GU14-1
Charlestown 0, Reading 5
The home opener for the Townies ended in a 5-0 loss to Reading this Saturday afternoon. The score line is not reflective of the overall play of the Townies who were unlucky not to take at least a goal or two from this game. The first half opened up with Reading scoring two quick goals putting the Townies on the back foot for much of the game. Though Charlestown was down, they certainly were not out of the game, posing a consistent threat to the Reading goal for a good deal of the first half. Forwards Annie Coviello and Maeve Fittz did well to link up with the midfield duo of Josie Hoyt and Jasmine Niijar to create goal scoring opportunities. Defenders Maeve Shea, Lauren Sweeney, Caroline Collier, and Bryn O’Hara all did well to prevent any additional goals in the first half.
During the 2nd half, Reading continued to pressure the Charlestown goal, but the Townies were up to the challenge. The defense played very well and often found defensive midfielder Emily Pardy open to help begin the attack. Midfielder Caroline Adducci did well in the 45th minute dribbling the ball down the left side and sending a cross to center forward Isabelle Charbonnier giving the Townies a great chance on net. Charbonnier and Adducci’s efforts along with those of Coviello, Fittz, and midfielder Sophie Shea provided good pressure on the Reading defense for much of the 2nd half. Reading was fortunate to take 2 goals off of corner kicks in the 2nd half. Reading was also awarded a controversial penalty kick in the 68th minute to extend their lead to 5-0.
As the referee blew his whistle for full time the score line did not do this Townie team justice as they competed well with Reading for the full 70 minutes. Charlestown looks to bounce back next Saturday afternoon , playing in Tewksbury at 12pm.