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That's a pretty rugged test for any team, in any sport.

It's especially difficult for a team that frequently finds itself playing back-to-back games without much chance for rest in between.

But it's what Forest Area's girls soccer team had to tackle last week.

While he would have preferred the Warriors win all four, head coach Eric Szymchack wasn't disappointed in their finishing 2-2.

Forest Area recovered from a 6-0 Northern Michigan Soccer League loss at Burt Lake last Monday to edge Gladwin 2-1 last Wednesday.

Perhaps beginning to feel a little fatigued from all the traveling they've had to do lately, the Warriors came out flat against Burt Lake.

"We had trouble keeping up with Burt Lake's energy level," Szymchack said. "Credit Burt Lake for their aggressiveness."

Forest Area regrouped during the halftime break and tried to recover in the second half.

But the hole they'd dug for themselves was too formidable, and while the Warriors played better in the second 40 minutes it wasn't enough.

"We started keeping possession better in the second half, and created some scoring opportunities," Szymchack said.

"But we didn't finish."

The Warriors gave up two goals late in the game as they tried to push the ball and get a goal.

It was only the second time the Warriors have been shut out this season.

Forest Area was a little sluggish at the start of the Gladwin game, too, and fell behind 1-0 when Gladwin scored less than two minutes in on an uncontested cross into the box.

But the Warriors picked up the pace after that first goal, and used team defense to shut down Gladwin's attack.

Gaining possession and pressuring Gladwin's goal, the Warriors were finally rewarded at the 28-minute mark of the first half.

Kassie Magee's throw-in was headed into the goal by Hillary Leach.

The half ended in a 1-1 tie.

Both teams picked up the pace in the second half, and play became more physical.

Forest Area was awarded a penalty kick with 12 minutes left in the game, but missed wide left.

Shaking it off, the Warriors continued to pressure Gladwin's goal.

Leach was on the end of an Emily Pojar throw-in at the 8-minute mark and scored on a header that went on off the far post for the game-winner.

Helen Karston made 17 saves in goal for the Warriors, 4 of them one-on-ones in an outstanding effort.

"Defensively, we gave up more shots ... but those shots were from greater distance," Szymchack said.

Mariel Glad and Lauren Leach were credited with a non-goalie save apiece.

Forest Area is 4-6 overall and 3-4 in the conference.

"We will have to keep pushing ourselves to be better in every aspect of the game," Szymchack said. "We struggle a little with consistency, but with a young team you have that."