CM girls soccer soaks up a road win
ATHENS, PA – The Central Mountain Lady Wildcat soccer team boarded a school bus and made the long Saturday trek to Athens Area in what would be a long haul in the rain. The Lady ‘Cats took a while to adapt to the wet surface and navigate the changing rain patterns but once they settled their feet, were able to push on and create some dangerous attacks. The first half ended without the ball hitting the net for either side and tiny adjustments at half-time enabled the Lady Wildcats to put some pressure on the home side and ultimately return home with a 2-0 win.
The rain continued and at times came down pretty hard. The visiting ‘Cats pressured the home side but had the first scare when Cora Seyler tried to collect the ball but was charged and kicked and a bit shaken up, but recovered quickly. The Lady Wildcats took advantage of netting the first tally on the scoreboard. The first goal started with Taylor Campbell, the senior charged the attacking third and blasted a shot from distance that came off the bottom of the crossbar that fell in the path of Morgan Temple who netted her first goal of the season as she was in the right spot at the right time. Morgan was strong as she battled off the Athens Lady Wildcat defenders to make sure the ball crossed the line and put Central Mountain ahead. A few more attempts in the attacking third were turned away by the home goalkeeper as the confidence of the visiting team grew. With about twenty-five minutes left, a free kick was given, Campbell once again was involved, played the ball into the box where Jaz Anderson took the initial shot that was blocked but had her second attempt cross the line for the second tally of the game. The Lady Wildcats then buckled down the hatches and played a composed and organized game. A defensive unit supported by Julia Smith, Danica Kelly, Camry McCann and Archie Walker did not allow much past them and played the ball into dangerous attacking spaces to clear any possible threats by the home side.
Two goals were enough to secure the victory over a strong District 4 side who will play in the post-season in the District 4 AAA tournament. Cora Seyler capped her day off with her first career varsity start and clean sheet in her freshman campaign.
The JV team waited patiently for their time but by the time they got to play, their water-logged boots made it difficult, and the rain picked up its pace to offer yet another obstacle. Add to that the Lady ‘Cats were missing some players, they played a modified game and did their best with the elements. Kaelynn Braun was tasked with goalkeeper duties and was able to stop shots in the difficult conditions. Leah Karstetter, Sophia Hoy, Emme Madigan and Leah Feerrar were pinned back in their defensive end most of the game but fought hard and adapted to a team that subbed in an entire team half-way through each half. The end result did not favor the visiting team as two shots found the back of the net for the home side.
Monday night brings Senior Night to Malinak Stadium. The Lady Wildcat Soccer team will host Midd-West as the team celebrates the seniors and their families. Let’s see if we can fill the seats as Central Mountain Lady Wildcat Soccer hopes to build upon their win percentage with the hopes they can still have a chance for a district play-off game.
CM 0 – 2 = 2
A 0 – 0 = 0
