Watkins Mill passes Blazers by

OCT 1, BLAZER STADIUM-

For the first twenty minutes of tonight's 2-1 loss to Watkins Mill, the Blazers played excellent soccer. They moved the ball well, constantly pressured their opponents for possession and scored a goal. However, after the Wolverines scored their first goal the team seemed to deflate slightly and was unable to finish attacks or play the outstanding defense it has been accustomed to playing for the rest of the game.

The Blazer offense has struggled to finish all year but showed some improvement in their 3-0 over Springbrook Sept 29. In order to build on the Blazers' success against the Blue Devils, Coach Robert Gibb decided to implement a new formation that added an attack and took away a defender. That strategy, while creating more offensive opporunities for the Blazers, did not allow for the speed and intensity of the Watkins Mill forwards.

Several times during the game, the Wolverines were engaged in one-on-ones with Blair's backs, with no help in sight. Both Watkins Mill goals came on fast breaks that eluded a valiant Pelz-Butler in goal.

Captain Pelz-Butler had more than one amazing block on these breakaways, fearlessly counterattacking the Watkins Mill players and stopping them cold. In fact, the Blazers had a scare on one such bold charge, when Pelz-Butler dived to block the ball and was kicked in the mouth. She had to leave the game and was replaced by junior Julia Simon-Mishel for several Wolverine corner kicks, but rejoined the team a few minutes later. Of Pelz-Butler's toughness, Gibb said simply, "She's kept us in every game."

Gibb was disappointed after the game, but he complemented his team's skill anyway. "We've had a lot of tough losses, but it's not like we don't belong on the field with these teams. It's just a matter of a few things and we'll be back where we should be."

Blair's next game is Oct 9 at 7 p.m. at Sherwood High School.