The Shady Spring girls soccer team was undefeated entering Tuesday’s battle with Pocahontas County at H.B. Thomas Field.
Although the Tigers remained unblemished after 80 minutes of action, earning a 1-nil victory, veteran head coach Joey Beckett wasn’t quite sure he recognized the team that manned the pitch all night.
“We didn’t hustle to the ball. We came out lethargic and lackadaisical,” Beckett lamented. “Our touches weren’t good and our passes weren’t good. We didn’t get the ball in the air on the crosses. There were just a lot of things tonight. We couldn’t get it all together. I am hoping it was just one of those nights.”
The lone goal of the match came in the 20th minute when freshman Gabby Workman found the back of the net just inside the near post.
The Tigers would launch six more shots on frame, but could not beat Warriors keeper Shayla Bennett.
Shady Spring keeper Lili Hatfield made sure the first half goal was the eventual game winner by rejecting four shots between the posts from the visitors.
“Pocahontas played well. They were physical and beat us to the ball every time. We just kind of stood and watched and we haven’t been doing that,” Beckett said. “Lili has been sick, but she played really good tonight. She made a few mistakes, but she made up for them.”
The 2023 version of the Tigers is a still a young group, but it is a group that Beckett feels can go a long way this year.
“This is one of the best groups I have had. They didn’t quite look like it tonight, but they are a very good team,” Beckett said. “They are fast on both ends and I have 13 or 14 kids that can play. Usually we are one short. This is the first time in a while that I can put somebody in and not miss a beat.”
Beckett’s confidence comes in large part to the momentum his players have gained from back-to-back sectional titles.
“I have five seniors that start, but for most them, last year was their first year. They started coming together at the end of the year. This year they came in knowing what to do,” Beckett said. “That back line is hard to beat and they are fast. There are two track sprinters back there and they are learning to use their feet.”
The remainder of the week will be a big challenge for the Tigers with road tests at James Monroe Thursday and PikeView Saturday.
“I feel fortunate to win tonight, but this team has a really good attitude and a good heart,” Beckett said. “We have scored 16 goals and allowed three so far this year. So, I am pretty happy with that.”
