WESTPHALIA — Fatima settled in defensively after a difficult opening half but could not overcome a three-goal deficit in a 3-0 loss to Smithton in Thursday’s season-opener at home.

The Comets struggled to establish consistent possession during the first 40 minutes. Turnovers in the midfield put pressure on a back line that includes several new players and is learning a different shape.

“We talked a lot about how, in the first half, we were struggling with possession, some of the ways we were losing possession instead of keeping it, and things we needed to see change in the second half,” said Fatima coach Kelley-Marie Wibberg. “That definitely improved a lot.”

Fatima simplified its approach after the break. The Comets shifted more effectively, filled open space, and delayed Smithton’s attack rather than forcing an immediate challenge on every possession. “Our defense definitely stepped it up, figuring out where they needed to go as far as making the shifts happen, filling in holes and having that patience,” Wibberg said. “Sometimes, it’s not about getting the ball. Sometimes, it’s about slowing the play, and the guys did a great job of that.”

The adjustments helped Fatima hold the Tigers scoreless throughout the second half. The Comets also showed more purpose when working the ball out of their defensive end instead of simply clearing it under pressure.

“I thought they did really well recycling,” Wibberg said. “We talked at half that if we’re going to recycle through the defense, we need to have a purpose with it, not just booting it.”

Wibberg said Fatima was also incorporating several players who had only recently been cleared to return. With the opener providing the Comets’ first full-game test following the jamboree, she viewed the performance as a starting point for the developing group.

“We just got a few guys cleared and back today, so we’re making some adjustments,” Wibberg said. “I thought we carried over very well everything we practiced at the jamboree. We just have to keep building. It’s still a long season, and we have a long way to go.”

Although Fatima could not recover from its opening-half deficit, the improved possession and defensive organization after the break showed Wibberg how the Comets could respond when their initial approach was not working.

“Success isn’t an accident,” she said. “We just have to keep working.”