The East Bladen defense recorded their third consecutive shut-out Thursday night as the Lady Eagles opened Four County Conference play with a 4-0 women’s soccer victory at Union.
“We haven’t given up a goal in 240 minutes of play and only allowed 3 shots in those 3 games,” stated East Bladen Coach Jay Raynor. “Our pressure and defensive play are what is making us play well at this time. We all seem to be on the same page and my girls are working hard. Our defense is creating our scoring chances.”
East Bladen outshot the Lady Spartans 12-1. Junior goalkeeper Kathryn Cole had the shutout in net and was not forced to make a save.
“Union was a solid team and I feel really good with the win, but more about not giving up any goals,” continued Coach Raynor. “They have a few girls who were fast, but our backline did a really good job locking them down. Claire Campbell is the biggest key to that. She keeps the backline together and that is huge for us.”
“Jiovanna Vasques, Blair Potter, Madison Smith, and Claire are all working very well together,” said Raynor. “Combine that with the midfield play of Justyna Gargala, Lexi Mendel, and Hannah DeVane, and we have an extremely strong core that at times are tough to get through or around.“
Sophomore Trinity Carrol put the Lady Eagles ahead 1-0 with a goal in the second minute of the match. That was the only goal of the first half.
The Lady Eagles broke the match open with 3 goals in the first 2 minutes of the second half. Justyna Gargala fired in a goal just 20 seconds into the second half. “Gargala hit a hard shot to the back post which found the back of the net,” said Coach Raynor.
Junior Alexa Hernandez would score the third and fourth goals of the game just a minute apart in the second half. Those goals were scored in the 43rd and 44th minutes of the game.
“Tonight was a good test, but it’s going to get a good bit tougher next week with Midway, North Brunswick, and Clinton,” said Raynor. “It was good to turn these 3 games into wins and confidence builders. We are about be thrown in the fire next week and I’m eager to see how we will respond.”
“I know my girls will make it very interesting, and I like our chances next week with this group,” concluded Coach Raynor. “Trinity, Maddie West, and Alexa are generating some good opportunities on goal for us and we are getting better every day.”
The Lady Eagles are 1-0 in the league and 3-0 overall and will host Midway Tuesday at 6 p.m.
About Author
