Newcomers playing well for Poland soccer

August 26, 2012 at 12:05a.m.

BOARDMAN

The Poland High girls soccer team graduated 10 starters and is battling injuries to two key players but it hasn’t left Bulldogs coach John Cavalier scratching his head.

Instead, Cavalier has turned to a starting lineup with a freshman, five sophomores and five seniors.

So far, it’s working.

Sophomore Carli Sebest scored three goals and visiting Poland scored all five of its tallies during a 20-minute span in the first half to beat Boardman, 5-2, on Saturday.

“Our success in the first half came because we pushed the ball outside and then in and that spread their defense,” Cavalier said. “That, in turn, made it easier for us in front of the goal as all five scores were the result of spreading their defense.

“It’s tough to replace 10 starters; that’s a big hurt. This team, however, is very special right now.

Claire Testa and Victoria Harger also scored for the Bulldogs (3-0).

“A lot of our success in the first half came because we were able to cross from the sides. Today’s win was the combination of a great team effort and our fast start,” Sebest said.

Boardman’s Alison Green scored on a breakaway at 36:36 in the second half and Nikki Hillard scored on a penalty kick at 19:54 for the Spartans (0-2).

“We missed some scoring opportunities, not only in the first half but in the second half as well,” Spartans coach Fawzi Mujahed said. “Give Poland credit because they came at us hard at the outset of the game. We just didn’t start off like I had hoped we would.

“They’re a great team and great teams make the most of their scoring opportunities. They deserved to win,” Mujahed added.