On a far-too-hot-for-late-October Wednesday afternoon, Taft took on a dangerous Westminster team. The visitors’ strengths were in full effect in the first-half, with direct soccer the focus. With Taft suffering injury and illness in central defense as the half progressed, the odds were stacked against them, and they eventually conceded two quick goals and entered half-time disappointed with a scoreline of 0-2. Libby Vermylen departed through sickness, and Evangeline Webb and Emma Bernard had to be substituted due to injury (though both put in brave and vital minutes again in the second half), so the odds were stacked against the home team as they came out for the final forty minutes of the game. Taft, however, put in an immense showing, and put in a top-notch second-half performance where, time and again, they had the Westminster defense under pressure. That pressure finally counted when Lane Childs and Georgia Lowenberg partnered excellently to find the back of the net and reduce the deficit. From that moment on, it was all Taft, and various goal-line clearances, missed opportunities, and open goal miscues thwarted the home side’s attempts. Eventually, they ran out of time, with a relieved Westminster just about holding on for a 2-1 victory. Despite the loss, Taft should feel proud of their immense improvement in the second-half. The coaches are delighted with the team’s recovery and the immense work-rate of every player. It is worth reiterating the youthful nature of the team, with only one senior player returning, and how many in the team, who were not starters last year, have improved to the point of being starters this year. On to Ethel Walker on Saturday!