It’s been a rough season for the Carlisle U12 Roadrunners, after combining two teams from the fall season, but the chemistry has been developing with each game. The Roadrunners played well in a Thursday night, May 8th, make-up game on the road against Pleasant Hill. The defense protected goalie Luke Cooper in the first half so well he had no shots to defend. Stopper Aaron Olson, backed up by defenders Xavier Natera and Josh Fisher, proved to be a strong defense and kept the ball on the other half of the field most of the game. Forwards Dean Leclaire and Grant Kelly had a tough time shooting on goal because of the swarm of defenders around them. Midfielder Ricky Gallegos was in position on the edge of the goal area, however, and scored the first goal of the game when the ball came out of the pack. Grant Kelley found himself with nowhere to go on the goal line, but made a heads-up play to pass back to Gallegos, who made an unsuccessful shot on goal.
In the second half, Natera was in goal and blocked three shots, including one he stretched to deflect harmlessly over the cross bar. Defender Michael Nelson made a nice steal and passed to midfielder Robby Clark. Midfielder Alex Felger would find himself in front of the goal for seven shots on goal but was unable to get it past the goalie. Forward Quinn True found a small opening on the right side for the Roadrunners’ second goal. There were a total of 18 shots on goal for the Roadrunners. Final score 2-0, for the boys’ first victory of the season!
The u12 Krazy Kickers played their final home game of the spring ‘08 season in front of a capacity crowd. The girls had a bye last week and with it, no practice due to a scrimmage and weather. The Kickers held the ball on Johnston’s third of the field for the first ten minutes of the match. The Johnston defense, however, harassed the Kickers enough that they couldn’t get set up for a shot on goal. There were several scares coming against the Kicker defense, with Johnston earning as many corner kicks as the Carlisle girls, four for each team in the first half alone. Finally after a series of corners coming against them, the Kickers got a goal kick. Keeper Taryn Smith placed the ball smartly out wide to defender Hannah Jutting, who quickly sent the ball up the side of the field finding forward JoJo Haack. Haack beat Johnston’s outside defender into their corner where she crossed the ball to the other Kickers’ forward, Jenna Dille. Dille hit the ball with a one touch kick but the Johnston Kicker was able to block it, but not handle it. Dille followed up and planted the ball in the back of the net scoring the match’s only goal with 34 seconds left in the first half.
The second half put the wind against the Kickers, but they adjusted, bringing back center-mid Madison Polley to help fellow defenders Katie Brown, Katie Clark and Jutting lock in the win. They did a fantastic job keeping the ball up field and eliminating any threat on goal by Johnston who were limited to only four shots the entire game, all coming in the first half. The Kicker’s defense has produced four shut-outs this spring.
The u12 girls Crush faced a Johnston team on Sunday, May 11th, a team they had beat two times before, but this time it would prove to be a more challenging game. The Crush started fast, moving the ball up field quickly with good ball handling. The first goal by Taylor Whipple came from an excellent crossing pass from Madison Staecker. From that point on it became a defensive battle as both teams would move the ball up the field just to be forced away by the defense. Forwards Whipple, Lindsey Kamerick, Madison Staecker and Katie Rick would only get four more shots off the rest of the half. Midfielders Taylor Nelson, Jessica Payne, Alexis Lambson, Jade Gibson and Emily Loomis all showed improved hustle and speed form their previous game. And the defense of Ashton Goodhue-Nolte, Sierra Andreas, Victoria Carra and Amanda Hardin held Johnston to three shots which keeper Maddie Roberts easily stopped. The half would end 1-0.
The second half both teams would get the ball in front of their goal but had a tough time getting off shots. The battle in front of the goals was the deciding factor in the game as Johnston would get two goals from deflected clearing shots that sent the ball barely past the keeper. The Crush would only get two shots on goal. The game would end with Johnston winning by one goal. The Crush are still in the running for the division title, but they must win their next game and the number two team must lose their next game - a situation the Crush never expected to be in, but are sure to battle for the win next week. Players of the game were Staecker, Rick , Hardin and Roberts.
The u10 Dragons played one of their best games of the season so far this year! They started off with Simon Clark in goal for the first time this year, and he did a fantastic job warding off Soccer South’s numerous goal attempts. The defenders, Matthew and Connor Hage did a great job of helping him out the first half of the game. Alex Owens made a fabulous pass to Dylan Reed, who scored the Dragons first goal! Alex Owens then scored the second goal of the game to tie the game 2-2. Forwards Dylan Reed, Alex Owens and Konnor Fisher did a great job working the ball down the field with superb passing and teamwork! Clark made a nice save late in the first half to hold the score at 4-4 at the half.
In the second half, Jordan Watts and Jaron Burgress played forward, along with Reed. Matthew Hintz and Josh Felger anchored the defense, both doing fantastic job holding off goal attempts from the other team. Watts showed off his usual fancy footwork and great speed, and despite Soccer South challenges down the field, he was able to make an outstanding pass to Burgress to score his first goal of the game. Connor Hage was able to stop several shots near the goal, helping keep the game close. The final score was Soccer South 6, Dragons 9, but the Dragons gave them a run for their money! Fantastic job by all on the team!
The U8 Pumas played a little short-handed on Sunday with only five players due to illness. With only one substitute, nobody complained they didn’t have enough playing time. The highlights included an outstanding pass by Jocelyn Haack to Megan Sievers for a goal on two separate occasions. Other goals were scored by Wyatt Kruse, Megan Sievers and Jocelyn Haack. On the defensive side of the ball, Ashyln Highland and April Jackson made several goal saving stops and cleared it out to teammates. The Pumas played with a lot of heart and hustle and the coaches and fans were sure proud of their efforts. Go PUMAs!!
The u8 Tigers took to the field with enthusiasm, as usual, and Tyler Baker again showed his speed and ball control to score the first goal. Keaton Walker also demonstrated great ball control by dribbling and cutting around the opposition to score. Noah Niehaus made a very nice pass to Trever Baker. Tim black took control of the ball dribbling down field and passed to Walker who passed to Baker who scored a goal. Austin Black made several defensive stops and scored his first goal of the season and was all smiles the rest of the game. Samuel Overton used his skill and speed to score two goals. Overall, the Tigers played very well together
The u8 Jaguars took to the field with only two subs, but didn’t disappoint the fans. Derek Tingle displayed his usual hustle and on-the-field management while scoring several goals. Goals were also scored by Carson True, on a brilliant counter-attack from the defensive end of the field, and Sara Langefeld, who tallied two goals by maintaining her position in open space and calling for the pass from her teammates. Sarah Pote and Jack Millman maintained a strong defense in the middle of the field while Rachel Studer cranked up her intensity to move the ball into scoring position on several occasions.