Converting chances is the most crucial aspect to soccer. If you cant score, you can not win. Although the Allen Community College Lady Devils were defeated by Cowley Community College Wednesday, they had a chance to take the lead early on.
In the early stages of the first half, sophomore Destinee Smith was in on goal with a chance to put ACC ahead. Perhaps the forward took too long to strike the ball goalward, and the best opportunity of the afternoon went begging.
She has to do two things. Either she shoots it sooner, or she pushes that ball to the side hard and puts it away as the goalkeeper dived for it, head coach Jeremy McGinnis said.
Throughout the afternoon, Cowley firmly controlled possession. The Lady Devils were unable to pressure the ball and Cowley took advantage. ACC allowed two goals in the first half and three in the second.
McGinnis attributes the Lady Devils struggles to their poor fitness level and lack of depth. Not many options are available to make an impact on the field outside of the starting eleven. McGinnis has been in a scramble to organize his squad since three players from Australia, Brazil, and Kenya were denied visas into the country.
All three were marked for starting positions, McGinnis said. And when that was supposed to happen, I would be able to move other players around and we become a lot deeper.
The bright side for the Lady Devils was defender Trinity Crowder. When the ball needed to be cleared, Crowder was near to put ACC out of danger. The only downside for Crowder this season has been battling a hip injury, but McGinnis is pleased with her play.
In the backline her, Amanda (Wray,) and Jess (Jones) are our strong suit, McGinnis said. I feel that Snook (Alani Snook) can get there but she just looked a little bit tired.
For now, the Lady Devils have much to work on before they face Johnson Community College on Saturday at home.
