Peachtree Ridge Lions Soccer

THAT'S A WINNER!

Lady Lion’s Prevail In Penalty Kicks

Men Hold Off Late Surge By The Wolverines

March 9, 2012: On Friday night, the Peachtree Ridge Lions traveled to Cumming, Georgia, to take on the Wolverines of West Forsyth in non-region soccer action and came away with a pair of victories. In the Girl’s contest, it would take a late goal and penalty kicks to see the Lion’s prevail, while in the boy’s match the damage was done early – but the Lion’s would have to hang on to seal the victory.

“This game was very tactical, with both teams playing the majority of the game between the 18’s” said Lion’s Coach Bill Holleman of the Girl’s contest, “quality chances from inside the 18 were few and far between.” Both defenses played extremely tight, and both midfields did the same. As a result, the action would see-saw back and forth as the teams would build an attack only to be thwarted by stout defensive back lines. “This was a chess match, and neither team wanted to get caught with a player out of position,” noted Holleman.

While the Wolverines took an early 1-0 lead, the Lion’s would fight and claw through the second half. Finally with 15 minutes to go, Alanna Dineen chased a ball down in the corner and played a centering pass to the top of the box. Katie Fitton one-timed the ball while on the run and it found the upper left-hand corner of the net for the tying goal. “That was the spark we needed, and one of our prettiest goals of the season. Katie has been there in the clutch a number of times for us recently, and we really like that. She has a competitive spirit that shines in tough situations,” stated Holleman. Dineen’s and Fitton’s heroics sent the game into overtime, and eventually on to penalty kicks.

In the shoot out, Lions Shelby Jennings, Katey Lippitt, and Dineen would convert their chances. After a crucial Cosette Morche save, the match came down to the Lion’s Macey Raines and the Wolverine keeper. Raines stepped to the spot and hit a beautiful shot to upper left hand corner of the goal, completing the Lion come back and winning the shoot out for the Lions 4 to 3. The ensuing celebration was well-deserved!

The boy’s match was high pressure and high intensity from the opening whistle. Both sides would share the possession but it was the Lions who ultimately performed better in the final third. “West Forsyth is a much better team than their record,” commented Boy’s Coach Ryan Sutton, “but we could have played better too. We were a little sluggish tonight, and that kept the game close. Even still, we produced quality opportunities in the first half.”

The Lion’s played some good soccer in the first half while holding a very aggressive Wolverine midfield in check. The Lion forwards were given several great looks by their midfield, and it was only a matter of time before they would break through. It would be senior Juan Herrera who would lead the way. His pass to Junior forward Jeremy Rector put Rector in the clear and he was able to beat the West Forsyth keeper to his right side for the 1-0 lead. “I thought we played some great balls in that half which produced for us. We have to continue to give ourselves those kinds of opportunities,” noted Sutton. The Wolverine’s would answer on an unlucky Lion clearance attempt, tying the game 1-1.

Later in the half, freshman Ryan Fitton played a beautiful ball through the defense that would send Rector back to goal, but his left footed shot would be denied this time by the Wolverine keeper, who was having a great game in net. The ensuing rebound was controlled by Daniel Rodriquez who looked up to see Herrera charging to the top of the 18. Rodriquez’s pass was perfect and Herrera rocketed a shot into the low right hand corner of the goal for the 2-1 lead. Before the half was over, junior midfielder Raul Diaz played a brilliant ball to space that gave Rector a step on the defense. Rector went around the hard charging keeper and slotted the ball into the side netting for the 3-1 lead at the half.

The second half saw the Lions attempt to manage the game and the flow through the midfield changed directions. “Instead of pushing forward, we played a little timid and sideways in the second half,” stated Sutton. “We had some quality chances, but we can do better.” Rector and Herrera would both have several good looks at net, but neither was able to convert. The Wolverines would get a goal back when their talented forward would one time a bouncing ball with his left foot into the net, raising the intensity level and score to 3-2. “I think that woke the guys up a little bit. We made the game to interesting,” added Sutton. “We were able to control the ball and earn the victory after that goal, and while West Forsyth is a good team that is well coached, we will have to raise our level as we move into region play over the next couple of weeks if we want to achieve our objectives.”

Next Up the Junior Varsity Lions take to road for a couple of region matches. They will play Mill Creek on Monday, March 12, 2012. The boy’s have the early contest at 5:45 p.m., while the girl’s drop the ball at 7:30 p.m. Then on Thursday, March 15, the Junior Varsity Lion’s visit Mountain View for their second match of the week. This time the girl’s have the early slot starting at 5:45 p.m., and the boy’s kick off at 7:30 p.m.

On Friday, March 16, the Varsity Lions begin 2012 Region VII play as they travel to Norcross to take on the Blue Devils. The Lady Lions start their match at 5:55 p.m., while the Varsity men's team tee it up at 7:30 pm. Come out and support all the Lion teams! Directions to all away matches can be found here.

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