual solid game in goal and defenders Golf, Austin, Christian, Roan, Alexa and Jon were harassing and chasing the opposition offense who were constantly seeking a way through our defense.
The second half saw Dutchess Day push continuously into the Melrose half of the field. Another goal by Sebastian put us firmly in the driving seat. Melrose got one back, Kayleigh restored our lead only for Melrose to hit another to make the score 5-2. DDS were not finished yet. Midfield players Caleb and Cooper kept the engines running, Matt was performing the occasional heroics in goal and forwards Jackson and Adrienne were keenly setting up more chances on goal. Danielle, now at center forward, slotted in another goal with team sweeper, Roan, moving fluidly in midfield finishing off a great pass from Caleb, with an accurate shot into the Melrose net. The jubilant Roan was particularly ecstatic as he had scored with his unfashionable right foot. Although we still have much to work on, this was another pleasing performance. Our next game is against Mizzentop at home on Friday October 19th starting at 3:45 p.m. Come along and support!