Central Mountain girls’ soccer goes out a winner
BALD EAGLE TOWNSHIP, PA – The Central Mountain Lady Wildcat soccer team welcomed West Branch High School who came to Malinak Stadium Wednesday night with a 16-1 record and top of the Inter-County North Girls Soccer Standings, who will be either a first or second seed in the District 6 Class 1A play-offs. The home side felt up to the task as this was not only the last game of the season but also the last home game. The blue and white also celebrated senior teacher appreciation night and were host to the 2003 Lady Wildcat Soccer team who was inducted into the Central Mountain Hall of Fame. A lot of weight fell on the shoulders of the Lady Wildcats coming into this game and they had respect for West Branch but also wanted to prove they were in the dog-fight this season and deserved a little more respect for the mountain they needed to climb.
The first half started with both teams sorting out what the other team was going to do and how they were going to approach the game. With not playing each other or having any games that were against similar opposition, it took a while to get the right balance. The Lady Wildcats held a bit of possession and found themselves getting into the final third and into dangerous space but couldn’t capitalize. West Branch was anchored by a strong goalkeeper who made some top saves and kept her net clean. The ‘Cats picked up some momentum and were finding space into the attacking third, a bit of build-up play offered chances in the first ten minutes. After ten minutes the blue and white earned possession, Halle Lodek and Taylor Campbell played a well-crafted wall pass and found themselves in attack mode. The ball was played into Jaz Anderson who turned her player and had a full look at goal, she blasted the ball past the on-coming keeper for the first goal of the game. More chances came after, some great saves by the visiting team’s keeper, the post and some strong defending. The Lady Cats were knocking on the door but couldn’t get a second before the end of the half.
Once again the second half started a bit shaky as West Branch found themselves in a dangerous space and pressuring Central Mountain’s back line. With a bit of organization, the Lady ‘Cats were able to get themselves out of trouble. West Branch did find an equalizer as a counterattack from what started as a positive free kick in the middle third of the field, the depth and shape of the home side was too flat and when the ball was not won, they found themselves chasing and then picking the ball out of the net. Unfortunately, the Lady ‘Cats were not connected as a unit and that moment when the blue and white “turned off” allowed the game to take a turn and create an exciting final twenty minutes. The Lady Wildcats did not put their heads down, with a bit of movement and some changes, the attack began, and shots were flying. Many were too far in distance or were intercepted in the cross and a few were blocked by CM players. As the home side continued to pressure, you could tell one was going to come. The Lady ‘Cats were pushed on, outside backs were in the attacking half and playing balls into dangerous spaces. Camry McCann clipped a ball into the attack that found Lily Hendricks, the senior did the rest as she was able to beat her defender and the goalkeeper to put the ball into the net and put Central Mountain in the lead with six minutes on the clock. That was all that was needed, some smart play to keep the ball moving and the clock running, the Lady Wildcats secured the win for the last win of the season, capping off a season that had seen much improvement in some areas and some unfortunate luck in others. In what would be a bookend of wins, the Lady ‘Cats won both the first and last games of the season.
The Lady Wildcats end the season with a 4-12 record in a very difficult league. With three PHAC teams in the top ten in the PSCA state rankings, it has to be one of the most difficult leagues in the central region of the state. The blue and white hosted teams that will win district championships and go far into the state play-offs. The team was led by 11 seniors who will be greatly missed and with whom were a staple on the field for many years. They will leave a hole in the team and in some spots be very difficult to replace. Four wins on the season doubles that of the past year and is a step in the right direction. Head Coach Ryan Veltri said it is now up to the underclassman to use the next three seasons (winter, spring and summer) developing healthy soccer habits and enough time on the ball. There will be a lot of opportunity to gain technical skills and continue the tactical/educational part of their development with winter and spring training and club team training. “We are excited for the future,” he closed.
WB 0 – 1 = 1
CM 1 – 1 = 2
