Northview Titans Junior Varsity Girls Game Summaries
Northview v South Forsyth - 3-0
February 20th, 2007
The 2007 edition of the Northview Lady Titans JV soccer team opened the season on the road against the War Eagles of South Forsyth, and came away with a convincing 3-0 victory. Fielding only 12 as a flu bug had left four girls unable to play, Northview appeared overmatched against South’s deep bench. But they were more than up to the task as Coach Julie Connor had them prepared and ready to go after just two weeks of practice.
Led by captains Kellie Aarons (midfield) and Michelle DiPietro (defender), the rest of the starting line up consisted of forwards Hillary Millard, Daria Gound and Carly Martini; midfielders Shelby Apps and Samantha Howard; defenders Mara Hamilton, Lisa Johnson, Kylie Janusek; and goalkeeper Hannah Riddle. And the Lady Titans started the game aggressively, taking the opening kick off down the field quickly, only to see Carly Martini’s cross from the right side sail in too close and fielded by the South keeper.
The first ten minutes of the contest saw quite a bit of back and forth play between the two teams, with the lone referee doing his best to keep up with the action. As the first half progressed, the War Eagles seemed to be getting the advantage. At the 24:35 mark, a South Forsyth forward broke free down the near sideline, but was run down and forced to the end line by Kylie Janusek. Less than a minute later, Janusek again thwarted a South scoring opportunity with solid stop. A subsequent War Eagle shot was sent wide of the goal.
But just as it seemed that Northview was starting to bend defensively, freshman forward Daria Gound broke free of the defense on the left side of the goal and sent a beautiful, tight-angle shot just out of reach of the South goalie for the Lady Titan’s first goal of the season! And just like that the momentum began to shift in favor of the visiting team.
With 17 minutes remaining in the half, the Northview girls got off a shot after a nice lead out pass from Michelle DiPietro that careened off the keeper, and was finished by Gound again as she notched her second goal of the game. The remaining highlights of the first half were the arrival of a second referee at the 8:00 mark, and a steady rain as the Lady Titans held a 2-0 lead at the break.
The second half got under way with Northview continuing their aggressive attack on the War Eagles’ defense. Just two minutes in, Anna Kornmayer lifted a shot off a beautiful bicycle kick that looked as if it would get over the outstretched hands of the South goalie – but the keeper just got a finger on it and sent it back out into play. Hillary Millard fielded the rebound and sent another high shot that looked like it would get in, but again the keeper got a finger on the ball and knocked the ball off the post. A scramble for the ball ensued, but Northview was unable to capitalize.
At this point the Northview midfielders, most notably Kellie Aarons, took control of the game, dominating possession and continually preventing their opponents from penetrating offensively. Then with 25:25 showing on the clock, Carly Martini scored the 3rd goal of the night on a point blank shot that the keeper was unable to stop. Given the stout defense being played by Northview, the outcome of the match seemed to be under control.
Field conditions deteriorated as the game played on, and the remainder of the contest was highlighted by some superb defense from Mara Hamilton and Lisa Johnson, as well as goalkeeper Hannah Riddle. The rain continued to fall, and although the War Eagles fought on, they had no success again the Lady Titans. The game ended suddenly when the referee blew his whistle with 3:38 still showing on the clock.
All in all, a good opener for the short handed Lady Titans, who look to be at full strength for their next game against the Lions of Peachtree Ridge on February 23.
