The pace of the games were fast, the opposition was talented, and the Bobcats were ferocious!  The IMS Bobcats played four 7 on 7 matches at the Dutchess Day School soccer tournament on Friday and had a fantastic showing by winning three of the four games they played and walking away tournament medal winners.

As they did in their previous game against BCD earlier in the week, the IMS team moved slowly out of the gate initially, but they managed to play much better as a team throughout the tournament and were quick to increase their level of intensity.  Kesi helped ignite the Bobcat attack by scoring and recording an assist in the Bobcats’ first match, against Woodstock, enabling the team to escape from their first game with a 2-0 win.

The next three matches were marked by intense IMS offense combined with a stout defense that demonstrated the type of coordinated play coaches Bliss and Clayton have been hoping to see their young athletes perform on the field.  In the second game, Gus scored on a rebounded shot by Andrew to give the IMS squad a one goal lead over Faith Christian Academy before Skye scored on a great shot over the goalies head to cement the Bobcat victory, 2-1.  Kesi scored two more times during the next two games, while Andrew and Gus also contributed goals.  The Bobcats won their third match against Dutchess Day School, 3-2, before losing a well-fought contest against Rumsey 2-1.

The top IMS performer proved to be Elle.  Elle played the whole field and was active both defensively and offensively.  Following the team’s return to IMS, Coach Clayton defined Elle’s play as instumental to the team’s success at the tournament.  The Bobcats also enjoyed excellent play and great saves from Nate and Wyatt, who split goaltending duties.

The Bobcats hope use their forward momemtum as they travel on Friday to take on Berkshire Country Day School for the second time this season.