Lady Bulldogs win rugged one over Lady Wildcats, 3-1

JERSEY SHORE, PA – The Central Mountain Lady Cats traveled to Jersey Shore, downriver rivals. Witnesses said what could have been a great meeting between both teams who are struggling in the very tough league turned out to get a little out of hand. The home team prevailed by a 3-1 final.

The Lady Wildcats got on the board first, Taylor Campbell looked really dangerous on the wing and found herself driving at her player a few different times. She had gotten a ball and took on her defender, played a terrific ball into the box as Lily Hendricks made a great diagonal run. The goalkeeper came out and Lily got around her and slid the ball into the net. Soon after, Jersey Shore found themselves deep in the Lady Wildcats half, without any pressure, the home side put the ball out of reach of the Lady Wildcat goalkeeper.

The second half looked less like a soccer match and more like a rugby match. The home side found the net twice. From the view of the CM side, one goal should have been ruled out based on one of the Lady Wildcats on the ground after getting kicked in the face. The game never settled. Coach Ryan Veltri later posted, “Unfortunately there was no control and what seemed like the Lady Wildcats were playing against fourteen players instead of eleven. It’s unfortunate as both teams have been clawing at the bottom of the league and trying to represent their programs to the best of their ability. It seemed as though the game was pushed in a direction that disrespected the game and the growth of the sport.”

The Lady Wildcats were unable to play a JV game as what was previously agreed upon in terms of numbers of players and time allotted between coaches and then confirmed with the referees prior to the coaches meeting, the referees and home side stated that Central Mountain needed to have more players on the field while meeting with the captains. With three games in three days and five games in seven days, four kids on the injured list and low numbers, the Lady ‘Cats were not able to field a team that would be any bigger than what was already agreed upon. The Lady Wildcats left frustrated and feeling a bit disrespected, according to coach Veltri.

What was seen in the game was a total team effort of supporting each other, working together and looking out for teammates when it got chippy on the field. After the game it was even more evident as senior captain Traci Thompson, known as the “Mama Bear” took care of a situation on the field with great leadership and responsibility. Coach Veltri said, “It was a moment that she made sure the right things were done and respect for our program was given.”

Saturday brings Shikellamy, the best team in the District 4 3A and second in the HAC 1 Division to Malinak Stadium. The Lady Wildcats will continue to work hard, build upon the traditions of the program and be dynamic. It will not be easy but they need all the support they can get. It is also youth appreciation night for all youth soccer players in the area.

CM 1 0 = 1

JS    1 2 = 3