The GPS Tournament got underway on Tuesday as Girls Preparatory School lost to visiting, Briarcrest Christian School, 2-1.
The Bruisers came flying out of the gate with a barrage of shots, including three that hit the woodwork. The hosts finally managed to get the ball over the line as freshman Sasha Carbone pounced on a deflected cross and scored to give GPS a deserved lead.
The Saints responded with a goal of their own later in the half through senior Sydney Ham. She carved through a couple of defenders before scoring from close in to level the match. Eighth grade talent Natalie Howard scored the Saints second goal when she fired her shot to the far corner from close in.
Both teams dominated for stretches in the second half, but neither could find another goal. GPS came closest as they hit the bar for a fourth time and had a couple of one-on-one opportunities that the Saints keeper denied.
The last five minutes of the match had fans on the edge of their seat and the tension was palpable. In the end, GPS was unlucky to only score one goal.
“Hopefully the forwards will go to bed tonight and dream about scoring goals,” said Head Coach Patrick Winecoff. “Outside of the scoring, the offense looked really good, but we’ve got to grow a little better from the back to front.”
Briarcrest will face Maryville High School on Friday at 11:30 a.m.
GPS will also face Maryville High School Friday at 6 p.m. as the tournament rolls on through the weekend.