Your future, our focus
BY SETH ROMSA TRIBUNE SPORTS WRITER
Courtesy of the Powell Tribune
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The Northwest College women’s soccer team carried the momentum of a four-match win streak into weekend matchups with nationally ranked No. 14 Laramie County Community College Golden Eagles (LCCC) and No. 19-ranked Casper College (CC) Thunderbirds.
On Friday, the Trappers (5-4-1 overall, 3-2-1 Region IX) went toe-to-toe with LCCC, one of the top teams in the country. However, an inability to find a final pass in the attacking third of the field caused NWC to fall 2-0 to the Golden Eagles (9-2-2 overall, 5-2-1 Region IX).
The Trappers began the match sharing possession spells with the Golden Eagles, before a penalty was called in the fourth minute for a push in the back. LCCC then fired the penalty kick into the back of the net to make it 1-0.
Continuing to share possession but not being able to find a pass in the final third, the Golden Eagles countered and found an open header in the box just 15 minutes later to double the advantage to 2-0.
After the second goal, the Trappers became slightly more disconnected through the midfield, not affording as many opportunities in the remainder of the first half.
The Trappers nearly found the back of the net to end the first half on a shot/cross effort from freshman Kameron Stitt that went just wide of the post.
A free kick from just outside the 18 yard box sailed over the bar 20 minutes into the second half.
Throughout the second half the Trappers continued to hold possession more than the Golden Eagles, but were never able to find a pass to an open shot.
“Pass execution in the final third was rough,” coach Rob Hill said. “When you give the ball away almost every attack you are chasing, defending 60 to 70 yards back in your own goal, it was two passes and they were in our final third.”
CASPER COLLEGE
Heading into Saturday, the Trappers looked to regain their footing as they welcomed the Thunderbirds (10-3 overall, 7-1 Region IX) to town.
The Trappers again played well in possession early on against CC, but were unable to find any sort of pass to break down the defense in the final third.
A quick counter in the 25th minute led to a goal and a 1-0 lead for the Thunderbirds, along with another goal off a cross in the 36th minute to extend the lead 2-0 going into halftime.
However, heading into the halftime break a red card was given to Madeline Hernandez from Casper.
Coming out in the second half, Hill knew he needed to change tactics to take advantage of the 10-man team they were facing.
The Trappers earned a penalty kick for a similar push in the back that they conceded the day prior, but missed the opportunity wide left of the goal.
“We went to a back three to push numbers forward,” Hill said. “I mean we missed a chance right before half from 5 yards out, missed a penalty kick as well. Those two chances would have put us 2-2 and we were right back in it. It just was not our day at that point.”
The Thunderbirds added to their lead with a goal in the 56th minute to make it 3-0.
The Trappers answered off a left-footed strike by freshman Lauren Hiatt that took a deflection in the 60th minute to make it 3-1.
Further issues breaking down the defense and giving the ball away in the attacking third led to another counter from Casper College, which put the game out of reach 4-1.
Freshman Peyton Roswadovski added a goal in the 75th minute — her 12th on the year — to make the final score against Casper 4-2.
“Competing for the ball in the air and out of possession, I do not think we won enough 50/50s and I do not think we won the second balls either,” Hill said.
The Trappers looked to regroup Wednesday, as they faced Central Wyoming at home after press time. NWC also faces Western Wyoming Community College this Saturday at 11 a.m.