Young Girls' Soccer Squad Falls to Nobles in Home-Opener

Girls’ varsity soccer played their first game of the season on Wednesday, suffering a tough 3-0 loss to Noble & Greenough. Having graduated many key players last spring, the team is young compared to previous years. However, team members are optimistic about the season, as the roster is filled with talented players who seem to play well with each other.

From the starting whistle, Exeter had difficulty matching their opponent, though they exhibited hustle and determination on the field. Noble & Greenough was quick to gain possession, and within the first ten minutes of the game they had scored two goals. Big Red did not lose hope, however, and continued to work hard at fending off various plays and strategies, managing to keep attackers from getting good shots on net.

"We had trouble moving forward," prep Emily Ryan said, "especially on the kickoff. They scored two goals in the beginning, which we had trouble bouncing back from. Even though the start was difficult, we played a much better second half."

Teammates agreed that as a whole, they were able to battle through and come out stronger in the second half of the game.

Determined to challenge Nobles after a rough first half, Exeter came onto the field refreshed and enthusiastic for the second half. According to senior captain Susannah Gray, communication played a large role.

"We just needed to put more power behind the ball so we could connect with our teammates, as well as pick our heads up and talk to each other," Gray said. As well as better communication on the field, Exeter showed a fiercer attitude in the second half, attacking their opponents with greater aggression. The adjustments to strategy and connection certainly paid off and, despite Nobles scoring a third goal, Big Red was better able to match their opponent.

"During the second half, our goalie [upper] Abby Scheetz had some great saves," Ryan added. "We were connecting a lot better and working on what we needed to fix from the first half, especially being supportive of each other and making sure there was always an outlet pass available."

Yesterday’s loss does not attest to the talent and promise of this year’s team, many players agreed. Last spring witnessed the graduation of several crucial players, such as four-year starter Darby Henry, Carlin Zia and Lauren Bolger. The result is a young team this season, the majority of the players being underclassmen.

Senior Mairead McCarthy said, "we have a really young team, and we played our first game against a very experienced school. Even though we work well together, we weren’t prepared for their speed of play. We haven’t been together as a team as long as Nobles has." McCarthy attributed much of Nobles’ advantage to their collective experience and time together. "We have been looking very promising as a team, even in this first week. We aren’t focused on having a winning season as much as we are focused on playing each game as well as we can."

Exeter hustled and worked hard throughout the whole game, showing dedication on the field. Among those who played particularly well were senior captain Susannah Gray, lower Jacie Lemos, and prep Daniella Nemirovsky. Concluded McCarthy, "We have a lot of talent, and we need to utilize it. We’re a close team even though it’s early."

Big Red will face Choate in an away game this Saturday.