Facing Lens, bottom of Arkema Première Ligue, Les Vertes lost by the narrowest of margins at Bollaert and may have some regrets.
Context
Les Vertes, second from bottom with four points, face Arkema Première Ligue bottom side Lens, who have only one point. The match will be played at the Stade Bollaert as part of the Sainte-Barbe celebrations.
Starting XI
Alice Pinguet, back from selection, is lined up in goal. In front of her stands a three-man defense consisting of Héloïse Mansuy, Aleksandra Gajic, and Kedie Johnson. Saint-Étienne's midfield is structured with Faustine Bataillard in a deep-lying position, Laura Hermann and Rachel Corboz one notch higher. On the wings are Marion Romanelli on the right and Chloé Tapia on the left. Finally, up front, the Cambot-Hornemann partnership is responsible for leading the Vertes' attack.
Game scenario
Les Vertes had a good first quarter of an hour: Rachel Corboz even had the opportunity to open the scoring in the second minute. Left unmarked at the penalty spot after a cross from Romanelli, the midfielder failed to connect properly with the ball and her shot, which was too central, was saved by the opposing goalkeeper. The match was evenly balanced after 20 minutes, and Les Vertes were caught out by a move built up from Lens's half: after a series of passes, the ball ended up in the back of Alice Pinguet's net (0-1, 30'). The first half ended without any further chances for either side. After the break, without changing the system, Marion Romanelli was replaced by Adèle Connesson in an attempt to create danger on the right wing. Les Vertes started the second half well, playing more offensively and taking the ball away from Lens. They were even saved by the wind in the 50th minute, but remained in control. They tried to score, with Sarah Cambot's long-range shot pushed just over the bar by the goalkeeper. After a long period of slack play, stoppage time brought another moment of controversy: as Adèle Connesson, ahead of her opponent, was about to take the ball, she appeared to be knocked off balance by a defender who arrived late. The referee did not blow his whistle. Once again, Les Vertes' match ended in confusion and regret.
Coming next
This crucial month of December is not off to the best start. Les Vertes will have to give their all in their last games before the break: first in Fleury, then at Salif' against Dijon on Saturday, December 20.re.
