Facing Nichol’s B squad allowed Gow’s younger players ample opportunity to showcase their growing skills and experience. It was the first opportunity all of the seventh graders and many of the eighth graders played the entire game without a full squad of available substitutes. The older players instead lent their loud voices and abundant enthusiasm from the sidelines.

Despite some of Gow’s veteran players viewing from the sidelines, the first half would see a bevy of highlights and exciting play. Midfielders Zach V., Reese F., Anthony S. and Max C. helped set the pace of play and impressed their coaches with their ability to transition between defense and offence. Reece F. helped set the scoring pace after confidently converting a penalty kick. Stopper Dominic S. quickly followed up with another goal after sliding up from the center defense and intercepting an errant clear. Sweeper Zach L. had his best performance of the season thus far, closing down numerous offensive drives by the speedy Nichols' forwards. Outside defenders, Max M. and Zachary S., shut down their sides of the defense with solid contact on their defensive clears and great coverage of offensive challenges. Forward Conner P. came close to tallying his first goal of the season and fought hard to keep himself away from the Nichols' defenders. At the half Gow was leading 2-0, but the team had little idea of the offensive burst that was still to come.

It did not take long for Gow to resume their strong offensive play once the second half began. Forward Stone G. scored his first modified goal after beating his defender to an errant rebound inside the penalty area. Two minutes later stopper Vaibhav N. dribbled his way past three defenders and slotted a centering pass across the six-yard box to Stone G. Stone tucked it into the near post netting his second goal. It was an amazing play and set the already excited bench into absolute hysterics! Before the spectators had time to recover from the goal, center midfielders Julian C. and Zakariya V. scored their firsts of the season. Both tallies were off intercepted passes and each player beat the keeper from twelve to ten yards out.

Although Gow experienced its most explosive offensive performance of the season, the coaches could not say enough about the strong defense that helped keep the play in Nichols' end for most of the game. First time keeper Karl J. stopped six shots from point blank range and two other breakaways. The Gow squad was thrilled with their performance and both coaches were pleased with the team’s sportsmanship and consistent play. Great game Ravens!