As the silence grew louder from the fans and the array of greyness above crowded over Memorial Field, it seemed as though the gloominess would take a toll on the girls. However, not for Westfield, as senior Riley Carr knocked in the only goal of the day to seal the 1-0 victory for the Blue Devils against Cranford.
With just about six minutes left in the third quarter, Carr flipped one over the goalkeeper’s head to give the Blue Devils the advantage. Despite the scoreboard displaying only one goal, Westfield was in command for much of the game as a result of their offensive small-ball strategy.
Senior Anna Mangold said, “I think offense worked specifically well with small-ball on the sideline with a few give-and-goes. We worked with each other to get the ball up rather than taking a hit. [Cranford] likes to crowd in our circle, so it’s hard to get the ball through.”
Head coach Corrine Varhley agreed with Mangold. Varhley said, “Our small ball worked well today and we were able to connect on some one-touch passes.”
In the same boat as small ball, the Blue Devils managed to keep everyone engaged and involved at all times during the game, which also helped their offense.
Carr said, “I think we had really good passing. I also think Kayla did a really good job of getting [the ball] up to the other side. [Passing] helped to get our good goal of the game.”
Besides their authority on the offensive side, Westfield’s sturdy defense allowed them to hold their lead.
Mangold said, “I think the midline and forward line helped by starting up front. When [Cranford] got to the sideline, our players were able to stop the ball. When [Cranford] got the ball in the middle, we were marking well.”
Westfield’s defense was on full display even though they were only challenged a few times. Whenever Cranford gained possession, they struggled to connect their passes as a result of the Blue Devils limiting their offensive efforts.
Varhley said, “In a game where the defense was a little cold and there wasn’t a ton of action, I think [the defense] did a very nice job being on their toes and keeping us in the game. [The defense] transitioned the ball very quickly from defense to offense.”
With the calendars nearing the playoff season, tensions are high among the Blue Devils in their run for a state title. In a win-or-go-home situation, Westfield will travel to Hillsborough on Nov. 4 in the first round of the state sectionals.
Varhley said, “We are not reinventing the wheel. It’s the same concept. But now, it’s really time to lock in. We have the luxury of already playing Hillsborough. We are going to break down the film tomorrow, and physically and mentally prepare ourselves for Tuesday.”
