The Poly girls’ soccer team dominated their match against Lakewood at home on Tuesday afternoon, but the 0-0 tie at half didn’t reflect it.  With two games left in the first half of the Moore League season, the Jackrabbits are trying to win out as they prepare for a rematch with the Wilson Bruins, while the Lancers are trying to solidify their hold on the third and final playoff spot.

The Jackrabbits’ urgency overwhelmed the Lancers back line in the first ten minutes of the second half as Poly netted three goals on their way to a 3-0 win, running their record to 5-1 in league.  Lakewood falls to 3-2.

In the first half the Jackrabbits controlled possession and controlled the match.  Each Lakewood over pass was met by a ‘Rabbit defender, and in the Lancer zone Poly proved the more patient and disciplined team.  They earned five corner kicks to Lakewood’s zero and had multiple chances to get on the board.

In the 32th minute, Emily Strombom and Elliott Gentile put together a nice give and go that resulted in a corner, and Gentile placed a beautiful cross off the corner that Kasia Johnson headed just inches over the crossbar.

After halftime the floodgates opened and the Jackrabbits scored 42nd, 44th, and 52nd minute goals.  On a cross from Jocelyn Reist that got deflected high in the air by a Lakewood defender, Janelle Stribling headed it past Lancer keeper Jennifer Carey for the games first goal.  Two minutes later, Stribling netted her second goal of the day off a Claire Liivoja free kick.  Carey made a great save, but couldn’t control the rebound and Stribling blasted it into the back of the net.  The final goal of the afternoon was off the foot of Kasia Johnson who sent a free kick from just outside the box into the top left corner.

Asked if she gave the greatest halftime speech in soccer history, Poly coach Terry Collins returned a sheepish grin, “It only appears that way… We have some great senior leaders like Claire Liivoja and Matti Sandoval on defense.  They have a lot of pride and they want to take command of their senior season.”

Lakewood still has a lot to work on, but Thursday’s game against Cabrillo is even bigger now, as the winner takes sole possession of that third and final playoff spot.

“We just didn’t play soccer for those five minutes,” said Lakewood coach Scott Manson.  “We have to learn that one goal doesn’t kill us.  We just hung our head… they took advantage and then the game was over.”

While the Lancers take on the Jaguars on Thursday, Poly will be dreaming of that rematch with Wilson after they play Jordan next Monday before they see the Bruins on Tuesday.

“There’s a focus,” said Collins.  The Jackrabbits’ “Beat Wilson” at midfield after Tuesday’s game is evidence enough.