COLUMBUS — The first home game of the season was a difficult test for Heritage Academy’s girls’ soccer team. Jackson Academy came out strong against the hosts, securing a 4-0 victory thanks to a hat-trick from captain Aubrey Edmonson.
Patriots head coach Jacob Hunt recognized the quality of the opposition, but he views his team as capable of a better result in those kinds of games.
“I’ll say you have to be mindful of who you play against, but there are things we can do as a unit to make life more difficult for them,” he said. “I wouldn’t say we did that for the whole game and that’s what cost us, but we’re trying to stay focused on our mindset and playing our game.”
The Patriots conceded early and took it upon themselves to press to get back into the game. They pushed the ball wide to wingers Caroline Peal and Sophie Starks, but they struggled in the center of the pitch. The midfield battle went the way of an experienced Raiders team, who eventually doubled the lead just before halftime. A turnover in midfield led to a quick counterattack and cross into the box for Edmonson to tap in her second goal of the game.
The Patriots showed some promise in the second half with some more nice combination play on the wings, but they were unable to create clear chances until late in the game. By then Edmonson had completed her hat-trick and the Raiders led 4-0.
“We have the players for it, we have fast attackers on the outside, but I want us to be well-rounded,” Hunt said of the attacking performance.” We have players who have the technical skill to combine centrally, center backs who can play the ball well, and I think we’re balanced across the field. I think sometimes it’s just a struggle for players to realize how good they actually are, but again playing these big schools you’re going against a team that has really good players in all 11 positions.”
The Patriots are back in action next week with a trip to face Hartfield Academy before a visit from Jackson Prep two days later. Both Jackson teams played for a state championship last season, so scheduling them for non-district games was a conscious decision by Hunt to test his team against the best.
“I try to put it in their minds that we’re playing good teams because we are a good team,” he said. “We’re trying to sharpen iron. We’ve got a mix of older and younger players but we’ll be battle-tested when the time comes after these high-level games. That way when district and the playoffs come around we’re ready.”
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