Lady Wildcat soccer downed by Lady Millionaires
BALLS MILLS, PA – The Central Mountain Lady Wildcats made the short trip down Route 220 to face Williamsport at Balls Mills Soccer Complex on Thursday and fell to the home team by a 6-1 count.
In what would be a PHAC league game against some familiar friends, Beckham SIbiski, Richard Poole and Ryan Veltri, three Lock Haven University Soccer Alumni had a chance to have a laugh or two on the sidelines. The game setup/pre-game management understood that both teams were in similar places in league play, trying to identify themselves this season while looking to find ways to prove that improvement in play and progress forward are essential for the growth of both programs. Lady ‘Cat coach Veltri said the Lady Wildcats are still looking to play with a competitive edge, possess the ball with a purpose, defend with organization and discipline and to create a culture that looks to build off learning as much about the game as possible.
The first half didn’t start off in the Lady Wildcats favor, going behind quickly in the first few minutes. After settling down after the second goal of the game, it wasn’t til the final minutes that the home side was able to put the game out of reach with a third goal. The Lady Cats didn’t come out strong in the second half, which seems to be the current trend of finding balance after half-time, the second half saw a similar scoreline as the first. The visiting team did see some action in the attacking third of the field but had a difficult time converting any real clear-cut chances. A corner kick taken by Taylor Campbell did find a mix of players in which a scrum in front of the goal resulted in a goal for the Lady Cats. Haleigh Peters was credited with the goal but Morgan Temple was on the prowl and Taylor Campbell was credited with the assist. Freshman Cora Seyler got her first varsity minutes as she saw the last thirty minutes of the game out, giving up one goal but making a few key saves. Three freshman and two sophomores gained solid minutes on the field, with a heavy senior class roster, the Lady Wildcats have an eye in also building for the future and creating the building blocks of establishing some experience for the younger players.
The JV team played a modified game which consisted of two shortened halves, a modified field and an 8v8 set-up; the goal based on the numbers of players this year’s Lady Wildcats hold, more than in years past, to play a set of players per half and allow them to not be subbed so that there was a flow to the game. Unfortunately, the visiting team suffered four goals against and did not find too many answers getting the ball in dangerous areas in front of the home side.
A big Saturday is in the works at Malinak Stadium as the Junior High Girls Soccer team takes to the field as they host the Cara Day Memorial Tournament. Senior Julia Smith has prepared her senior project and helped facilitate the event. The Little Lady Wildcats take the field at 10:00, 12:00 and 12:40 with a Consolation and Championship game to start at 2:00 and 2:40 respectively. Then, the high school welcomes Bald Eagle Area for the nightcap, Varsity starts at 5 p.m.with a modified JV game to follow. Calling all Lady Wildcat Soccer Alumni to come and celebrate a day of girls soccer at Central Mountain High School and Malinak Stadium!
