In a sea of legs, Coppell senior forward Bryson Patten launches a shot towards goal, only for it to be interrupted by Hebron junior goalkeeper Eli Gradilla.
The Coppell boys soccer team dominated possession during the match and generated many goal scoring opportunities, but weren’t able to finish. The score at full time remained 0-0 in Coppell’s first District 5-6A match Tuesday at Buddy Echols Field.
The match started with Coppell dominance as the Cowboys quickly fired off two shots on goal. Gradilla was able to support the Hawks defense, managing to amass four saves. Hebron continued to force turnovers but their counterattacks were unsuccessful. Coppell finished the first half with five shots on goal, but no points to show for it.
“We were putting the ball in and getting good chances,” Patten said. “It just couldn’t finish in the back of the net, but that is something we just have to keep working on.”
Coppell continued to struggle with finishing in the second half as Hebron started to fight back. The Hawks forced the Cowboys to clear the ball three times and managed to get two shots on goal, but were prevented from seeing the back of the net both times by Coppell goalkeeper Chase Anderson.
Moments later, the Cowboys regained their footing, dominating possession and creating opportunities by playing out of the back, using long range throw-ins from junior defender Mohamed Ouedraego, and making runs through their wingers.
Midfielders, such as junior Justice Ihezie, were instrumental in maintaining Coppell’s dominance by generating opportunities for presses into the box and regaining possession to force turnovers.
“I did well winning the ball back and distributing it,” Ihezie said. “I worked hard in the middle helping my teammates out and my teammates helped me out.”
Coppell generated 20 total shots, 13 of which were shots on goal. Gradilla continued to thwart Cowboy attempts to score with 10 saves, reinforcing the Hebron back line.
“The keeper made a couple of incredible saves, but finishing is always something we can work on,” Coppell coach Stephen Morris said. “You can always be better, right until the score says 10-0. The result isn’t what we wanted, but I am satisfied with what we did.”
The Cowboys play at Denton Guyer on Friday.
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