Garner came out ready to play Wednesday night. After a confidence boosting campaign against Knightdale in which the lady Trojans scored seven goals, momentum was on their side.
Garner opened up the game with high energy and quick play. Garner moved the ball around effectively creating numerous scoring opportunities. The Trojans were unable to score in the first half, but forced Smithfield-Selma's goalie to 12 saves.
Garner's defense only allowed one shot on goal in the first half, and only two shots on goal total for the game. The defense was very organized and aggressive. Any time it looked like SSS was transitioning forward, the Garner fullbacks were able to win the ball back and regain possession for their teammates.
The second half was much of the same as the first, only this time with goals. An adjustment to move Kari Skillman from defense to forward proved beneficial as the she was able to connect off a corner kick from Gabi Dugal to open up the scoring midway through the second half.
Michelle Roth followed about 10 minutes later with a brilliant header off another Dugal corner kick. The final goal started from the back where Sarah Izzell won possession, was able to get free from her defender and find Heather Wilfong checking to the ball. Wilfong turned toward the middle and played a diagonal through ball to Amber Eberhard who finished with composure.
Garner won the game 3-0, providing a clean slate for the first time this season. Garner had 17 shots, 4 corners, and 5 fouls. SSS had 2 shots, 0 corners, and 4 fouls.
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For the second consecutive night, the JV team defeated SSS, tonight they blasted the Spartans 5-0.
The varsity returns to action when they travel to Southeast Raleigh on Monday at 6:00.
Soccer sweeps SSS
