Thursday, October 31, 2002
The Bulldogs finished the season 15-4-1.
By TOM WILLIAMS
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
CUYAHOGA FALLS -- The Poland High girls soccer team endured a tough two weeks, earning a Division I regional tournament berth with victories over Boardman, Canfield and Howland.
Wednesday, the Bulldogs' journey among the state's elite came to a quick end, when top-ranked Walsh Jesuit pounced for four goals in game's first 28 minutes. Walsh Jesuit went on to win 6-0 in the semifinal game at Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy.
"We had a slump in the middle of the season, but we came back and played hard," Poland senior midfielder Taryn Carlson said. "We picked it up when we had to and accomplished [a regional appearance]."
Walsh (18-0-2) advanced to Saturday's final against Mentor. Poland's season ended with a 15-4-1 record.
Synopsis
Walsh Jesuit dominated the game with sharp passes, rapid breakouts and a strong ball-control offense.
"They're good, they make the right touches," Poland keeper Landry Yankle said. "But you know what? It's just a soccer game. They beat us to some of the balls, but we tried our best.
"They made wonderful passes and their speed beat us on the outside," Yankle said. "I don't see this as any loss at all -- we're glad to be here, we're glad to play this game. We earned it."
About 61/2 minutes into the game, Walsh Jesuit midfielder Kelly Sheehy sent a long pass to unguarded Nicole Nanchoff perched at the right of Poland's goal. Nanchoff scored to get the Warriors rolling.
"We put our chances away," said Walsh coach Dino McIntyre. "[Of] the 15 scoring chances we had against Padua [in the district final] in the first half, none went in."
McIntyre said the first goal is critical "especially the deeper you go into the tournament. These are kids -- they're still nervous so [that first goal] breaks the ice.
"Nicole made a great run, a delayed run from the back post to the front," McIntyre said. "She's been our most consistent player all year.
"And it was an excellent ball from Sheehy because it hung in the air," McIntyre said.
"When it's wet, you want the balls to [stay] up so we have time to get under them because when it bounces, it tends to skip."
Five minutes later, Alyssa Ramsey's corner kick deflected into the net for a 2-0 lead. Shaina Geisler and Kristen May netted goals to double the Warriors' lead.
In the second half, Kristen Persichini and Lauren McKinney scored with May assisting on both.
Impressions
Carlson, the area soccer coaches' Division I player of the year, called Walsh Jesuit "a very good team. I think we got down on ourselves after that first goal and they pretty much took over.
"They had very good ball control, very good passing and skill level," Carlson said. "You can tell they play a lot."
williams@vindy.com