Mechanicsville’s defense stifles Lady Trojans in girls’ soccer home opener

New Kent’s Riley Knox (right) gets into a physical battle with Mechanicsville’s Mallory Arnett in a battle for the ball.

Robb Johnson photo

Looking to duplicate their success from a year ago, New Kent’s Lady Trojans’ soccer team took the pitch for their Mar. 19 home opener against the visiting Mechanicsville Lady Mustangs. And despite New Kent battling hard, it was the Lady Mustangs that walked out with a win.

Mechanicsville netted a couple of goals while keeping the Lady Trojans scoreless in a 2-0 non-district affair.

In the first half, the game was played mostly on even footing. It wouldn’t be until the last two minutes in the half when Mechanicsville’s Kendra Previs placed the ball in the back of the net for a 1-0 Lady Mustangs’ lead.

In the second half, Mechanicsville added another goal at the 28:38 mark to double their advantage to 2-0. New Kent had several chances to score in the second half, but a free kick opportunity and a breakaway resulted in an errant kick that thwarted momentum. From there, Mechanicsville kept New Kent from any more offensive shot attempts and captured the victory.

After the game, New Kent Lady Trojans Head Coach Stella Follett talked about the team’s effort in the home opener.

“We were coming back from a hard-fought game at Poquoson where temperatures were freezing and the girls gave everything,” she said. “Despite being tired and down a few players with injuries, they never quit so I am proud of their effort and look forward to seeing what’s to come for the rest of the season.”

New Kent falls to 1-1.