Picone, Drake sisters lead Lady Trojans’ soccer in shutout victory over Bruton

New Kent’s Mia Picone (16) masters control of the ball between Bruton defenders Chloe McClain (9) and Carmen Barrera (20).

Robb Johnson photo

Sometimes it just takes patience to see a program turn into a more positive direction. Those who have been waiting for New Kent’s Lady Trojans soccer team to do that may have seen that manifestation begin to take place.

A second half explosion of three goals by the Lady Trojans lifted the hosts to a 4-0 victory over the Bruton Lady Panthers in Tuesday night’s Bay Rivers District contest.

The match started off physically with teams, with neither opponent giving any leeway. While Lady Trojan goalkeeper Emily Ward defended the turf for New Kent, a stalemate took place until Mia Picone scored from just outside the penalty box with 24:46 remaining in the first half. That goal would be the only goal as New Kent carried a 1-0 lead into halftime.

Moving into the second half, the Lady Trojans received from family love from sisters Michelle and Kaitlyn Drake. Less than two minutes into the second half, Michelle found the back of the net. Sister Kaitlyn duplicated the feat, scoring with 22:37 remaining on the clock to widen the advantage to 3-0 for the hosts. Picone sealed the contest with her second goal of the game two minutes later. Meanwhile, the defense of New Kent stifled Bruton for the remainder of the contest.

New Kent Lady Trojans Head Coach Steve Grech spoke about the victory.

“It’s about communication, passing, scoring goals, and not letting goals in,” he said after the win. “We could have been up 5-0 in the first half, but in the second half, we did what we were supposed to do.

“I am really happy about what they are doing,” Grech continued. “It’s good to have a keeper in the back that can move with the ball like Emily [Ward]. There is always communication and that is the name of this game right now.”

New Kent’s Lady Trojans’ record improves to 3-0.