10/16/08-AHS V Girls Soccer vs Hammond HS...The final game of the regular season was as exciting as the first for the AHS Varsity team. Anticipating a tough game because the Hammond team won the game against a rival team that beat us, the AHS team was prepared both physically and mentally. Everyone seemed pumped up and at the opening kick-off; the aggressive AHS offense moved the ball through the opponent�s midfield, putting pressure on the Hammond defense. The AHS midfielders took control of the midfield, allowing them to make beautiful, crisp passes to the wings and forwards. The team won most 50/50 balls, giving our offense many opportunities for shots on goal. On one of Allie Mitzner�s dangerous throw-ins, Rachel Aronchick rocked the crossbar and on the rebound, Julia Nicholson beat the goalie and found the back of the net. That goal energized the team even more and with three minutes to go in the half, Rachel Aronchick received a pass from midfield, passed- through to DiAndra Rocke and as the Hammond goalie came off her line in an attempt to narrow the angle of the attack, DiAndra slipped the ball around her and into the net. We were now ahead by two goals and the team�s play reflected cool confidence going into the half. The offense and attacking midfielders were having an excellent game. Rachel Johnson, Lizzy Parr, Allie Mitzner, Amadi Phillips, Talisa Henry, Emily Baron, Joni Pohutsky, Bridgette Snyder, Julia Nicholson were in excellent form, finding forwards Rachel and DiAndra with accurate passes. On several occasions, midfielders were able to beat the defenders and take shots on goal. As if to reciprocate, Rachel Aronchick received a through-pass from DiAndra from the top of the eighteen and rocketed a shot to the back of the net to score the third goal for AHS. In one of the rear threats on our goal, goalkeeper Amy Weinberg made an incredible save when an opponent penetrated our danger zone and took a powerful shot from the top of the eighteen. Amy�s lightening quick reflexes deflected the ball around the right upright. The defense with Jess Kobren, Emily Bode, Kelly Renehan, Katie Mann, Ayanna Carter and Adriana Vitagliano as usual kept firm control of the backfield. Several attempted attacks were stopped with good, solid defensive maneuvers. The fourth goal was scored by an alert Divya Chandra on a deflection by Julia from a corner kick by Rachel Aronchick. The fifth and final goal was scored by Amadi Phillips. The play started as a pass from Rachel to DiAndra who flicked a side pass to Amadi who wasted no time finding the back of the net. The final score was AHS = 5 Hammond = 0. The team kicked 5 corners, 7 free kicks, made 10 shots on goal and 6 serious threats. Goalie Amy made 5 saves. Injured List: Kelly Mondoor � Hope you recover soon. To the seniors on the team: DiAndra Rocke, Emily Baron, Rachel Aronchick, Jessica Kobren, Kelly Mondoor and Rachel Johnson � your teammates, parents and fans of the AHS Varsity Girls Soccer team wish you all every success in your future career. We will miss you all!!