Northview Titans Junior Varsity Girls Game Summaries

Northview v Central Forsyth - 2-0
February 27th

The Northview JV Lady Titans soccer team opened the 2006 season on the road against the Bulldogs of Forsyth Central with a solid 2-0 victory. The Lady Titans came out of the gate fast with a very assertive offensive attack led by forwards Stephanie Andino, Rae Mueller and Hillary Millard. The entire first half seemed to be played on the Bulldogs’ side of the field – only for shot after Titan shot failing to find its mark. Mid-fielders Kellie Aarons, Anna Kornmayer, Lisa Johnson, Sarah Gibson, and Tara Holland controlled the middle of the field, creating numerous opportunities for the Lady Titans’ offense. The rare offensive opportunities for Central were quickly squelched by the aggressive defensive play of Mara Hamilton, Haley Nelson, Caitlin Swindall, Rachel Wilson and Kate Dixon, ensuring goalkeeper Gracie Kessenich saw little action.

As the half ticked away, shots continued to be taken, and the pressure seemed to build in hopes that the ball would finally find the back of the net. At the 19:40 mark, Stephanie Andino took a rifle shot at the goal, only to see the ball ricochet off the post. Then with 3:34 remaining in the half, Andino received a pass from Rae Mueller and sent it by the Bulldog keeper, netting the girls’ first goal of the season!

The second half picked up right where the first half left off -- with the Northview forwards and mid-fielders dictating the flow of the game. The Titans kept pounding the Central keeper, and found success quicker in the new half. Just three and a half minutes in, Rae Mueller sent a decisive shot past the outstretched hands of the Bulldog goalie for another score.

Now trailing by two goals, Central began to play with more purpose, refusing to concede the victory. The Bulldog mid-fielders competed to win more 50-50 balls, putting increased pressure on the defense and goalie Gracie Kessenich. With less than 15 minutes to go in the game, their best scoring opportunity, however, was denied when fullback Kate Dixon seemingly came out of nowhere to clear a sure score away from the mouth of the wide open goal.  On the other end of the field, Andino, Mueller and Millard kept on the attack, but credit is to be given to the Central keeper for making play after play, denying the lady Titans a 3rd goal.

At the 9:30 mark, Northview switched goalies, and Olivia Alonso came on to preserve the shut out. Final score remained Lady Titans JV 2, Central Forsyth 0.