GIRLS SOCCER Bristol senior scores 100th

Amber Rasmussen became the 23rd player in state history to reach that mark.
By JOE SCALZO
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
BRISTOLVILLE -- A funny thing happened to Amber Rasmussen right before she scored her 100th goal.
She got nervous.
The Bristol High senior began Wednesday's game against Newton Falls needing just three goals to reach the milestone.
And while she was trying to settle her nerves, she was getting advice from everywhere -- even the opposing coach.
"Don't worry about it, just play your game," Newton Falls coach Frank Tatarka said before the game.
"I think that's the 20th time I've heard that today," Rasmussen said with a laugh.
Still, the advice must have sunk in.
Making history
Rasmussen scored her first goal just three minutes into the game, drilling a shot into the left corner past Tigers' keeper Rachal Brazin.
Five minutes later, she struck again -- firing an unassisted shot from the right corner into the middle of the net.
Then, less than two minutes later, she made history -- scoring off a pass from senior Andrea Bland that sparked a standing ovation, a game ball presentation and a whole lot of hugs.
"I didn't think it would be that quick," Rasmussen, who helped the Panthers to a 4-2 victory, said. "I just couldn't believe it went in."
What happened when it did?
"I just thought, 'Oh my gosh, I have to go hug my mom and dad.' "
Rasmussen is just the 23rd player in state history to score 100 goals and just the second from this area, according to the Ohio High School Athletic Association.
Boardman's Janeen Masternick finished with 100 last season.
"It's a relief," Rasmussen said. "I was really nervous. I never thought I'd get 100."
Solid career
Rasmussen, who started playing soccer when she was 5, plays year-round while also making time for basketball and softball. She made an immediate impact as a freshman by scoring 20 goals.
"You're happy to get 20 goals from a senior," said Panther assistant coach Anthony Briggs. "That was pretty amazing."
She still has 11 regular season games to play, but she's still far away from the state record of 182 career goals, set by Amber Silvis of Mt. Orab Western Brown.
"She has a great work ethic," said Panthers coach Larry Perris, who has coached her all four years. "She's a very intense player and has a lot of all-around soccer ability."
And she couldn't have accomplished the feat without plenty of help.
"It's a team effort," Perris said. "There's been a lot of players who have helped and a lot of assists. Obviously, you can't do something like this by yourself."
Rasmussen will play soccer in college -- she hasn't yet decided on a school -- and said she is looking forward to playing at the next level.
"I just want to get better as a player," she said.
scalzo@vindy.com