Late Opponent Goals Result In Draw vs. Centerville, Loss To Orange
September 14, 2017All 3 Teams Kickoff The Week With Wins
September 27, 2017After having a week to recover from a tough home loss to Orange where the Pattys 1-0 lead evaporated on two goals by Orange in the last 8 minutes of the first conference match of the season, Liberty entered the last week with 3 away games in 5 days against Westerville South, perennial power Pickerington North, and another top program statewide in Lakota East.
The week did not start out well, but ended on a strong note, following is a brief recap of each match.
Westerville South (9/19): Draw 2-2
The Pattys traveled to Westerville South with hopes to return to winning ways, but a scrappy South team led by outstanding Goalkeeper, Jenna Villacres, and crafty forward Deja Edwards, combined to both stymie Liberty’s attack and convert their limited opportunities. Liberty outshot Westerville South 29-10 and had 65% possession, but once again the Pattys yielded an early goal in the 4th minute when Edwards was left unchallenged on a run through the back line and buried a left footed chance into the top left corner. After regrouping at halftime, Liberty equalized just 4 minutes in on a goal by Natalie Amodeo assisted by Abby Townsend. Liberty would take a 2-1 lead in the 18th minute on a goal by Gia Gaetano and assist from Abby Jones. It looked like Liberty would extend the lead on several occasions but either failed to convert or were turned away by great saves from Villacres. South would find the equalizer with only 7 seconds left off a free kick by Edwards and the result would stand at a disappointing 2-2 draw.
Pickerington North (9/21): Loss 0-5
Liberty traveled to Pickerington North to face the #5 ranked team in the State, and another slow start and 3 early goals in the 5th, 10th and 14th minute on the Tigers first 4 shots, meant the balance of the game would be played for pride. Despite the poor first half performance where the tally was 0-4, the Pattys turned in one of their best team efforts in the second half, did not quit and came away with some key learning that would carry through to Lakota East and hopefully throughout the balance of the season.
Lakota East (9/23): Win 1-0
On a 90+ degree day with temperatures on the turf in excess of 10o and a 3rd game in 5 days, the key for the Pattys against Lakota East would be to try to score early and improve overall teamwork to add to the win column. The plan came together and Liberty struck first in the 2nd minute when a series of won 50/50 challenges and some crisp combination play led to a goal by Brooke Severance and assisted by Madison Rapier, who personally won three 50/50 balls in the sequence to preserve the attack. The balance of the match was fairly even, but the Thunderhawks brought extra pressure in the final 20 minutes. Liberty’s defense held its shape, withstood the pressure and earned the first shutout of the season. Maddie Kelley and Riley Cartwright split time in goal in a solid effort between the pipes. In a special halftime ceremony, Liberty Assistant Coach, Hillary Carter, who was a standout soccer performer and All-Ohio selection for the Thunderhawks, was honored by her alma mater and presented a special plaque.
Next up for the Pattys is another tough conference foe at home on Tuesday, when Westerville North comes to Patriots Stadium at 7:30PM.
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