MRYSL’s Destiny Wins both games on First Road Trip to Southern Oregon (U17G)

by Anna Bernard

On Saturday April 21st, the Destiny Team and their families packed up their soccer balls, umbrellas and boots and headed north to play in their first road game under the rainy skies of Medford, Oregon against the Rogue Valley Soccer Club’s U17 Girl’s Mystic Team (www.socl.info). But, the Destiny did not let those familiar grey skies dampen their spirits. Young Julia Middlemiss wasted no time in being the first to score a goal only 10 minutes into the game. “Early in the game, Emily Monahan dominated the midfield by neutralizing the Mystic’s attempts to move the ball up the field.” reported Coach Nick Parker. Before the end of the first half, the Destiny passed the ball up the field to shooter Tara Boynton who scored the second Destiny goal. The Destiny’s defense could not be penetrated by the Rogue Valley Mystic during the first half of the game. “Lynae McCarthy handled the ball with finesse and was able to break down the Mystic’s attacks, proving that years of diligent practice pays off big time. Lynae was a thorn in the side of the opposition’s left flank the entire first half.” Stated Coach Parker.

The Destiny’s high level of energy continued into the second half of the game. Each player contributed to the team’s success. Coach Nick Parker noted that “Sazi Bhakti displayed versatility and a willingness to play anywhere on the field with a positive attitude and bright smile.” Tara Boyton scored the next two goals for a “hat trick”! Coach Nick Parker felt that “Darcy Gordon and Cassie Kunes contributed with their excellent passing which continues to improve on a weekly basis.” The fifth Destiny goal was delivered by Hannah Garrett, her first of the SOCL season. But, the Destiny was not done yet. “While playing left fullback, Sydney Gellner had an overlapping assist and she continued to display her awesome experience with flawless trapping and combination skills all over the field.” Said Coach Parker. Although the Mystic had several opportunities to score, the Destiny’s defense remained solid. Stopper Carlyn Girard and goalkeeper Selina Bernard refused to let the ball past them. The Destiny’s team effort payed off one more time with a sixth goal by Sydney Gellner for a final score of 6-0 for Destiny.

On Sunday, the Destiny faced the Ashland Grizettes at North Mountain Park in Ashland, Oregon. The Destiny’s forward Julia Middlemiss was once again the first to score a goal. Her team mates (Hannah Garrett, Sazi Bhakti (2 goals), Emily Monahan, and Baily Davy) all made goals, bringing the score to 6-0 for Destiny before the end of the first half. The Ashland Grizettes were feeling the pressure and tackled Julia Middlemiss during a break away in the goal box. The game referee said, “Technically, the Destiny player was denied a goal scoring opportunity. I hated to give the Grizettes’ player a red card, but I felt that I had to send a clear message to keep the game from becoming rough. I did not want the high score to dictate how the game was called.” Sydney Gellner, Darcy Gordon and Tara Boynton scored to finish the first half. The Destiny’s passing and dribbling combinations were top notch in the second half. Cassie Kunes and Annika Satter scored the last two goals of the game, for a final score of 11-0.

Destiny is looking forward to a weekend on home turf at Sunnybrae Middle School soccer field next weekend.