On Tuesday, March 10, North Forsyth’s varsity girls’ soccer team experienced their third loss of the season while playing against Cherokee High School.
Before kickoff, they announced the starting lineup: Zoe Clark, Mia Fowler, Mollie Grieme, Grace Kelley, Breckyn Povenz, Rachel Hily, Carolann Stawicki, Ashlyn Cubitt, Mary Peyton Knox, Keely Patrick and Camdyn Rupert.
The first half started slow, both teams gradually warming up. The Raiders faced a series of throw-ins until Cherokee made a shot on goal with 35:30 left on the clock. They missed, but the Raiders felt the pressure. Cherokee’s #6, Aidyn Hurst, fouled Patrick, resulting in an uproar from the stands and possession of the ball to North.
Cherokee kept pushing, and North’s Goalie, Stawicki, blocked goal after goal. Unfortunately for North, Cherokee consistently had possession of the ball, and the Raiders struggled to get it back.
At 7:47, Cherokee scored the first goal of the game. With 3:30 left in the first half, North had an aggressive offensive run between Fowler and Povenz, but both were unable to tie it up. The whistle blew, indicating half-time.
Before the start of the second half, the announcer requested some noise from the audience, and they delivered. Parents and students stomped their feet and cheered North on, hoping to encourage a more aggressive second half.
Almost two minutes in, Cherokee scored again, making the score 2-0, in Cherokee’s favor. North received a corner-kick with 21:10 left, and the ball headed straight toward the goal, but it barely missed.
Cherokee made a shot that North’s goalie saved, but later, with only eight minutes left, Cherokee scored, the ball flying right over the goalie’s hands. North spent the rest of the game pushing forward, trying to make a comeback. In particular, Fowler made a good run all the way up the field, but Cherokee’s goalie blocked the shot.
The final score was 3-0, and the Raiders walked off the field with a sense of resignation; this game puts North at 3-3 for the season.
Senior Cubitt describes this season as “awful.” She emphasizes the need for the team to “connect more.” If the girls can work on their teamwork and build their sense of communication, they stand a good chance against Milton High School on March 17.
