Raptors Win Defensive Battle Over Fairport SC

Mack Harmon (#19)

Despite having no subs in their third GRSL game Saturday night, the Raptors' patient play payed off with a 2-1 win against Fairport SC.

Albion played a heavily defensive game, conserving their energy and doing their best to frustrate Fairport. The did exactly what they set out to do, and waited for quality opportunities to counter-attack. Mackenzie Harmon was able to win possession in the middle third, play a quick one-two pass with midfielder, Alezya Brown, and send Brown a through ball to the corner. Brown was able to get the cross off, but a Fairport defender was the first to the ball. After a poor clear, midfielder, Nikki Creasey, jumped up in the play and put a lofted shot up over the Fairport goalkeeper. The Raptors played well defensively, limiting Fairport's chances. While they were able to beat the defense a couple times, goalkeeper Lauren Wehling came up with two big 1v1 saves to keep the one goal lead.

The Raptors continued their game plan, and Abby Scanlan was able to score the game-winner early in the second half. While Albion had been playing low pressure in the attacking third, Scanlan saw an opportunity and took it. Fairport's goalkeeper attempted to roll the ball out to her outside back, but Scanlan read the play and was able to pick off the pass for an easy finish into the open goal. Not long after the goal, Albion continued to jump over Fairport's defense. Despite everyone playing an entire game, the Raptors offense was able to knock the ball all around the field, Claire Squicciarini put a great cross into Scanlan, bu the shot went just wide. Fairport was able to bring to get on the scoreboard late in the half. After serving a ball from the corner flag, Fairport's midfielder was able to finish a volley on the back post. They continued to try for the tying goal, but Wehling and the rest of the Raptors defense was able to hold onto the lead.

The Raptors will face off against Athena SC next week, December 7 at 7:00 PM.