America on the other hand - who appeared to be the older and more mature group on the field - had only played 4 games this season - yet they had scored eight goals in total and given up only seven.  St. Mary's thus far had allowed 13 against.  The pace of play in the early going was fast as St. Mary's showcased a superior level of conditioning and America an equally steadfast determination to win.

Play ensued up and down in the mid-field areas with both sides displaying excellent passing, ball control, and on-field communication - yet without creating any serious scoring chances.  America earned several corner kicks in the first segment of the half but failed to penetrate St. Mary's defense.  At the other end of the pitch, St. Mary's nearly scored on a breakaway at 30 minutes.

They continued to pressure and converted at 33 minutes after they took advantage of a miscue by one of America's defenders.  America came right back a minute later with a goal of their own - an excellent header (by #19 Blue) originating from a long pass and a fine display of ball control on the far right side.  America's sheer determination continued in the face of a younger, quicker team - and the first half ended at 1-1.

The second half witnessed the renewed vigour of the America squad.  They dominated the team in black-and-white for at least the first 20 minutes of the half - yet they were unable to score.

St. Mary's had changed their keeper and their #5 at central defense continued sending the team in blue back into their own zone with consistently hard clearing kicks.  America had definitely gotten the jump on their younger counterparts but the St. Mary's team did not tire.

They came back later in the half with some close calls of their own, eventually scoring as a result of a tic-tac-toe passing play originating just outside the box at about 78 minutes.

Given that much of the action was in their defensive zone up to that point they were fortunate.  They kept coming on strong however, and scored again after stealing the ball from the America keeper a few minutes later making it 3-1.

America wasn't about to quit either, however.  Granted a free kick just inches outside the box, they nearly scored (many on the sidelines expressed that they had seen the ball go in) but the St. Mary's keeper apparently had been able to clear it.  The game was whistled down at 3-1 with a win over America by St. Mary's - only their second this year. JHS