The Boneyard was the site of a Wildcat soccer shootout against Skyline Friday night, but this time it was the girls’ team trying to resolve a tie and defeat the Raiders.
The girls hung in there well all game, despite being short several players. “With starting goalkeeper Carmen Burroughs coming off a huge hit, injuries from Monday’s battle with Creekview, and four other seniors sick, we had some adjustments where the underclassmen had to step up and play big,” said varsity coach Misty Benson. “They did just that.”
Senior Carmen Burroughs was the victim of a cleat to the face midway through the first half and ended up in the ER with a concussion and broken nose. Freshman backup Diana Sharber came on strong and sophomore Glory Williams scored off a free kick to end the half 1-0. But when Skyline put one in during the second half, also off a free kick, the game went to five-man dribble-ups.
“With the fans on their feet and lined up on the railing, Skyline drew the first shot and Diana shut it down,” remembered Benson. Between outstanding play by both goalkeepers and shots that kept going widely askew, the first ten shooters (five on each team) came up scoreless. The refs called next for “one-and-one,” meaning the first team with an unanswered scores wins.
After Skyline’s shooter missed, freshman Kelsey Munoz was up for the Lady Cats. “Kelsey came out, beat the keeper and put the ball past her and in the net,” said Benson, “helping the win the game and causing bench-clearing runs and dog piles on both Diana and Kelsey.”
If snow doesn’t derail their plans, they’ll play on Sunset turf Tuesday night at 7 pm. After that, they’re hoping for another big crowd to watch them face Berkner at The Boneyard Friday night. Go Cats!
