Game Report: Legion WFC 8-1 North Alabama SC

Legion WFC, in line with the rest of the South Central Division, went to town on North Alabama SC this past Saturday, scoring 8 goals before a late NASC score spoiled the clean sheet.

The goals were scored by 6 different players, starting with centerback Kaylee Dressback, then Isabel Smith and Madeline Massie added 2 more to go into half time 3-0 up. Isabel Smith doubled her tally just 5 minutes into the second half, followed 2 minutes later by Norah Roller. Kailey Littleford got her turn before Madeline Massie also got a brace. Ella Smith closed out the Legion scoring in the 78th minute before the Huntsville squad finally got on the board.

The result of this game was never really in doubt, as Dressback’s early goal from a defensive position implies. NASC are 1-9-0, have scored just 3 goals and have allowed 51. The one win was a surprise 1-0 result against the South Carolina United Bantams, who had beaten them 6-0 at home just 3 days earlier.

Legion WFC now stands in 3rd in the division, with 2 games left to play. The first of those will be this evening at Spain Park High School, where they will take on Tennessee SC at 7:00pm. The season finale will be the return match with NASC 5:30pm this Sunday at Sparkman High School.

Even if the ladies win both remaining games, they have no chance at the playoffs. Those will include 16 teams, made up of the 10 division winners, plus the 6 highest PPG earners among all other teams. However, the 6 wild card spots are not evenly distributed across the league. The Southern Conference has 3 divisions, but maxes out at 4 teams in the playoffs. Legion WFC’s best possible finish is 1.92 PPG, and there are 4 teams in the conference who cannot finish lower than that.

In the South Central Division, Legion WFC could still finish second. That will be an interesting race, but a tough one to win. Tennessee SC happens to be the team in second place ahead of Legion WFC and also has a game in hand, so winning tonight is critical. The two finished level at 1-1 in Brentwood in Legion WFC’s second-ever game, so a positive result is definitely in reach. However, Tennessee has a game in hand and finishes the season with games against NASC and Southern Soccer Academy (who are in 5th). If Legion WFC win both games and Tennessee wins both of its remaining games, the two teams would end on 23 points. Legion WFC would get the nod on the tiebreaker, though (head-to-head results).