Huskies still focused on improving their fundamentals

The women’s soccer team at George Brown has found its scoring touch, and consequently, their first win of the season.

After being shutout three times, midfielder Effie Takas scored George Brown’s first goal of 2016 in their Sept. 22 tilt against the Seneca Sting. Though that game ended in a 6-1 Huskies loss, it may have sparked something, with George Brown going on to defeat U of T Mississauga (UTM) 2-1 on Sept. 25.

Starting for the third game in a row, keeper Kelsey-Jane Lamprecht saved seven of eight shots on goal. Takas again opened up the scoring for George Brown, but was this time joined on the scoresheet by fellow midfielder Julia Kassner. UTM would pull within one in the 78th minute, but the Huskies held on for the win.

For Kassner, the breathing space provided by George Brown’s second goal had an important effect mentally.

“I think it was security for us,” said Kassner. “As soon as I scored that goal, I felt that there wasn’t as much pressure.”

Quickening their pace and getting to know one another as a team are points being emphasized by Huskies players and coaching staff alike. As the season progresses, there is hope that work on these points may translate to success on the field.

“I felt that we worked together as a team better, everyone knew what they were supposed to do,” Takas said. “There was more passion in today’s game than the games that we had before. We wanted it more.”

Huskies head coach John Williams doesn’t have many rep players at his disposal. As a result, the team has been working on fundamentals, ranging from communication to not losing the ball in the middle. George Brown may be finding its scoring touch, but the focus on foundation will go on.

“We’ll continue to work on our possession side of the game, as well as how we apply pressure once we lose the ball,” said Williams.