Hemming’s hat trick secures Cougars victory over the Los Angeles Legends, 3-2
Wednesday June 24, 2007
DENVER. CO. – Taryn Hemmings scored all three goals for the Real Colorado Cougars in a 3-2 victory over the visiting Los Angeles Legends. Hemming’s hat trick provided three crucial points in the Cougars’ quest for a post season playoff berth.
On an unsettled Colorado evening with heavy thunderstorms and tornadoes in the area, the Cougars used a solid first half defensive effort, Hemming's hat trick, and then withstood a late Legends rally to secure the victory.
In minute 12, Hemmings opened the scoring as she found the ball at her feet inside the 18 and delivered a slotted ball to beat Legends goalkeeper, Alicia Lugo, unassisted, for her first goal of the night.
Towards the end of the first half, in minute 44, Hemmings again delivered an unassisted goal as she punched a rocket into the upper 90 from 25 yards out and pushed the Cougars up to a halftime margin of 2-0.
The first half statistics showed Real with an edge in shots on goal with six to the Legends four and the two sides were even in corner kicks with two apiece. Lugo saved two shots for Legends squad and U23 U.S. National team goalkeeper, Kristin Arnold, had two saves for Real.
Los Angeles opened the game up in the second half with more pressure on the Cougars’ goal with several diagonal balls played to forward Jennifer Williams, but the L.A. team was unable to convert their chances early in the half.
L.A. did get on the board in minute 89, when second half substitute Katie Maxwell delivered the Legends first goal of the match to bring the score to 2-1, Cougars.
As the game moved into stoppage time, Cougar midfielder Kerstyn Farrell, played an excellent through ball to a streaking Hemmings, who drilled her third goal of the match, which was also the eventual game winner.
Los Angeles also scored late in stoppage time as Jess Murphy ripped an outstanding shot that went by the outstretched arms of Arnold for L.A.’s second goal. The final count of the match was Real 3, L.A. 2.
The Cougars now go on the road to face 2008 W League semi-finalist Seattle, as well as perennial Western conference Power the Vancouver Whitecaps. The matches are July 3rd and 5th respectively in the Pacific Northwest. The Cougars then return home for their final game of the regular season on Sunday, July 19th at 1:00 PM at Shea Stadium versus the Whitecaps. Real will introduce the “Cougars Den” for their “over 21” fans to enjoy an adult beverage at the match for this final game. Advance tickets for this match can be purchased online at www.cougars.realcolorado.net or by calling 303-324-1281.