Pattys Fall Short vs. Gahanna

On  Tuesday night, the Liberty Girls Varsity Soccer team had planned to avenge two tough losses in the 2016 season (one regular season, and one that ended the season on PK’s in the OHSAA Division I Playoff Sweet 16), but a scrappy Gahanna Lions team did not get the message, took advantage of two early opportunities and held on for a 2-1 win at Patriots stadium.

The Pattys were punished for a slow start and trouble with defending set pieces, with Gahanna converting on a corner kick 63 seconds into the match. The Lions outworked Liberty to get to both the first ball and second ball, slipping the deflected corner kick in for the first score.  In the 7th minute, Gahanna would strike again off a corner kick, with a one time shot by the Lion attacker who won the 50/50 ball and increased the lead to 2-0. Liberty struggled to recover and find the energy to counter, but the balance of the half was evenly played and ended in a 2-0 Lions lead.

The second half was a different story, with Liberty dominating from start to finish. Senior Captain Abby Jones cut the lead in half in the 47th minute when she took a pass from Sydney Weaver and made a strong run down the flank, cut inside to her left foot and launched a laser from 30 yards into the far post Upper 90.  The Pattys kept intense pressure on the Lions for the balance of the match, registering several quality scoring chances, but some strong goalkeeping by Gahanna’s Kaylee Hensley and missed chances left the score 1-2 at the final whistle. Liberty outshot Gahanna 9-6, had a 6-2 advantage in corners, and a 60/40 edge in possession on the night.

The Pattys are now 3-2-1 on the season and face another perennial strong statewide program in the Centerville Elks on Saturday.

In the earlier match, JVA drew 0-0 vs. Gahanna in a match that was controlled by the Patriots but did not show on the scoreboard. JVA is now 3-1-2 on the season.

JVB’s game vs. Gahanna was canceled due to lack of officials available for the match. They are currently 4-2-0 and face Grandview on Thursday at home.

GO PATTYS!