The turnaround was already going to be quick. Two overtimes didn't help.
By the end of Friday's 0-0 tie at home against the University of Antelope Valley, The Master's University women's soccer team found itself with less than 17 hours to prepare to host another opponent, this one ranked in the NAIA top 25.
As for recuperating, senior
Lynnae George said the Mustangs (3-2-1) planned to eat plenty of food, get ample rest and spend time in self-reflection.
"Figuring out what as an individual I need to improve on, and everybody else needs to do the same thing," said George, whose team will host No. 25 Jamestown (N.D.) on Saturday. "Right now we're playing as individuals. We're not playing cohesively. So we need to figure out how to get on the same page."
As part of the process, the No. 24-ranked Mustangs planned to watch a movie Friday night. The flick?
One possibility, George said, was "Kicking & Screaming," a soccer comedy that should lighten the mood for a squad still in search of the offensive identity that lifted it to nationals a year ago.
Again Friday, the Mustangs created a grip of chances, some from point-blank range, but couldn't put one in the back of the net.
The defense produced another strong effort, with
Laura English playing particularly well along the back line. Antelope Valley managed just three shots, one on goal. It was the third time this season that Master's has held an opponent to three or fewer shot attempts.
But it was also the fourth time the Mustangs have scored one or no goals.
"You want to win games? You have to put the ball in the back of the net," said coach
Curtis Lewis. "And we've been unable to do that."
Lewis said he didn't question his team's effort. He felt the Mustangs started slowly and that the second half was a much better performance.
"I'm excited about that," he said.
The challenge now is to regroup quickly before Saturday's 11 a.m. start.
"It's a quick turnaround. Going into overtime, it's really not ideal at all," Lewis said. "We'll have to come out Saturday and manage the game. Hopefully we can connect some passes a little bit earlier and go after it."
