A Tale of Two Halves For Alabama Soccer

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The primary half was not a superb displaying for Alabama soccer.

 The Crimson Tide didn’t show its standard depth throughout the first 45 minutes in opposition to UC Irvine within the third spherical of the NCAA Match. The general efficiency wasn’t dangerous; the protection restricted the Anteaters to just one shot and one nook kick your entire first half. 

It was offensively that the Tide was developing brief.

Alabama solely had two photographs on purpose when the halftime whistle sounded, and solely two nook kicks, removed from the staff that led the NCAA with 70 targets coming into Sunday’s match.

However then within the second half it was a distinct story, resulting in the 3-1 victory.

“They have been excellent alternatives, however solely two photographs on purpose within the first half,” Crimson Tide coach Wes Hart mentioned. “Actually simply that [aggressive] mentality is what we preached at halftime.”

Felicia Knox additionally used the phrase “urgency” to explain the distinction in play within the second half, and it confirmed because the Tide went from two photographs and two nook kicks to 12 photographs  and eight nook kicks within the second half. 

The outcomes of that adjustment have been the three targets Alabama scored within the second half, a “bend it like Beckham” purpose for Felicia Knox from a nook kick, a shot proper in entrance of the purpose by Ashlynn Serepca, and a penalty kick conversion by Knox which iced the sport after Irvine scored a purpose within the 66th minute.

“I did not really feel it was a tactical adjustment, it wasn’t a necessity to alter form or something like that,” Hart mentioned. We simply want a need and dedication to attain targets.”

The three targets give Alabama 73 for the season, extending its lead within the NCAA, and Knox was an enormous cause for that, displaying off her goal-scoring means versus her facilitating. 

When requested if she prefers targets or assists, nonetheless, Knox prefers to setup the rating fairly than be the scorer herself.

“I like to help. I like to provide the ball to the purpose scorers,” Knox mentioned. “I believe it is extra enjoyable to assist someone else rating.”

Alabama may have most of Thanksgiving week to get better and put together for an opponent that isn’t but identified. It’s going to both be Duke, the No. 2 seed on this portion of the bracket, or South Carolina, the No. 3 seed that misplaced to Alabama within the common season then beat the Crimson Tide within the SEC Match title recreation. 

The winner will journey to Tuscaloosa to play Friday night time.

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See additionally: Alabama Defeats UC Irvine 3-1; Advances to Elite Eight