GPS soccer coach Will Kesler could describe his team's 2-0 home win Saturday against Ensworth as "sloppy," but it wasn't as much about his team's play as the conditions on the field.
The ball spent a lot of time in the water, slowing the play and the passing of the Bruisers, but GPS erupted in the second half with goals from Jordan Shepherd and Kelsey Keef.
"It's the worst conditions we've played in all year," Kesler said. "We are a team that likes to connect passes, but the field wouldn't let us do so. I like the way we were able to adjust the way we played and hammer home a couple of shots."
The Lady Tigers had some dangerous opportunities turned away by the GPS defense. In the first half, goalkeeper Simone Busby found herself caught out of position on two occasions but used her quickness to retreat and make saves. Another time, Busby came out too soon and a shot rolled past her, but Danielle Chirumbole made a nonkeeper save before the ball rolled into the net.
"The defense was phenomenal," Kesler said. "Ensworth has some athletic forwards, so for us to get a clean sheet against a team like this is really good."
Shepherd got the Bruisers (6-3, 2-1) on the board in the 58th minute, taking a corner kick from Megan Mastey and firing a shot through with her left foot. Eight minutes later, Keef had a free kick from the right side and bounced a shot off the left post into the goal.
"It was just terrible conditions," Kesler said. "The field was soupy, and before the game, we talked about the possibility of something weird happening. The ball bounced weird and they had a few good chances, but we were fortunate they didn't capitalize.
"We had a couple of chances in the second half and were able to put them away."
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