The Moore League Girls’ Soccer world is still buzzing from the Wilson comeback win over Poly last week. Fans are waiting for the rematch, but both teams need to take care of business against the five other schools before anyone can circle a date on the calendar (Tuesday the 27th, if you’re curious).
The Bruins did exactly that on Thursday afternoon against the Lakewood Lancers with a 3-1 victory behind two goals from winger Kristyn Benavidez.
As you would expect a defending national champion to be, Wilson was very business like in controlling the pace of play early on. Sophomore Kimberly Marshall bullied the Lancers in the midfield, and in the air, as the Bruins dominated possession.
In the 18th minute, designated captain Kaitlin Hellmann took a nice over pass from Marshall to the left side of the box. A quick stop/start move shook the defender, and the junior sent a slow bouncing cross into the box. Carrie Holzhauer met it the back post and touched it into goal for the early 1-0 lead.
Wilson striker Emily Dillon continued to pressure the Lancer defense, but diminutive sophomore sweeper Sarahvanni Bunma played smart soccer, and was able to keep the multiple Bruin chances away from the front of goal. But in the 28th minute, Wilson broke through for their second goal off a corner from Hellmann to the head of Benavidez.
After half, Lakewood played some inspired minutes. “I think (we) just needed to see (Wilson) and realize that they’re just girls too,” said Lakewood coach Scott Manson, whose young team played much better when they were settled down.
In the opening half, Lakewood’s chances were few, but when they did gain possession in the Wilson zone most opportunities were ambitious and from outside of the box. After all those fastballs, it was fitting that a change up would fool the vaunted Bruin back line.
Just two minutes into the second half, Kendahl Fisher brought it across midfield and made a nice run the edge of the box. Fisher tried to lift a cross to the back post, but miss hit the ball and it bounced in front of goal. Laura Ropp was at the post to meet the ball, and it was unclear if she needed to kick it in, but she did for the Lancer score.
The goal meant business time for the Bruins. After a couple deflections in front of Lakewood keeper Jennifer Carey nine minutes later, Benavidez netted her second goal of the afternoon, making it 3-1 and effectively ending the Lancer threat.
Wilson head coach Jason Kirkwood was on the sideline for the first goal, but missed the final three goals of the match because he had to brave the 405 to go catch a plane. Kirkwood is being recognized as one of the top high school soccer coaches in the nation in St. Louis by the National Soccer Coaches Association. Assistant coach and former Bruin Natalie Moreno took over, but the Bruins played as if their headman hadn’t left.
“He’s been my coach for awhile,” said Dillon with a chuckle after the match. “I know what he would’ve said.”
Come back this weekend to LBPostSports.com for the team-by-team recap of this week’s action in Moore League Soccer.