Despite a valiant effort, St. Timothy School Thunder girls soccer team were defeated 3-1 by Crescent Heights Cowboys in the Calgary Senior High School Athletic Association (CSHSAA) Division 3 varsity girl’s City Championship game on Oct. 23.
The 2013 CSHSAA Div. 3 champs went 5-1 in regular-season play, before beating St. Gabriel and St. Martin De Porres (4-2, 5-1) en-route to the final at the Calgary Soccer Centre.
“It’s always tough when you lose your last game, but we can hold our heads high,” said Thunder head coach Kevin MacLellan. “Every time they were on the field, the girls played with heart and never quit.”
The game, played in front of a boisterous crowd, got off to a fast-paced start with both sides showing their hunger. Some sloppy defending allowed Cowboys to take the lead, before Thunder got the early game jitters out and bounced back with a few decent chances, as Thunder striker Sage Meyers sent a right-footed shot curling narrowly wide.
Much of the first half was categorized by misplaced passes and errors from both teams, with most of the play going through the centre of the pitch. A great diving save from St. Tim’s keeper Gabrielle Pilling kept Cowboys from doubling their lead going into halftime.
In the second half, Thunder came out to make a statement as Lauren Pointon hit the crossbar early in the half for the Cochrane side. Unfortunately Cowboys were able to soak up the constant pressure and counterattacked, doubling their advantage.
Backed by their vocal support, St. Tim’s continued to fight hard. They created some half-chances, but were unable to take advantage, before Cowboys added a third. Thunder managed a consolation goal late on from Meyers as she scored with a clinical finish from inside the penalty box, after a last burst from St. Tim’s.
After the game, MacLellan spoke of his side’s unbreakable spirit.
“We’ve talked about it all year, we’re a small school competing against bigger ones,” he said. “These girls have helped put St. Tim’s on the map as far as athletics are concerned.
“St. Tim’s athletics are improving each year, and competing for medals and titles. It’s exciting to know that the program is going to keep growing.”
