Peachtree Ridge Lions Soccer

Defense The Difference, Dineen's Goal "Icing on the Cake"

At the Eagle's nest on Tuesday night, both the Collins Hill Eagles and the Peachtree Ridge Lions had their chances.  Tenacious midfield play from both teams was the order of the night, but the Lion Defense was as stubborn as they have been all year -  allowing very few quality chances by the 6th-ranked Eagles of Collins Hill.  The Lady Lions came away with a well-deserved 1-0 victory. 

"This was our best Team Effort all year," said an excited Coach Bill Holleman, "the girls have been playing better each game, and have proven to themselves along the way that they can compete with anybody.  We played like we can tonight, and it was a privilege to be a part of it."

The Lady Lions were disciplined thoughout the contest.  While individual effort was visible at every position for the Lions, "everyone played their position and contributed," stated Holleman, "that's when teams win.  Those are sweet victories to be enjoyed by the team.  When you accomplish something together that you set out to do because everyone, and I mean everyone, did there job - well, there you have it.  It is why we play this great game."

McCall Gardner, Baillie Burmaster, Katey Lippitt, and Melissa Lay were steadfast in their determination not to give the Eagles quality shots and to back each other up.  "Unfortunately McCall went down in the second half," commented Holleman, "so we have to see what that is all about.  Lexie Luther came in and filled in at keeper for her.  She did a nice job for us too.  Defensively we were solid."

The goal differential came in the second half when the Lions worked hard to earn a corner kick.  Emily Edmond placed a beautiful ball between the Eagle defenders that Alanna Dineen was able to head past the Collins Hill Keeper for the only goal of the match.  "It is amazing how many times games are won or lost on set pieces," stated Holleman.  "Alanna did well to fight off a defender and Emily got her the ball.  Good stuff.  But equally as important, we had 5 players in the box on that play, distracting the keeper and making runs.  That team play on both ends of the field was the difference in this game."

Next up the Lady Lions play Meadowcreek at Lion's Den on Friday night at 5:55pm, Be There!