Looking to get a fast start on it slick new turf field, the Bel Air girls soccer team kicked off its 2010 season at home on Wednesday evening against No. 9 John Carroll. The host Bobcats, however, could not find the back of the net, as the Patriots improved to 2-0 with a 1-0 victory.
“Bel Air came out with great intensity and matched [our] play early on, but was unable to score,” said John Carroll coach Gary Lynch. “The crowd was treated to a match that was well played by both sides with each team keeping control of the ball.”
John Carroll junior Leah Pace scored in the 28th minute off of a five-yard feed from sophomore Olivia DiFonso. The play started at midfield and the the Patriots strung a combination of five passes together with the last one from DiFonso to Pace inside the 18.
Bel Air had an opportunity to tie the match as the first half came to an end with a shot that hit the post but careened off with a crazy spin, forcing John Carroll junior goalkeeper Gina Maiorana to rush to keep the ball from sliding into the net.
The second half saw the Patriots establish a little stronger scoring build-up, but Bel Air finishing out the match with a dangerous restart.
John Carroll 1, Bel Air 0
Goal: JC-Pace.
Assist: JC-DiFonso
Saves: JC-Maiorana 2, BL-Rosenberger 8.
Half: John Carroll, 1-0.
