OLSH just in time to beat Chartiers-Houston’s strong defense
Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter Chartiers-HoustonþÄôs Hannah Siege puts the pressure on Our Lady of the Sacred HeartþÄôs Aesling McMullough during a WPIAL game at Canon McMillan football stadium on Monday, October 24, 2016.
Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter Chartiers-HoustonþÄôs Erin James takes control of the ball with Our Lady of the Sacred HeartþÄôs Francesca Taylo close behind during a WPIAL game at Canon McMillan football stadium on Monday, October 24, 2016.
Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter Chartiers-HoustonþÄôs Erin Burns fights for control of the ball with Our Lady of the Sacred HeartþÄôs Mia Crisci during a WPIAL game at Canon McMillan football stadium on Monday, October 24, 2016.
CANONSBURG – A late start didn’t seem to faze Our Lady of Sacred Heart.
The Chargers arrived to Memorial Stadium about 15 minutes before the scheduled kickoff, but the limited warmup time didn’t seem to affect them. A goal in each half was enough to propel OLSH past Chartiers-Houston, 2-0, in a WPIAL Class A first round playoff game.
“They were ready to play,” said C-H coach John Liebold. “They’re a good team. Our girls played their hearts out. You can’t ask for anything more. I’m proud of them. We made the playoffs and that was our goal.”
From the opening kick, OLSH (12-3) controlled play in the attacking third. Shots, however, proved difficult to earn as the Bucs (8-11) bent but rarely broke.
OLSH’s best opportunity came in the 17th minute on a mini breakaway from the edge of the box, but goalkeeper Kacey Scears charged forward to take possession before a shot could be taken.
The breakthrough for OLSH came in the 28th minute. After sustained possession following a corner kick, Caroline Jones fired a speculative shot to the near post that may have deflected off the head of a defender and into the goal for a 1-0 Chargers lead.
The score remained 1-0 at halftime, giving the Bucs a much needed breather, and the break seemed to help them regroup.
It was Chartiers-Houston’s turn to press the attack in the second half, and a quality scoring chance right in front of goal was stymied by Graff in the 56th minute.
“We changed some things around as we went along,” said Liebold. “We created opportunities but couldn’t capitalize.”
Then the Chargers came roaring back and doubled the lead in the 61st minute off a corner kick. Juliette West placed a perfect delivery into the box and freshman Francesca Taylor headed the ball into the top corner.
Scears made eight saves.