The ball soars into the net over the outstretched arms of Anna Armfield, Rabun Gap goalkeeper, on a corner kick by Cherokee’s Sidnie Yanez who literally bended the ball into the goal. (SCOTT MCKIE B.P./One Feather photos)
By SCOTT MCKIE B.P.
ONE FEATHER STAFF
The phrase “bend it like Beckham” refers to the ability of English footballer David Beckham to make a soccer ball “bend” in the air – particularly on corner kicks. Cherokee fans got to see such a play as the Lady Braves hosted the Rabun Gap-Nacoochee Eagles on Friday, May 1.
With 15 minutes left in the match, Cherokee’s Sidnie Yanez took a corner kick from the left side and blasted it towards the goal. The ball peaked in the middle part of the goal area and then “bended” towards the goal and into the net over the outstretched arms of Anna Armfield, Rabun Gap’s goalkeeper.
Friday’s match was fairly one-sided as the Eagles took the win 8-1 over the Lady Braves.
Kevin Primo, Lady Braves head coach, said he was happy overall with Cherokee’s play in the game. “We came out a little flat, but picked up the pace in the second half and played better defense. I was pleased with the way they moved the ball around more in the second half.”
Cherokee’s Alyssa Land (#24) works to dribble past Rabun Gap’s Gavron Campbell.
The first half was all Eagles as they had 14 shots (9 on goal) and Cherokee didn’t have any. Rabun Gap scored five goals in the first half including: Amee Jaiwala (33:51), Tutu Kwame (26:00), Kwame (21:34), Kwame (15:52), and Kwame (14:29).
Cherokee’s goalkeeper Tysha Sampson had some very nice saves in the first half including having two saves in a row off of a shot and deflection.
Rabun Gap kept things going in the second half and outshot Cherokee 8-2. The Eagles added three more goals in the half including: Olivia Leviton (38:36), Payton Parks (30:07), and Saoirse Scott (7:45). Yanez’s goal came at the 15:18 mark.
Coach Primo is eager to keep working. “There are things to work on, but we’re improving.”
To view or purchase photos from this match, visit: https://onefeather.smugmug.com/SPORTS/SOCCER/Lady-Braves-2015/Vs-Rabun-Gap-May-1/i-XVBcTjs
