Have you ever wondered about the history of the soccer ball? Probably not, but I am going to tell you anyway. [editor’s note: if you are easily grossed out, please skip to the next paragraph] In ancient times, soccer was basically played with anything players could find and kick around. For example, the English army was famous for taking the skulls of their fallen enemies to play soccer games after major battles. Perhaps the most common ball of that time was made from inflated pig bladders wrapped in leather. Beyond stating the obvious, which is “that is disgusting”, the balls were heavy and didn’t last more than a few games. All that changed in the mid-19th century when American chemist Charles Goodyear invented the first rubber soccer ball, and English leatherworker H.J. Lindon developed a rubber bladder inside the ball to make the ball easier to kick and maintain, giving birth to the modern soccer ball.
On Tuesday, the JV Girls Soccer team took on the Benicia Panthers using what looked like a modern ball. Although the Dons continued to dominate ball possession, it was clear from the opening kickoff that the Panthers were going to put up more of a fight than the Deer Valley squad.
The offense managed to score 4 goals in the game, two by Kate Uffelman and the other two by Danica Green. Kate’s first goal got the ball rolling for the Dons 9 minutes into the game, and the second was towards the end of the game from distance.
Danica’s first goal was on a nice turn and shoot play, and the other on a long run initiated on a pass from Grace Eppinger.
There were also a few notable plays that didn’t result in goals. Grace Colaco had great long shot off a bouncing ball that hit the crossbar, Elodie Jensen had a couple nice runs up the field, Nina Bundy almost scored, and Danica Green had a nice pass to Edie Berzansky that she nearly converted.
Kate’s initial goal was all the team ultimately needed as defense needed as they continued to do what they do best…shut down opponents. Michaela Barbano, Edie Berzansky, Ella Culbertson, Helena McGinley, Lidia Stahl, and Katelyn Weiss did a great job keeping the ball out of harms way, and the one ball that made it through was stopped on a tremendous play by goalie Cate Mercier early in the second half.
“Get to Know Coach”: Coach Alex has lived in Pittsburg, California his whole life
The team plays next Friday (12/22) at 5pm at home against Las Lomas