On a beautiful fall day down at Heartland fields, the Coyotes took to the fields on a rematch on the first game of the season against Team Gator.
The last time these two teams met (in game 1), the Gators, who are a well coached,experienced team, came out on top of the Coyotes in a tough fought battle by a score of 4-0. This time around, the Coyotes came out ready to play, using the experience they have gained throughout the season to take the Gators down by a decisive victory, 7-1.
Both teams looked ready to play, and battled tough in the 1st quarter as the Coyotes jumped out to a 2-1 lead by the end of the period. It appeared to be shaping into a close, tough game as both the Coyotes and the Gators held each other scoreless in the 2nd quarter. At halftime, the 'Yotes were holding on to their 1 point lead.
But as the 3rd quarter got underway, so did the Coyotes, as they looked like they were putting on a clinic out there with ball control, speed, and aggressive offense. Defensively, they barely allowed the Gator offense to even cross the center line. The aggressive play saw the Coyotes peel off 4 more goals in the 3rd quarter to jump out to a 6-1 lead going into the final period.
The coach of the Gators commented several times to coach Art that the Coyotes looked like a different team out there today, as they took control of the game and kept the Gator team off balance and playing catch up all day long. No doubt, the Coyotes have improved throughout the season...and the experience (even in the losses) has helped to mold the team into a team to be reckoned with! I have said all along that the Coyotes possess both the talent and the skills, and the only thing they lacked was the experience and the consistancy. When the 'Yotes put it together, they are tough to beat!
As the 4th quarter got going, the Coyote defense kept up the clinic, stopping every breakaway and blocking every shot attempt on goal by the Gator offense. Offensively, the Coyotes added another goal to seal the victory, as they emerged to avenge the early season loss by a score of 7-1. Great game, Coyotes! You were looking good today...good enough to draw the praise and admiration of the Gator coach...and that is saying something! Needless to say, Coach Art is very proud of all of you! The win improved the Coyote's record to 2-5-1 on the season.
Coach Joseph was unable to make the game today, as he was home resting and doctoring himself up from a bad cold. The news of the impressive victory by the Coyotes made him smile and feel better.
Here are the stats on the day:
The Strikers
Cole 9 shots on goal; 3 goals
Nick 1 shot on goal
Rebekah 7 shots on goal; 1 goal; 1 assist
Matt 3 shots on goal; 2 goals
Callie 1 shot on goal; 1 goal
Tyler 3 shots on goal
The Goalies
Cole 1 save
Savannah 2 saves
Tyler 2 saves
I try to keep accurate stats on the game, and if my stats are correct today, the Coyotes totally dominated the Gators! The Coyotes had some 24 shots on goal compared to 6 shots on goal b the Gators! When you have stats like that, the results can only be positive! Great job Coyotes!! Keep it up! Only 2 more games to go this season...let's finish out with a bang!
It is that time of year again....you never know what you might find in a pumpkin patch on any given night:
