Lady Trojans win second half, but first half determines outcome

Lady Trojan Hannah Gilland (9) fends off Lafayette's Kirstie Peterson to control the ball.

Alan Chamberlain photo

New Kent’s Lady Trojans outscored Lafayette’s visiting Rams 2-1 in the second half of their Tuesday night soccer encounter. Unfortunately for the hosts, the Rams totaled three unanswered first half goals, translating into a 4-2 win.

“That was a good second half,” Lady Trojan coach Barry Rountree said afterward. “We’re getting better every game, and we’re not getting timed out as much. We’re passing the ball better, but we’ve got to work on catching the ball.”

New Kent managed only four first half shots compared to the Rams’ 10. Lafayette’s Hannah Potter scored eight minutes into the game and created a 2-0 lead four minutes later. Kirstie Peterson added a goal at the first half’s midpoint, but New Kent’s defense stiffened the rest of the way.

Kristen Taylor’s perfectly executed corner kick set up Aubrie Cook’s shot for New Kent’s first goal just four minutes into the second half. A penalty kick accounted for the Rams’ final goal, just before Zoe Wallace drove past Ram defenders to drill a shot into the net, closing the gap to 4-2 with under 26 minutes to go. Neither team, however, could convert shots into goals down the stretch.

“Zoe hustled like crazy,” Rountree said. “If everyone had hustled like Zoe, we would have won the game.”

On defense, New Kent goalie Sara Buchanan stopped eight Ram shots.

“We looked pretty good tonight,” Rountree said. “I’m pleased with them overall.”