For their third game of the season, the Big Green (0-1-1) took on the Taft School Rhinos (2-1-0) at home.
The first half proved to be an even contest as both teams battled for possession in the midfield. 20-minutes into the half, however, the Rhinos broke the deadlock when Taft was awarded a penalty kick. Rhino attacker, Patience Kum, dribbed past two Deerfield defenders before being brought down by a late challenge. Kum converted the penalty kick herself by slipping a low shot to the bottom conner that nicked the tips of Deerfield goal-keeper, Angie Czeremcha. Minutes later, Deerfield nearly equalized on a break away, but the Rhino goal-keeper was able to block Ruby Chase’s attempt on goal.
The second half mirrored the first with plenty of opportunities for both sides. Deerfield was able to level the score after a quick combination play between Angie Rey and Ruby Chase who, with a through ball, slipped Annie Kane into the final third. Dribbling past two defenders as she approached the top of the 18-yard box, Kane pumped a left-footed shot that whizzed past the goal-keeper’s outstretched arms, and into the bottom corner of the net, bringing the score to 1-1. The remaining half-hour saw a tenacious Taft in search for a second goal, but Czeremcha came up with big saves time and again for the Big Green. While Deerfield returned the attacking pressure during the last five minutes of the match, ultimately, neither team was able to break down each others defense.
This Saturday, the Big Green will travel south to the Pomfret School in Connecticut as they seek their first victory of the season against the Griffins.