The Girls Soccer team beat the Back of the Yards Bobcats 2-0, on Thursday May 3rd, in the second round of CPS playoffs. After playing Back of the Yards April 19th for the Chicago Cup Tournament and beating them 7-1, the Whitney Young Dolphins went into Thursday’s game over confident and unfocused. The first 20 minutes of the game resembled more of a game like kick ball for the Dolphins. With all of the shots Young took going over the crossbar, the girls were getting antsy. As Senior Keila Vega’ 18 stated, “We were all panicking. Once the first half ended and it was 0-0, we all were stunned and frustrated. The other team was laughing at half time because they weren’t losing.” The lack of communication and teamwork really affected the Dolphins on the Bobcats incredibly short field. Too much bunching up and no one calling the ball allowed for many missed opportunities in the box and a few too many chances in the Whitney Young box. The weather was also not on the girls side Thursday night as it went through spurts of darkness and rain.

The second half looked better than first, but it still wasn’t at the level the Whitney Young Girls Soccer team can play at. The girls were hungry for a goal and all knew the city title was at stake if they didn’t win. The first goal went in after the offense crowded the box after a cross was sent in and Olivia Putrim’ 18 attacked the ball and shot in the bottom left corner past the goalie. The girls were feeling slightly better but still weren’t satisfied. Mia Lisanti’ 20 scored another for the Dolphins after making a great run into the box and getting a head on the ball to send it right into the corner of the net. Only a few minutes remained in the game and the girls all worked hard together to defend their lead. As the final whistle blew, sighs of relief were heard all around the Whitney Young bench.

After the game coach Spero Mandakas said about the poorly executed game against Back of the Yards.“we can’t just show up and expect our name, Whitney Young, to win the game for us. We have to want it and put in the hard work every single game,” The girls play Saturday at 11am against Curie at Lane Stadium for the CPS League quarter finals.  They have a lot of room to improve and a lot of things to fix before they make it to City, so wish them well.