DEER PARK, TEXAS The Region III Semi-Finals and Finals for the 2007 Boys and Girls Soccer Championship were held this weekend at the Clyde Abshier Stadium in Deer Park.

With only two games remaining to determine which team would advance to state, no one could have anticipated that weather conditions would be so brutal to all who participated. Winners overcome and Saturday was no exception as both the girls and boys teams adjusted and played for the win.

With temperatures in the thirties and wind blowing rain and umbrellas out of the grasp of the fans, the game of soccer and the quest for state remained on schedule.

                           DEER PARK vs. KINGWOOD girls 11:30 a.m.

The Deer Park girl’s had stayed just long enough Friday, after their win against Cy Press Creek, to watch their prospective opponents for the next day’s finals match-up. Observing both teams, the girl’s made valid observations as to the defensive and offensive strategies of both teams on the field.

Today, they would have to make a few adjustments due to the weather conditions and execute the strategy they devised from the bleachers and from an undefeated record season of play under the leadership of Neil Munro. (26-0)

The Lady Deer were no strangers to the finals as they had been contenders both in 2005 and 2006. With the Mustangs putting in the first goal of the game, Kingwood came out strong. Defender Laura Phillip put the ball past Deer Park on a free kick only 4 minutes into the game.

Undaunted, Deer Park scored 6 minutes later when sophomore Julie Niess sent a perfect cross pass to teammate Nichole Watkins who headed in the goal that would tie the game.

Going into the half with a tied game, both teams knew what was on the line. Weather conditions had not improved, pressing both teams to hold the ball longer and work to optimize their scoring opportunities.

With the clock ticking down in the second half, both teams were looking for the shot. That shot, once again, belonged to Niess as she took the ball into Kingwood territory and made a slippery shot that maneuvered past Kingwood and found its way to the net. 2-1.

The Lady Deer held firmly for the next 8 minutes and then celebrated a hard fought victory that will take them on the road to state next week.

 Remaining undefeated, the Deer will travel to Round Rock in quest of the ring with a
27-0 record. Not to be denied, the Deer were relentless in pursuit of this victory.
 
Congratulations to both teams for a great season and for playing outstanding soccer under such poor weather conditions. Soccer certainly was not made for sissies on this day!

*** Copies of this reel action available on DVD for $15. Contact lsinclair@athletesconnection.com to place your order. ***

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