By Steven Liao
KAS 3(2) – 3(1) AIS HK
From the beginning of the game, AIS players were putting pressure on the KAS defense. But time and time again, KAS freshman Paula Hsiao, clearing the balls out to save KAS backline. However just before half, AIS finally broke through the KAS lines and scored the first goal against KAS. Just moments before half KAS striker Claire Williamson returns the favor, scoring the tying goal with a great long-range shot. Then the whistle blows, and the first half is finished.
To start the the second half AIS quickly got into good position; within minutes a player has taken a shot and scored the second goal for AIS HK. Down 1:2, KAS strikers became more aggressive, challenging the AIS goalie several times before eventually striker Claire Williamson, took a strong strike with her left foot and scored her 2nd goal of the match.
In the waning minutes of the match, both teams wanted to score another goal. AIS strikers challenged the goalie of KAS, Sammi Lo several times. With the huge pressure that put on goalie and defenders, AIS scored their third goal against KAS. With the clock counting down things were not looking great for KAS. However in a last desperation push, team captain Alice Wang carved her way into the AIS defense, took a shot and scored the goal to tie the match. The whistle blows again and the game goes into overtime.
In the overtime period, the KAS and AIS defenses are both able to make strong stands and as the clock runs out, the whistle is blown and the game goes into a penalty shootout.
According to the Acamis tournament’s rule each team will send three players to take the first three attempts, then if the two teams are tied then an additional player will need to join the shootout until one team takes the lead.
The most exciting part of the match has began. The first player of AIS scores then Paula Hsiao answers back and scores. The second attempt, both players in both teams have missed. The third attempt the two goalies once again make a stand and the shootout must go into the additional players. AIS’s fourth penalty shooter missed. Then comes in Shelley Sun, the captain of KAS, running from the very back line. She calmly lines herself up, takes the shot, and puts the ball in! Shelley has scored the winning goal for KAS and KAS has won the 3rd place match!
