The Mexico girls froze the Battle offense.
The Lady Bulldogs didn't allow Battle to take a single shot this morning during a game in the 30s, winning 2-0 to advance to the championship game of the Chris Hotop Classic at 3:30 p.m. Mexico plays the winner of Owensville and Festus.
"This is a little bit similar to our game against California," head coach Sarah Olson said. "We were on our offensive half a lot. We struggled in the beginning of that game to possess. We did a better job of possessing the ball and being a little more relaxed and taking the opportunities when they came."
Olson said Mexico (2-2) had plenty of opportunities to score more, which is what she would like to consistently see. The Lady Bulldogs outshot Battle 26-0, and the Lady Spartans recorded 12 saves.
Battle wasn't able to stop a couple of Mexico shots, including Brenda Matuz in the ninth minute and Elise Galloway in the 26th minute. Matuz's goal was a point-blank range boot off a pass, and Galloway's kick went off the Battle goalkeeper and in.
"It was a little more clean, especially the first half," Olson said. "We had some really good opportunities to score."
Olson said she was even able to bring in a wave of reserves for a chunk of the second half to keep her starters rested. Battle (0-3) didn't have the same luxury as Mexico rarely let the ball into its defensive side of the field.
"They didn't have any subs so I assume they were tired probably," Olson said. "We are just getting smarter and smarter every game. We are aware where we should be and who we should be passing to."
Look for more about the Lady Bulldogs in the Wednesday, March 27, 2024, edition of the Mexico Ledger.
