This non-traditional game would be played in four quarters that lasted roughly 10-15 minutes, (or 20 when the referee wasn’t paying attention). During the first quarter, the Geckos got off to a 2-0 start. They were a bit more organized than the Internationals and fired some shots on goal with conviction. Their confidence was high, but the Internationals were not intimidated at all by the youth of the Geckos. The Internationals knew they could organize and come back.
As the second quarter came to an end, the Internationals finally got on the board and were looking not only more organized, but they even exuded confidence. The score was a bit closer and everyone was chomping at the bit to get the third quarter started.
As the whistle blew to start the third quarter, the score was in favor of the Geckos 3-2. Some spirited play by both teams, with what seemed like hundreds of shots on goal, made for an exciting quarter! The fans were going crazy as the Geckos smashed a fourth goal that almost took the net of frame. The Internationals, with credence, keep their heads high and knew they would have more opportunities for chances on goal. Confidently, taking the kickoff with less than seconds to play, the Internationals cut through the defense of the Geckos like a hot knife through cheese and drilled the ball to the lower right side of the goal to bring quarter to the end and the score to 4 for the Geckos, 3 to the Internationals!
After a short pause and to check that everyone was still breathing, the Internationals confirmed that they were ready to take on the Geckos for one final quarter that would either seal their fate of defeat, or produce a rally that would be talked about for ages to come! And that’s just what happened!
The whistle sounded for this 10 minute quarter, and the battle commenced. Each team, barely able to penetrate each other’s defense, started this quarter in what seemed like it would end with a stalemate. The Geckos communication was high, but the Internationals’ heart rates were higher. A pass down the right side line isolated an International in the corner, looking for support, someone, ANYONE, she looked up and smiled. A chip over the middle and the ball was sweetly directed into the left corner for the score! GGGOOOAALLL!
With both teams at the height of their play, the long whistle sounded and as quick as it began, the battle ended. This epic battle of youth versus “finely-aged-experience” will end in a draw today, but both teams look forward to April, where these two teams will bring it all in the most anticipated rematch in Lady Gecko history. It will be a match for the ages! With a time and place to be determined later, stay tuned to come out and support your SIS teams!