COUGARS EDGE ISLANDERS 4-3 IN GIRLS SOCCER

By Mya Owens

A tense matchup between the JFK Islanders and Academy Cougars took place under the floodlit
Ramsey Field of JFK High School. While keeping the spectators on the edge of their seats, the athletes displayed their physical abilities by pushing through injury and exhaustion before the Cougars pulled off the big 4-3 win Tuesday night.

First Half
Starting the game with possession, the Cougars did not hesitate to push through the Islanders
defense and work their way to the goal. JFK matched the energy and did the same, but their attempted shots were stopped by Academy goalkeeper Natasha Kelly.

Keeping the pressure in the Islanders zone, Cougar multi-sport star Hinengi San Nicolas and scored the first goal. The Islanders quickly answered back, keeping the pressure in the Cougars zone. Islander Aubrey Ibanez then executed a rainbow kick to even the game. Both teams fought to take the lead, with multiple attempted goals on both sides. The Islanders showed their teamwork and impressive ball movement, allowing Stephanie Aguon to complete a goal. The
Cougars pushed through the Islanders defense, resulting in another goal. The first half was closed
with an even score of 2-2.

Second Half
Though the Islanders opened the second half with possession, the Cougars were quick to cause a turnover and press into the JFK’s zone. Maria Paulino and San Nicolas worked together to make a goal and give the Cougars an edge over the Islanders. Both teams fought for possession of the ball, keeping the game in the midfield.

“This is the game where I saw the most collective work, everyone was talking and lifting each
other up. Our strong suit was just going after the ball, whether it was attacking or defending,”
said Cougar Natasha Kelly.

In an attempt to catch up, the Islanders displayed their defensive efforts, gained possession of the ball, and pushed into the Cougars zone. Their teamwork allowed Aubrey Ibanez to score another goal. In the last five minutes of the game, both teams gave everything they had to take the victory. As the final whistle blew, the Cougars celebrated their victory with the score being settled at 4-3.

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