Girls soccer defeats Elmira in opener

Liz Stewart led the Lady Outlaws to a 2-1 victory over Elmira in the league opener on Thursday, September 20. Stewart scored both goals for Sisters and did an outstanding job as sweeper.

Sisters started strong and played with determination in the first half of the game against the Falcons. Stewart scored the Outlaws' first goal at the 23-minute mark. She scored off a direct kick from 25 yards out when she launched the ball into the left side of the net for the goal.

"Liz is our defensive captain and has amazing long-range shooting skills," said Coach Audrey Tehan. "The goalkeeper for Elmira had no chance."

At the half the Outlaws held a 1-0 lead.

Sisters came out even stronger in the second half but Elmira was able to tie it up at the 55-minute mark. The Falcons scored on a loose ball in the Outlaws' six-yard box.

Anna Ortega switched positions and moved from outside defense to forward.

"She's (Ortega) an amazing defensive player, and her strong pressure in our offensive end was crucial and kept the ball going towards the goal," said Tehan.

With eight minutes left on the clock, the Outlaws drew a foul about 10 yards outside of the 18-yard box. Stewart was there and booted a deep shot into the net for the score. The Outlaws held off Elmira for the last minutes to record the win.

Stewart is excited about her teammates and told The Nugget they are only going to get better and stronger as the season progresses.

"We lost 10 players last year, but that hasn't stopped us this year," said Stewart. "We're really positive, hard-working and we've got good team chemistry that is only going to get stronger. We're off to a great start."

The Outlaws were glad to get Claire Henson (outside defender) back on the field for the game against the Falcons. Henson had been sidelined due to an injury. Henson and Megan Connolly (outside defender) stayed calm under pressure from the Falcons and found the feet of the midfielders so the Outlaws could begin their attack.

Taylor Schneider had a great performance in the goal and held off Elmira's strong shots and made some beautiful diving saves.

Tehan stated that Jenny O'Conner and Boston Moore played their best games of the season in the first half. Both forwards worked extremely hard and put constant pressure on Elmira's defense.

"Boston was able to create some amazing opportunities through passing combinations with outside midfielder Haley Carlson. Jenny never lets fumbled balls go untouched and her enthusiasm and work ethic resulted in many possession turnovers from Elmira's defense into the feet of the Outlaws."

Tehan told The Nugget that Kristen Sanders played an important role on the Outlaws squad throughout the entire game.

"Kristin's speed, ball skills and enthusiasm allow her to play any position," said Tehan. "She plays three different positions in almost every game for us. She is relied-on heavily when we need to change our formation or if we have injuries. She was crucial to being able to shift Natalie Ambrose and Molly Boyle into attacking formations."

The Lady Outlaws will face Cottage Grove at home on Thursday, September 27.