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THE George Washington field was quite busy late yesterday afternoon and into the evening as action in the IIAAG High School Girls Soccer League continued.

In the second of two scheduled games, the George Washington Geckos played host to the visiting Simon Sanchez Sharks.

Both teams came out of the gates playing aggressively on each side of the field. In the 11th minute of play, Maria Iriarte broke away from the Gecko defense to take a clean shot. However, the ball would find and deflect off the crossbar.

Iriarte continued to work hard and dividends paid off as she was able to give the Sharks a 1-0 lead. After breaking past the Geckos’ defense, Iriarte had only GW goalkeeper Jena Cruz to beat and did so for the goal.

GW continued to look for the opportunity to equalize the game. Two excellent shot attempts by Francesca Pangelinan and Desirae Gumataotao were taken. However, Sharks goalkeeper Amy Besagar was alive and alert to deny the chance.

Continued hard work and effort are what both teams put forth for the remainder of the opening half. Defensively, the Sharks held the Geckos to two shots-on-goal, both by Kristiana Martinez. The halftime whistle was blown with the Sharks clinging to a 1-0 lead.

Returning from the halftime break, it was apparent that both teams discussed strategy. The Lady Geckos immediately came out with the upper edge. After creating open spaces, Desirae Gumataotao was able to get off good shots. However, Besagar continued her dominance at goal.

Fifteen minutes into the half, GW had their best chance yet to equalize the game. With Gumataotao taking a corner kick, the ball found its way right in front of the goal. After being kicked away by the goalkeeper, GW zipped another shot to the open net. However, the Sharks’ Ha'anee Taitano was there for the help.

In the 64th minute of play, the Geckos managed to finally tag a goal on the scoreboard to knot the game at 1-1. After receiving a nice pass from Erynn Fernandez, GW's Martinez dribbled down nearly half the field and was able to create space and get off a zipping shot to find the back of the goal.

For the remainder of the half, both teams were afforded their respective chances to take the lead. However, the final whistle of play was blown with the score remaining tied at 1-1.

In the earlier game of the day, the Notre Dame Royals and Southern High Dolphins battled to a 1-1 tie. Jonimonay Tedpahogo and Zoe Surber scored one goal apiece for ND and Southern, respectively.