Sectional rivals play to 1-1 tie

Adam Sickmiller
Pilot Correspondent

LAKEVILLE - The LaVille Lancers and the Culver Girls Academy Eagles battled to a 1-1 tie in soccer action last night.

The first half of the game was a defensive struggle where neither team was able to score a goal. The defenses for both the Lancers and the Eagles were able to clear the ball out of the trouble zone and relieve the pressure on their goalkeepers.

While the play was competitive, it was not sharp.

“We weren't getting to balls,” LaVille head coach Steve Hodge said. “They were beating us to balls - we just weren't that aggressive to the ball. Also, we had trouble holding the ball.”

The first goal of the game was scored in the 53rd minute, when Abby Davis took a shot from the left side. The ball bounced off the left goalpost, and then was lost by CGA goalkeeper Michelle Wiezcorek. Stephanie Lechlitner then took the rebound and put it in the back of the net to put the Lancers up, 1-0.

The Eagles would answer with a goal of their own in the 62nd minute. The goal came when Emma Clark broke free for a clear shot on goal, floating the ball just out of the reach of LaVille keeper Justine McBride to bring the game to a 1-1 tie.

CGA coach Harry Canellakis saw both positive and negative aspects in his team's performance.

“We played aggressively which is good but we did not play the passing game that we wanted to,” he said. “Our passes were not as sharp as they have been in other games. I am proud of the way they battled back to secure the tie against a good LaVille team.”

There were several other scoring opportunities for both teams in the second half, but neither team was able to capitalize on them. LaVille had two additional shots bounce off the left goalpost and were stopped on other opportunities by the goalkeeping of Wiezcorek. The Eagles came close, but missed high on their open looks.

Hodge would have liked to get a win, but he was pleased his team had the opportunity to play against a team the caliber of CGA.

“We don't play this level of team as much as we should,” Hodge said. “It's good for our team to play this good of a team.”

LaVille is now 9-2-2 on the season and plays host to Westview next Tuesday. CGA is now 3-3-3 on the season and will play host to Bethany Christian 6:15 tonight.

CGA 1, LAVILLE 1
At Newton Park
Second Half
L - Stephanie Lechlitner (Abby Davis) 53rd minute.
C - Emma Clark 63rd minute.
Shots on Goal: CGA 5; LaVille 4.
Saves: CGA 2 (Michelle Wiezcorek); LaVille 3 ( Justine McBride).
Corner Kicks: CGA 0; LaVille 3.
Records: CGA 3-3-3, LaVille 9-2-2.