Chantilly Fuego!

October 19, RESTON – The Fuego started off a weekend home and home series with the FASA Premier with a strong 2-1 victory on Saturday. 

The Fuego got on the board first after numerous tries when Nina gathered a ball from Kennia and headed up the left side.  Nina passed into Kristen who slid the ball into Jazz in the middle.  Jazz gave Kristen a nifty return pass, and Kristen did the rest, slipping the ball into the net for the 1-0 lead. 

Shortly afterwards Kristen almost had another one when Jazz redirected a pass from Amanda in front of the net.  But Kristen’s shot went wide – a theme that would repeat throughout the game as the wet ball got harder to control. 

The Premier had trouble mounting any kind of attack as the defense was once again outstanding.  Kennia and co-Frankenball winner Beverly were dominant in the middle, and Halle, Rhi and Aby (who played everywhere today) denied Premier attackers any space to move.  The defense was helped by the outside mids, Nina, Sabrine and Carolyn, who provided continuous support, and by Melissa, Kristin and Amanda in the middle, and Kristen and Jazz up front.  Caroline, once again had a strong outing in goal.

The Premier evened the score midway through the half on a shot from down low that Caroline initially had, but the wet ball squirted through her hands and into the net.  But the Fuego bounced back.  Kristin intercepted a clearing pass and slid the ball up to Jazz, who did the rest.  Jazz fought off two defenders and the goalie to drill home the second goal.

That made the score 2-1.  The Fuego continued to put pressure on the Premier defense throughout the rest of the game, including several breakaways by Kristen, Jazz, Carolyn and Amanda, plus shots from just about everyone else, but could not put another ball in the net.  Luckily, neither could the Premier, and the Fuego secured a victory that was more dominant than the final score indicated.

Tomorrow they head to Fredericksburg for a rematch in what should prove to be a very entertaining game.