Thursday, September 27, 2001
The SVC match-up proved to be a "chess match" that neither team could win despite 24 shots on goal.
By JOHN BUTERA
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
AUSTINTOWN -- On a night more conducive to sitting by the fireplace, the girls soccer teams from Austintown Fitch High and Mooney battled to a 0-0 tie.
"It was more of a chess match," said Fitch coach Randy Pratt, "but if you understand the game, you love it.
"We certainly had our chances especially in the first half, but we couldn't capitalize."
Rain started to fall about five minutes into the game, and Fitch seemed to be on the offensive most of the first half, getting at least three decent scoring chances.
The Falcons (6-3-2, 1-1-1 Steel Valley Conference) had six shots on goal to five for Mooney (6-1-1, 1-1-1).
Upper hand: The rain began to fall a little heavier in the second half, and the Cards seemed to be get the upper hand on offense, but with about 26 minutes, 30 seconds remaining, Mooney was unable to convert on its best scoring chance.
The game ended with Fitch holding a 13-11 advantage in shots.
Both goalkeepers, the Falcons' Alison Chasko and the Cardinals' Adrianne Detesco, stopped 11 shots.
Danielle Storey of Fitch tried six shots on goal, while Katie Duracky had the same number for Mooney.
Fell short: Duracky said, "This was really disappointing. A lot of us wanted to win this game, we just didn't play to our potential.
"The weather wasn't really a problem. Basically, they out-played us in the first half and we out-played them in the second.
"Overall, we just didn't dominate like we should have."
Regarding the weather, Mooney coach Denny Carney said, "The field was in good shape, though I didn't think the weather had much effect. It was just a well-fought soccer match."