The Dux varsity soccer team used a gritty and resilient performance Wednesday night against the Chix. The Chix took an early 1-0 lead off of a corner kick less than 5 minutes into the match. "We were in the right position defensively and won the first ball, but we played the ball back in front of the net instead of out wide, and they made us pay for that mistake." Possession was pretty even for much of the first half, with East gaining a slight edge in shots on goal. The game was delayed for approximately 50 minutes with 17:59 remaining in the first half due to lightning.

"We used the break to make some tactical adjustments both offensively and defensively. They were getting to the ball a little quicker than us, and our transition was not as sharp as it could have been." The Dux weathered the storm (literally) and came out more relaxed and poised, but the Chix would strike again off of a cross back across the top of the box. "We got caught ball watching and failed to mark their player who had moved to the top of the box. When you give someone time and space 18 yards out, you pay for it. Their player collected the ball well and beat Ryleigh Farrell to the near post."

Down, but not out, the Dux rallied. Kyarra Blattner took a Dux throw in on the left side, deep in Chix territory. Josie Bos turned with the ball and blasted a right footed shot from 25 yards out that sailed up and over the outstretched arms of Chix GK Hope Steenwyk. The Dux continued to press, and took advantage of the slippery conditions with under 30 seconds to go in the half. Sam Hecht pounced on a loose ball  near midfield and took a couple of touches before slipping the ball past Steenwyk with 6 seconds to go in the half to knot the score at 2-2.

The second half was more even, with both teams looking to possess through the midfield and kickstart their counterattacks. East had 3 or 4 quality chances in the second half, but Farrell was there to make several key saves, including one she tipped into the crossbar. West also had several quality chances, including 2 set pieces that clanged off the crossbar and back into play. "Both keepers were on their game tonight. Steenwyk made 3 really solid saves in the second half that I thought were going in. Farrell made two key saves in the second half to keep us in the game."

"Defensively, we got better as the game went on. We played with more poise under pressure, and didn't gamble as much as we did in the first half. Each game, we are finding positive things we can take moving forward. Very proud of the resilience with which we battled tonight."

The Dux are 2-4-3 on the season, and 1-4-1 in the OK Green. They return to action on Friday @ 5:00 when they host Holland Christian.