The first half looked about like you'd expect given that the Bulldogs had 5 new starters in their lineup when compared with 2017's first match. Disorganized, disjointed, and overwhelmed would accurately describe their start to the 2018 season. After giving up 2 goals to the Beavers in the first frame, losing out on the majority of the 50/50 balls, and failing to set up their possession game the Bulldogs were happy to hear the halftime whistle blow.

The second half was a very different story. The team rallied, calmed their nerves, and moved forward in the second half with more confidence. The match was still tight, but Otsego was playing wider and possessing the ball better. A number of shots went just wide or into the hands of the Harper Creek Sophomore goalkeeper. The intensity and energy improved for the Dawgs, as well as the efficiency. The backs were keeping pressure off our goal, mids were combining well, and the attacking players looked dangerous and positive. Matti Rayman's distribution into the mids and forwards sprung half a dozen solid attacking movements, but Otsego still couldn't find the back of the net. With two minutes to go in the match, Grace VerHage netted a PK that resulted from a defender dragging her down in the box. The Dawgs couldn't level the match in the dying seconds, and walk away with a 2-1 loss. Matti Rayman had 5 saves in the match.

The girls host Jackson High School on Wednesday evening at 6:30pm.