The first year girls’ soccer team had their opening game of the season today at home against a strong Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny. It was an excellent game. St Brendan’s Birr played with great heart and commitment from the get go, dominating in particular in mid-field and defence. Ali Smyth put in a very impressive and commanding display in central defence with crucial tackles and great composure playing the ball out of defence.
The front two of Katelyn Canham and Sarah D'Arcy where a constant threat upfront. Their speed allowed them to break the Presentation defence a number of times. It was only a matter of time before Katelyn Canham scored the opening goal in the middle of the first half with a superb finish from a ball over the top.
Pres Kilkenny started impressively in the second half. Their best chance came towards the second half of the game when they won a free kick just outside the penalty box. Captain Aoibheann Slattery saved a well struck shot to keep St. Brendan's ahead. Her performance between the posts certainly had her in contention for player of the match such was the calibre of her shot stopping, kickout distribution and handling. However, five minutes from the end of the game, Pres equalised.
It was an excellent opening game. Well done to all the squad whose commitment and work ethic has been exemplary throughout the year so far.