The official start to the 2018 Arizona Soccer season kicked-off on Friday evening, as the Wildcats dropped their opening game.
Life’s a series of lessons, and within that, you have your ups and downs. On Friday evening, the Arizona Soccer team learned just that, as they dropped their season opener.
Nearly a week after throttling UTEP 5-0 in an exhibition match, the hopes were high as Arizona took on visiting Albany, and rightfully so. The Danes had finished last season with a very meager 6-11-1 record, and facing a talented Wildcat, what could possibly go wrong.
Well in short, nearly everything went wrong. From the start, you could tell it just wasn’t Arizona’s night.
Arizona Wildcats
Mulcahy Stadium had the energy, but the Wildcats couldn’t capitalize on it.
Trading possessions early on, the Wildcats gave themselves plenty of opportunities in this one to take control, but unfortunately they just couldn’t do it. Sophomore forward Jada Talley would have a great chance to score just two minutes in, but her shot was turned away.
Moments later, the Wildcat would get another chance, setting up sophomore defender Sabrina Enciso for a great through ball, however, Albany’s goalkeeper was able to adjust in time to make a comfortable save.
Still 0-0 38 minutes into the match, Arizona would give itself a great opportunity, rattling off a few shots on goal, but was unable to convert on any of those opportunities.
Albany and Arizona would enter halftime at 0-0.
Hoping to blow this thing open, the Wildcats opened the second half on the attack!
Arizona would give themselves great chances at the 50th and 66th minute, where they would put forth great attempts, but both were unsuccessful, still keeping the game scoreless.
At the 71st minute, someone would finally score! Only problem was that it was Albany that struck first, as they put one past Arizona’s Lainey Burdett to make it 1-0 in favor of the Great Danes.
Facing pressure, Arizona needed to find offense and fast. Arizona would continue to apply the pressure, hoping to equalize this one before time ran out.
Finally at the 90th minute, it appeared the Wildcats tied this one! Unfortunately, an offsides call would negate goal and ultimately seal Arizona’s fate.
The Wildcats (0-1) would go on to lose this one by a 1-0 final. Arizona will return to the pitch on Thursday, when they face UC Irvine.
The loss was unfortunate, but you can’t mope on about it forever. The Wildcats will have to Bear Down and look to bounce back quickly! Bear Down, Arizona!