The Lady Lancers soccer team took on St. James at the SM North stadium on Monday night, April 14. Fans and parents were bundled up in jackets and gloves, sipping hot chocolate in the 40 degree weather. The Lady Lancers were determined to add another victory to their winning record this season.
In the first 15 minutes of the game, the Lady Lancers had three shots on goal, and completely dominated possession. Senior Forward Victoria Sabates played very aggressively, pushing the ball forward, and was able to get two cracks at goal. Although they were able to push the ball forward offensively and have a few shots on goal, nothing came out of it, and the score remained 0-0.
As the first half went on, possession started to favor St. James. East wasn’t able to push the ball forward as well, resulting in St. James controlling possession more mid-first half. As the end of the half drew nearer and nearer, possession stayed mostly around midfield, with lots of back-and-forth action. Junior Midfielder Emma Braasch was able to contain the ball for the Lancers at midfield, but wasn’t able to push it forward as much towards the end of the half. Possession was split nearly 50-50 at the end of the half, and the game went into halftime at 0-0. St. James had only one shot on goal, while the Lancers had three.
Going into the second half, the Lancers were determined to get a goal on the board to take the lead. In the first ten minutes of the second half, the Lady Lancers controlled possession, and stayed on the attack. Victoria Sabates was able to play aggressive offensively, and get three shots on goal in the opening minutes of the second half. The Lancers contained possession of the ball for the first ten minutes of the half.
Then, as there was about 30 minutes left in the game, St. James went on the attack. They got a couple of shots up, but nothing too dangerous. Lancer defenders sophomore Adelaide Kline and senior Jessica Young were able to stop the St. James attacking play.
With about 25 minutes to go, senior Midfielder Anna Marie Oakley dribbled up the right sideline with intensity. She whipped a cross into the middle of the goal box. The ball flew right over the St. James keepers hands, and connected with the head of senior Midfielder Quincy Hendricks, and fell to the back of the net. Lancers 1- St. James 0.
For the rest of the game, the Lancer defense was able to shut St. James down. Although St. James had two corner kicks and a few opportunities, no shots were able to get past sophomore Goalie Emily Chisholm. The Lancers took the victory 1-0, making their record 4-2-1.
Coach James Kelly said that over the weekend, the team met and discussed the upcoming game. They discussed that for the seniors, it is the last time playing St. James in the regular season, and they want to play their best against every opponent, especially for their last time playing them.
The girls’ next game will be against Olathe East at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 17 at the SM Soccer Complex. Can’t make it to the game? Check out smeharbinger.net for the live broadcast or follow @HarbieSports on Twitter.
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