Split on the Road
Sept. 10, 2018, Sterling, Colo. – In recent Plainswomen soccer action, the ladies were on the road in Gillette, Wyo. to play two separate games against the Gillette Pronghorns and the Northwest Trappers. Northeastern would be down two players, Lillian Nordell and Isabella Serena, due to injuries. Although being out those two players, the Plainswomen adapted and overcame the adversity.
The first game of the weekend was against Gillette, who were a tough matchup. The game had both teams trying to advance the ball, but neither being successful. It was in the 25th minute when the Pronghorns took the 1-0 lead with a shot that got by Nohelia Pena. Gillette noticed Emali Ortega's efforts, as she had a bending shot from a distance, bound for the top corner of the net, but the keeper made a miraculous save. The rest of the first half had great defense by both teams, and ended 1-0.
In the second, Gillette added another goal from a tight angle that was lofted over Pena's head in the top corner. With Northeastern down by two, they tried to make a run at it. The ladies kept their aggressive attacks going, but were thwarted by Gillette. In the 84th minute, the final goal of the match happened as the Pronghorns scored off a rebound from a free kick.
The Plainswomen created many scoring opportunities as they had 10 shots, but none could not find the back of the net.
Day two was a new day for Northeastern as the sun rose to bring a new light. This game was against the Northwest College Trappers, who the Plainswomen knew they could beat. It came down to being able to score on given opportunities and play solid defense.
The Plainswomen created numerous scoring opportunities with 16 shots and eight on goal. They missed chances that should have converted, but still got enough for the win.
Northeastern's first goal came when Jasmin Ghafoerkhan found Serenity Sanford in the middle of the field, who then played a through ball to Kyley Leatherwood that beat the back line. Leatherwood stayed composed in front of the onrushing goalkeeper and found the back of the net. The Plainswomen kept up the pressure for the rest of the first half, but were unable to capitalize.
In the second, the Trappers got the equalizer with a goal from 35 yards out, as their player hit the ball the first time, and it looped over Pena's head.
Knowing they could get another goal, the Plainswomen pressured and attacked. The second goal came from a great switch of play as the attack started on the left side, and a ball found Jasmin Ghafoerkhan in the middle. Sabrina Casias then made a great forward run from her defensive position and Ghafoerkhan found her with a through ball. After collecting, Casias found an unmarked Kennedie Brumbelow just inside the box. Brumbelow stayed composed, cut inside of the charging centerback with her right foot, and fired a left-footed shot into the far upper corner. The team saw out the rest of the game well without giving away any dangerous opportunities. The game would end in a Plainswomen victory, 2-1.