For three quarters of the game the Blanchet players weaved their way around and through the Seahawk defenders. The Braves were sleeker and quicker. Their passing was crisper and they attacked on defense using their speed and agility. However at the end of the first half the Braves had nothing to show for their efforts. Every time Blanchet got inside the twenty, either shots went wide or they were well defended.
The Seahawks didn’t fare any better crossing mid field only twice in the first half and had no shots on goal. Despite the Braves ability to move the ball the Seahawks stiffened when they needed to… score at the half 0-0.

Sealth coach Ron Johnson gathered his team at halftime and told them they “were still in this game”, to keep fighting like they’ve been doing and good things will happen.

In the second half things weren’t looking any different. Blanchet moved the ball at will and cut off any Seahawk advances beyond mid field. But by the midpoint of the second half the score was still 0-0. The bend don’t break Seahawks were hanging on. If you follow sports you know that if you don’t put your opponent away and you let them hang around that opponent could beat you.

While the Braves are shifty and quick, they’re also smaller than the Seahawks and that proved to be the deciding advantage for Sealth as Blanchet began to wear down. The Seahawks started moving the ball with more authority and purpose.

Then as the second half was crossing its midpoint Sealth became the hunter and pushed the ball down the far side of the field deep into Blanchet’s end. That’s when Sealth’s Forward Darienne Gibson found herself with the ball and only the Braves goalie between her and the back of the net.

There are turning points in every game when a team has been searching for its identity, this was that turning point. When the ball reached the back of the goal the Seahawks found their identity. Suddenly the Seahawks found the spark they needed. Being up 1-0 and the clock winding down Sealth started to take control. Blanchet still had some gas in the tank and was able to attack the Seahawk goal but the Seahawk defenders clogged every alley and wouldn’t allow any Braves advantage.

When the official blew his whistle to signal time had expired, the Seahawks jumped up and down in jubilation, realizing they had found something inside themselves. Never give up, never surrender, and good things will happen.

Sealth stayed in the game and made the most of their opportunity and in doing so found their identity.