Pine Creek girls open soccer season with victory

Brandi Farley had just two practices to get ready for the girls’ soccer season. Those practices and the first half of Thursday night’s opener looked to be enough, as Farley scored to lead Pine Creek past Legacy 1-0 in both teams’ season opener at D20 Stadium.

Farley, who finished playing basketball on Saturday, capitalized in the 50th minute to give the Eagles the lead in a game that featured two of last season’s playoff teams. Sophomore midfielder Annie Wooldridge sent a through ball to Farley, who made a strong move to fend off the defender before corralling the ball in the box. She cut to the middle and shot back to the left to put the Eagles on top.

“I had two practices before soccer,” Farley said. “I got more comfortable with the ball and I started feeling more the flow of the team.”

The Eagles’ defense made sure the lone goal stood up, never letting Legacy establish possession deep. Legacy had one harmless shot wide of the net, one corner kick and just two crosses that Pine Creek goalie Carmen McDermott dealt with easily.

“Coming off a week’s practice and being able to give them only a couple shots and one corner feels great,” center defender Shianne Smelker said.

While the Eagles dominated in possession, coach John Frederick said it was obviously the team’s first game.

“Good thing we have more weeks to get ready,” Frederick said. “Second half we really tightened it up. Overall, a win’s a win, and I’m pleased with how it turned out.”

As the second half wore on, the Eagles started getting more chances. Farley nearly scored early in the second half after a Legacy turnover, but couldn’t convert. Wooldridge could have been awarded a penalty kick when she was knocked to the ground in the box, but no call was made.

“One thing I’m very pleased with, they played fast on defense and fast on offense,” Frederick said about his team. “They kept going, going, going.”