We got to play connected

Katie Roth
A tough loss against a very cohesive Harding Academy. They scored 2 in the first half and 2 in the second. 
From the kick off it was apparent that the Harding Academy team has played/practiced together for a while. They had great spacing, movement, and timing. They played really well not just individually, but together as a team. USN on the other hand struggled finding each other under pressure and the midfielders had a hard time connecting our defenders with the forwards. That being said, USN’s midfielders did a lot of the heavy lifting when it came to keeping this team together. Harding Academy was attacking USN’s defensive third relentlessly and Nevaeh Mitchell had many great saves in the first half which stemmed the bleeding, but a few 1-on-1 chances down the middle left her with little help giving the opponents a 2-0 led. Towards the end of the first half Annalise Rudolph, Laura Fonseca, and Johnsie Dawkins provided great offensive energy, leading some great counter attacks, but ultimately were stopped by the Harding defense. Annalise alone had 3 shot attempts in the 1st half and some great crosses in the goal, but USN wasn’t able to get anyone on the back post to help out finish the play. 

The second half followed the same tune as the first. Harding controlled the ball and the momentum and USN was depending on their defenders and midfield for defense against the constant barrage of attacks. Harding in the end was able to get two other goals. 

This game was tough, but it showed USN what they could be. Together they can learn from Harding’s efficient and well spaced-offense and learn to support each other on offense and defense. It’s going to be really exciting to see their growth as the season continues!
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USN Mission: 
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.