On a dreary and rain-soaked fall day, Taft travelled to Miss Porters for what was their biggest test of the season to this point. Playing on a slick turf field, the ball was prone to flying along the surface at break-neck speeds. Both teams came out looking to pounce on any chances that fell their way and tested each others defensive speed and response time with many a through ball played in behind. All game long a strong back line of Ellie Perkins, Grace Denious, Keeley Brooks, and Margot Kahler kept their wingers from delivering crosses, and cutting off the supply from their midfielders. Midfielders Muffin Prakittiphoom and Ella Connolly tracked back constantly to collect the ball deep and move it to our wingers. Those same wingers, Annabelle Shanks and Charlotte Hanson marauded down the flanks and crossed in dangerously when possible, and held possession up well when the cross was not on. The games only goal came late in the first half when Hollen Spain picked up a half cleared goal kick, drove to her right and struck the ball with force from the top of the 18 yard box. The ball spilled through the goalkeepers hands and Annabel Brawn, dangerous all game, was there to crash it home to make sure there would be no goal-line clearance. In the second half, contributions from our entire team made sure that we would keep the shutout and walk away with a 1-0 professional scoreline. Katie Gilland dove into tackles all afternoon, keeping their defense and midfielders off balance. Natalie Nejaime was very involved in moving the ball forward, seamlessly one touch passing the ball back to her defenders out of trouble and playing forward Sadie Frame in for a good chance that would have sealed the game. Miss Porters had a few chances towards the end as they pushed for an equalizer but goalkeeper Sarah Elkas was calm, cool, and collected under pressure all game, gathering up any crosses, through-balls, and shots that came her way. When the final whistle blew, the Taft Rhinos walked away knowing they had played their most complete game of the season against a very good opponent. The next test will be Choate this Saturday, before a long weekend of rest.