Byron-Bergen visited Alexander Friday evening in the opening game for Alexander and the 2nd game of the season for Byron-Bergen. BB entered the game with an 0-1 record after suffering a 3-0 loss to Kendall earlier in the week.
Alexander came out hot in the beginning moving the ball down the field and creating a couple scoring chances that didn't find the net. After the first 10 minutes BB settled in and controlled the play for the remaining 30 minutes of the first half with some excellent short passing and ball control. Despite their large advantage in possession time BB struggled to create any dangerous scoring chances. The most dangerous scoring chance in the first half was created by Alexander when Senior Forward Anna Dominick sent a cross from the left side of the field to the back post where Junior Forward Morgan Mattice was making a great back post run but her sliding attempt at goal was wide and the score remained 0-0. Tessa Bigelow hit a great shot from 25 yards out but Amanda Brown made a diving stop to keep Alexander off the board a few minutes later. BB had a cross to the front of the net late in the first half but the volley was put over the bar.
The 2nd half was more of the same with BB controlling the play but not creating much as far as scoring chances. Dominick had a great chance midway through the 2nd half but Brown again came up with a diving stop. Alexander had another great chance with 10 minutes left in the 2nd half when Junior Autumn Atkinson sent a direct kick to the back post and Junior Claire Hartl headed the ball just wide. BB's Stacey Maskell had a breakaway late in the 2nd half but was challenged by Junior GoalKeeper Hannah Wilson and was unable to get a shot off before Wilson pounded on the ball.
In OT Alexander settled down a bit and began to move the ball around. Sophomore Julia Pettys had a great run at the start of the 2nd OT but was unable to get a shot off as the last defender took the ball off her foot. BB looked to have the game's first goal with under 5 minutes left off a corner kick but Junior Amber Finan headed the ball off the goal line just as the ball was about to find the net.
With under 30 seconds in the left Alexander finally found the net as Freshman Abby Shilvock sent a cross from the right side of the field into the center of the 18 yard box where Dominick beat 2 defenders and the goalkeeper with a shot low in the right corner of the net. Alexander killed off the last 30 seconds of the game and the final was 1-0 in favor of the home team.
With the win Alexander is now 1-0 on the season while Byron-Bergen falls to 0-2.
Thanks for the great game
Thanks for the great game coverage Chad!!