INGLESIDE — When Beeville and London met for the first time in a District 29-4A girls soccer game, the Trojans and Pirates fought to a scoreless stalemate for 80 minutes, only to be broken in a penalty shootout by Beeville. It turned out as I wanted.
This time, the Pirates didn't want to miss out on a penalty shootout, especially against talented Beeville senior goaltender Jayden Ford.
London found the back of the net in the 11th minute with a Maria Banks goal and added a second goal with Clara Roberts' powerful shot from 30 yards.
Beeville didn't get a strong push other than a few good looks in the opening minutes of the game, and London secured a return trip to the Class 4A regional tournament for the fourth time in program history.
Here are some takeaways from the game.
I missed my chance early
Beeville was helped by a tailwind and put pressure on London from the start, but they were a strong team from the start.
The Trojans had several windows open, but could not pull the trigger fast enough and another rifled roller went out of frame.
Great chances arose with successive corner kicks, but Beevil was unable to kick the ball at the right time and London ran away.
Two minutes later, London took the lead and took control of the game from there.
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growing up
Even last season, London coach Eddie Dillon was excited about the talented group of freshmen coming in 2024.
With only one senior on the team, London's roster features seven freshmen, joined by eight sophomores, and this group is delivering on its promise.
Banks, one of the freshmen, was the scorer on Tuesday, with Younique Lee and Maisie Holt also scoring in the Pirates' bi-district playoff victory.
“They are coming in as experienced footballers and with team-mates that they know and are comfortable with, so they can fit in quickly,” Dillon said. Ta. “It’s easy for them to intervene.”
Dillon said Holt was injured for more than the first month of the season, but has since become a key contributor along with many players in the freshman class.
Gain experience and join the company
The Pirates, who advanced to the regional tournament for the third time in four years and for the second year in a row, have more ideas about what to expect at Cabanis Soccer Field this week.
Dillon said last season's experience will be invaluable as London seeks to advance to the regional finals for the first time in program history, even though it is a young team.
“I think it helps a lot to have been there before. You know what to expect,” Dillon said. “Being on a big field in a big stadium can be a shock the first few times. It will help the girls who have been there before.”
The Pirates tied with Boerne, who beat Wimberly 3-0, in Friday's regional semifinal, scheduled for 4:30 p.m.
The four teams that made it to the regional semifinals – London, Bern, Calallen and Davenport – will all return in 2023.
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