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By Colin Leon Guerrero

Cougars’ Andrea Odell passes the ball to set up the first goal for her team. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

In IIAAG Girls’ Soccer action, the Academy Cougars were able to bounce back after a tough loss last week by shutting out the George Washington Geckos 2-0 Monday afternoon at the Agueda Johnston field.

The Cougars came out aggressive from the beginning of the game putting pressure early on GW’s defense. The early pressure from the resulted in most of the 50/50 balls to be won by Academy. However GW’s defense was able to withstand the pressure clearing the ball mid-field.

The sea-saw change of momentum continued for a while until the 35th minute when Andrea Odell made an assist to teammate Gemilie Ilao who was able to slip past a couple of defenders and score  a goal past GW keeper Kristin Unpingco, putting the Cougars on the board 1-0.

McDonald’s player of the game: Cougars’ Gemilie Ilao

Academy’s defense stood strong not allowing GW’s strikers to gain an inch on them, and if they did goalie Mya Sanchez was there between the posts denying the Geckos offense on three occasions any chance of scoring.

In the second half, Academy kept things rolling as they took control over the game making the Geckos look tired and out of breath. About 15 minutes into the second half Ilao once again was able to find the back of the net extending the lead to 2-0.

“We really worked the ball and played together as a team,” said Ilao on the Cougars progress, as it showed through out most of the game.

The Cougars were also communicating a lot more on the field, which is key to future success. “We’re still continuing to mesh well as a team and we’re getting better. We just need to work on being aggressive on the field and communicate with each other more,” added Ilao on the potential of the 2013 Cougar squad.

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Geckos’ Krystiana Martinez looks to get past the Cougars defense. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

Cougars’ Mia Santos dribble the ball down field. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

Geckos’ Meliza Pama prevents a Cougars score as she kicks the ball away from her goal. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

Cougars’ Tana Ramos sprints to the ball to make the header. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

Geckos’ Krystiana Martinez dribbles through multiple Cougars defenders. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

Cougars’ Gemilie Ilao tries to sprint past the defense of Geckos Meliza Pama. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

With no defense around, Geckos’ Francesca Pangelinan takes a shot at the goal. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

Cougars’ Mia Santos and Geckos’ Krystiana Martinez close in on the ball. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

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