Centennial’s girls soccer coach Steve Baxter is trying to get his team focused on the post-season. The Eagles took a step forward with a win over Mt. Hebron, 3-1 on Tuesday.
“For Centennial, tonight was like a playoff game,” said Baxter. “We have our goal set on gaining the third seed for the [3A East] region playoffs. With Hebron, Atholton and Centennial so close, this was an important game for us.”
Centennial improved to 7-4-1 overall and 5-3-1 in Howard County while the Vikings dropped to 6-6-1 and 5-4-1 respectively.
Hebron scored in the first minute after Centennial failed to clear a cross into its own box and left it for Liz Trainer to strike, giving the Vikings a quick 1-0 lead. Brittany Arens assisted on the play.
The Eagles tied the game in the 17th minute when senior Danielle Entrot hit an angled through ball to junior forward Caroline Baker, who hit a left footed shot inside the far post for her fifth goal of the season.
The eventual game winner was scored by junior sweeper Jordan Coburn on a free kick with two minutes left in the first half. Jordan chipped a couple of free kicks to the far post earlier, but this time fired a shot towards the near post from about 30 yards.
“It was an outstanding and powerful strike,” Baxter said. “Jordan continues to show she is one of the best defenders in the county.”
Centennial added an insurance goal with about seven minutes remaining when freshman midfielder Carolyn Eichhorn made a nice cut back to keep the ball in play and sent a cross in to senior forward Taylor Bourg. Taylor flicked the ball towards the middle and Entrot was able to finish just inside the far post. Entrot led the team with a goal and an assist.
I was very impressed with Hebron’s team. They worked so hard all game long and made it hard for us to keep possession. We generally control the ball well, but they really made it tough on us in the second half. I can see why they have been so competitive in the county. They should be proud of their effort.
Centennial 3, Mt. Hebron 1
Goals: MH-Trainer; C-Baker, Coburn, Entrot.
Assists: MH-Arens; C-Entrot, Bourg.
Saves: MH-Tavai 4; C-Donegan 2, Albornoz 2.
