At Veterans Stadium Erie PA

Erie Royals 1 Meadville Lady Dogs 0

The Ladydogs were upset by the Erie Royals Tuesday night 1 0. Coach Miller had only one thing to say: “It’s my fault.”

Midway through the first half, Erie was able to get a free kick on Meadville’s half of the field. Meadville’s defense seem to be in position, to defend it properly, but when the ball was struck, the defense held, instead of recovering between players and the goal. Mary Liszka didn’t hesitate, and ran after the ball. She was able to secure it, and get a nice shot off to give the Royals a 1 0 lead, and eventually win. Coach Miller simply said they did what they were supposed to, and I failed my team by not going over this more often in practice. I will take the entire blame for that goal.

“The rest of the game was well managed by coach Sala,” said Coach Miller. He kept subbing, not allowing us to gain speed, and possessed enough to make us start from our own end. My players simply just didn’t have the heart and intensity I’ve become accustomed to at Meadville. We would have moments where we looked like we were going be ourselves, but it died out prior to shooting. Therefore, I’m searching in only one direction as to why we didn’t win, and that direction is towards myself.

My father always told me, “James you have to sometimes eat crow in life when you’re wrong” I was wrong to have a practice like I did on Monday night. I decided to forgo some of the more intense portions we have, and work on spacing and finishing. I should’ve known better. I know what has got us to the point where we win games is discipline, my commanding, and demanding of my players at practice. I need to continue that approach, but also rely on the leadership of my captains to help me. We continuously work on playing the game from a sprint recovery position, fast aggressive passing, and moving to space. Because I didn’t do this at Monday’s practice, my team came out lethargic, not winning 50/50 balls, and not driving towards the goal with killer instinct. This loss is entirely on me. Sometimes as parents we give our children too much freedom, and we then learn from our mistake they aren’t ready for it. I can remember my mother and father reminding me of this, so too  will I remind my adoptive daughters of this as well.

Meadville doesn’t have any time for self pity, but only to “get up, woman up, and fight on!” The McDowell Trojans come to Barco Duratz on Thursday at 4 pm. We saw a lot of aggression the last time we met, and we hope to humble them, as Erie humbled us.

Score at Half: 1 0

Erie Goal: Mary Lizka (Assisted by Rebecca Griffith)

Shutout Goalie: Lauren Deitrich