Portsmouth, VA:  The Lady Minutemen soccer team was alive and well for their Friday Night Lights championship game versus Atlantic Shores.  The team showed their strength coming off a double overtime, PK victory over Portsmouth Christian a day prior, the team took the field under the lights and from the start appeared to be in control of the game.  In the end, they were able to complete their undefeated season through the METRO tournament by defeating Atlantic Shores 2-0.

It was a great game as both teams battled hard, back and forth, up and down the field.
The following report is provided by Coach Aaron Hoxie:

This was a complete game for us in all areas. We played excellent defense, our MF pressure was spot on, and our attack was quality!

The game started off really nice for both teams. Shores enjoyed the ball for the better part of the first 10 minutes while DBCS counter attacked in their customary fashion. We were working out the kinks while getting our legs under us. After this the game started coming to us. We were able to get in behind their flanks and were beginning to test their goalkeeper. She did a nice job keeping the game 0-0 with her positioning and organization.

In the 28th' we found the break through to open the scoring. Attacking up the right side through Amanda, she was able to cut a ball back into the 18. Kimberlyn allowed the ball to roll across her body setting up the left footed shot. The ball went between defenders across the goalkeeper and into the side netting. The key to this goal was the placement. Anything closer and the keeper has it, anything wider, and the post has it.

With 5 to go in the half, Shores left MF found her self at the corner of the 18 with the ball on her lap. Her shot was just wide as she was rushed with pressure from defenders.

At half time we were able to make a few adjustments that I felt would increase our pressure on their back line and out of the break we were rewarded nicely! 4 minutes later Krista Weech made a nice and well timed run in between defenders. She was able to out pace their center back and Kimberlyn's ball right up the gut was on time and on target. Krista beat the keeper to the ball and played it first time by her for her 15th goal of the campaign, 2-0!

We would continue to press for the third goal in an attempt to leave no doubt on the match. We came close again moments later. Jessie's shot from 20 yards was saved nicely by Trower. On the corner kick, she saved Jessie's header from point blank. We were searching but our search, although good searches, would come up short.

With 10 minutes to go Shores went on the attack. We were ready for it and dropped another player into the defense and into the MF. We were to play it long and far and let Krista and Lindsey go chase it to see what they could do. We earned a lot of deep throws in the final minutes which chewed up precious minutes. However the hero's of the final minutes was our defensive play and our goalkeeper. The defenders did an awesome job at limiting Shores to shots from the outside and deep crosses. They were johnny on the spot a couple of times denying shots that were destined for the goal with key blocks. Their commitment was undeniable. When the shots did manage to get by the defenders Hunter was poised and ready to make the saves. Two key saves coming in this time frame.

Shores #7 hit a nasty left foot from 18 yards away. I mean this thing was an absolute screamer! One of the hardest hits that I've seen in a long time at this level. She was in full stride and caught it off the bounce. It was hit a little to Hunter's right side but she was there to catch it and not give up the rebound. FANTASTIC HANDS! Moments later Shores #9 would nail a ball from the right side that was going over Hunter's head. She calmly read the shot took her drop steps and jumped up to grab the shot and keep the danger minimal. She saved both of those with proper fundamentals and positioning! Way to go girl, hard to explain why your on the Second Team and not the first!

When the final whistle blew we were champions for the second time in our school's history! For all of the girls that played in last year's finals, it was sweet revenge. For the new freshman, it was a great way to get their career's started!

Scoreline

28' Schindler (6) from Medler (6)

44' K. Weech (15) from Schindler (5)

Saves
Gibson -- 5
Trower -- 5

Record
13-0-3