After both teams tied against Pioneer, the Skyline Eagles’ women’s soccer team took on its closely matched rival, the Huron River Rats, at Skyline’s main field on Thursday, April 28.

The Eagles started off primarily on defense, unable to maintain possession for long due to careful blockage of pass execution by Huron’s defenders in the midfield. The majority of the first half was played in the middle third of the pitch, with neither team able to create many chances at breakaways— those that made it past the 50 yard line were quickly snuffed out by on-ball defenders.

The cold was noticeable as the first half progressed, with both teams reacting somewhat sluggishly, leading to rough first touches and squandered shots on goal. Skyline had a promising breakaway late in the half, well-defended by Huron’s #5 Anik Clement, who streaked back to prevent a one-on-one with the goalie. After yet another turn around, Skyline’s defense managed to maintain their hold, refusing the crack under pressure of the final minutes of the half.

Ten minutes into the second half, Skyline made a close shot on goal: Maggie Mihaylova took a shot which went wide, creating an opportunity for #15 Gabby Ketola to push back in offensively.

Midway through the half, Skyline turned noticeably aggressive on attack. Leading Skyline’s attacking flanks, #6 Sidne Fonville, team captain, and #3 Eleana Tworek maneuvered short passes between tight defending linemen and launched several shots on goal. Tactical changes in the second half also allowed Skyline to exploit some of the holes in Huron’s defensive midfield.

Up to this point, neither goalies were tested much in the standstill game, with all attempts on goal going high or wide. Skyline repossessed the ball often, but still struggled to align shots. The game opened up in the last 15 minutes as players began to visibly tire, allowing for many more scoring opportunities for both teams. While Skyline’s goalie Halley Banask-Holl stepped up to the plate when necessary, Huron’s attack rarely got close enough to force a real test of her abilities. However, in a game that could easily have been decided by a chance goal, she solidified Skyline’s defense, making multiple solid saves and ensuring her team could focus on attacking. Back-and-forths in the last 10 minutes of the game culminated in a final exhilarating breakaway by Skyline with one minute left on the clock, but the game still finished tied at nil.