FORT WORTH, Texas — A snow storm hit on the first day of ECNL Texas 2015 forcing the majority of the day’s matches to be canceled.
FC Portland U17 3-1 McLean Extreme ‘97
In one of the only matches played, FC Portland U17 took advantage of a couple mistakes and defeated McLean Extreme ’97, 3-1.
Like the weather, the final score was rather surprising - McLean dictated the pace of the game and if not for an unfortunate mistake in goal by Jaclyn Katalinas, and a spectacular goal by Portland midfielder Alyssa Murphy, the match could have been a 1-1 draw.
McLean drew first blood when forward Breanna Mitchell got behind the keeper for an easy tap in.
Portland took a 2-1 lead when Katalinas’ pass to a defender was intercepted by forward Jorie Freitag, who placed the ball in the back of the lower left corner.
Despite the unusual conditions, several players rose to the occasion and outperformed the others.
Even in the snow, McLean midfielder Emily Wilson showed great ball control and passing ability. FC Portland’s Lucy Davidson was the best defender on the pitch and was a huge reason McLean couldn’t get more than the one goal.
Portland’s Lilliane French was impressive and showed great range and speed- between French and Murphy Portland had a dangerous duo of midfielders.
McLean’s midfielder Stephanie Arens, forward Meghan Kammerdainer, fwd/mid Rebecca Voyack, and Mitchell created many opportunities for the Extreme, but they could never really capitalize.
Best In Snow
GK Caitlin Louise Kastelic FC Portland U17 - McLean’s forwards were very aggressive and were constantly applying pressure. Except for the goal, Kastelic was in very good position and played the ball in the air well.
D Lucy Davidson FC Portland U17 - Davidson was aggressive on defense and showed a little confidence in her offensive game by pushing forward a couple times.
D Megan Franz FC Portland U17 - With McLean spending most of the game in Portland’s defensive third, FC Portland’s defenders had to stay on their toes and keeping their footing in the snow was no easy task. Given that McLean only scored one goal, it seems they did a good job.
