A Battle in the Setting Sun

Sabrina Ly

            As the sun slowly went down, cheering and laughter drifted out over the soccer pitch, as the Dalat varsity girls’ soccer team faced off against the Penang State women’s team in their first match of the second season.

The game was held at Padang Brown, a local field surrounded by stalls and passing cars. The field itself was brown, dusty, and hard-packed. In addition, the blazing Malaysian sun bore down on the pitch, ensuring that at least the first-half of the game was played in unfavorable conditions. Yet, the harsh weather and adverse environments didn’t stop both teams from giving the game their all.

With the eventual arrival of the ever-tardy referees, the game began with a shrill whistle. Dalat, wearing blue, had a quick start to the match, kicking the ball up field, while the State team, wearing white, scrambled to get into position. Despite beating Penang State early in their first season, Dalat had trouble controlling the ball as both sides battled back and forth for possession. This Penang State team was comprised of only Malaysian citizens and featured more experienced players, proving themselves as challenging opponents. Both sides fired several shots on goal, with Dalat narrowly missing a shot fired by Joy Kiehl (9) as it bounced off the side bar. Penang State retaliated with several corner kicks that were centimeters away from being goals before they were tipped out of the net by the goalie. The field itself also became an obstacle as the dry dirt formed clouds as the players ran through it, making visibility difficult for the other players. In the meantime, the gathering crowd of locals laughed with amusement at the dust clouds while the physical battle being fought out on the pitch continued. However, despite tremendous effort from both sides the score remained tied as the sun set, and the last seconds of the game passed away.

The game proved a great learning experience for both sides as they prepared for upcoming tournaments. After the match, the two teams took a picture together to show good sportsmanship and no hard feelings. When questioned about the game, sophomore Melynn Kendrick stated, “I feel like our girls played very well and we are all really taking the things that Coach Frohlich and Coach Mahoney teach us and putting them into action on the field.” In response to the same questions Christy Chow (11), the soccer captain, said, “Despite playing against a stronger and older opponent, our team stood up and played our hearts out to result in a draw.”

As the setting sun gave way to a dark night, Dalat’s soccer team traveled home in good spirits and full of laughter. The elation of giving the game their all brought smiles to their faces as they parted for the night to get some rest, already preparing for the next match.