Match Review: CD Tacon 1-1 Real Betis

Eight games in and CD Tacon is back in the bottom two, the dreaded relegation zone. Sporting Huelva beat Valencia 2-1 which moved them ahead of us in the table. We needed a win to stay out of the bottom two and, on paper, this was a game that CD Tacon should have won. While possession was fairly even between the two teams, CD Tacon outshot and out-attacked Real Betis. We lined up in our standard 4-4-2 formation with Lorena Navarro and Sofia Jakobsson up top. Our midfield had Jessica Martinez, Malena Ortiz, Aurelie Kaci, and Chioma Ubogagu, while our backline was made up of Samara Ortiz, Ainoa Campos, Daiane, and Babett Peter. Ana Valles rounded out the starting XI in goal.

The first half saw multiple attempts from CD Tacon to get the ball in the net — the first happening within the first two minutes of the game. Malena saw her chance, but Real Betis’ keeper was ready and deflected the shot for the first of five corner kicks for CD Tacon that half. Our best chance in that forty-five minute period was from Chioma’s shot in the twelfth minute that deflected wide off of the far goal post

During the half, multiple passes were easily intercepted because they were either telegraphed or CD Tacon players put the ball right at the Real Betis players’ feet (This did not get better in the second half). In the 34^th minute, Real Betis was able to go ahead with a goal that took them three tries to score. On the first attempt, Ana made the save easily, but did not maintain control well. This put the ball right on the Betis player’s foot while Ana was still on the ground. Luckily, our goal was full of three CD Tacon players who were able to keep it out. However, as the saying goes, “third time’s the charm!” and Priscila was able to step up and put the deflection in the net. CD Tacon went into the half with Betis up 1-0.

When the teams returned in the second half, there was no real change in the game play. Once again, CD Tacon had majority possession and had more shots on goal. The first of the second half came when Sofia Jakobsson had the ball and made a pass into the box. Had the CD Tacon player making the run taken two more steps, she would have been there in time to score the first goal of the game. Not long after, Sofia was awarded a direct free-kick after being held back by Real Betis’ Marina Fedorova. Chioma stepped up to take the kick and Babett Peter was there to score with a diving header.

It was her first goal of the season and it kept CD Tacon from being shut out for a second game (The only game we have not scored in was the October 20^th game against Levante). The match ended in a 1-1 draw after further attempts to score were fruitless.

CD Tacon plays again on November 17th in a 1:00 PM (Mountain) away game against seventh-placed Athletic Club.