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March 10 - 

Namesake weather was one of the highlights for the Spring 2001 season opener between the U12 Lazers of Peachtree City and the newly promoted ladies of the United Quest White ’88 squad. On a morning made for soccer, the two teams attacked and counter-attacked with equal skill and determination, but the ball seemed to bounce in favor of Peachtree City as they came out on top 3-0. Both squads displayed excellent combination play, and they both featured talented individual players as part of their team strength. The difference on the day would eventually be defined by a simple disparity in the number of substitutes available to both teams. After dominating play for vast stretches of the match, United Quest simply wore down as they had only two subs available to counter Peachtree City’s six available substitutes. Fresh Lazer legs eventually won the day, but the Quest girls threatened throughout the match, right down to the last 8 minutes, to overcome a 1-0 deficit that was the product of some fine combination play from the Peachtree City squad. Twice in the waning moments of the game, after absorbing immense pressure from the Quest attack, the Lazers scored quick goals, but it was evident from both sidelines that the final 3-0 score was not indicative of the flow of the game or its closeness.

Any doubts that the United team belonged in the "A" group were erased by the team’s display of a tenacious defense and scrappy midfield play in the first half, and by an increasingly threatening offensive attack in the second half. Twice, late in the game and just before the Lazers struck for their second goal, furious Quest attacks saw the ball flash across the face of their opponent’s goal, but the finishing touch could not be found. After expending most of their remaining energy during their attempt to draw even, the Quest squad got caught compressed on a throw-in that led to the first of the Lazer’s two late scores. After that, the Lazers found the back of the net off of a shot that took an odd hop over a well-positioned Quest keeper’s outstretched hands. While the Peachtree City girls celebrated, a disappointed and tired Quest squad finally succumbed to the referee’s whistle, and they left the pitch knowing that they deserved better than the 3-0 final score. Appreciative fans of both teams applauded the players for their efforts as the two groups shook hands and left the field aware that it could have easily gone the other way.