Head coach Brian Carlson and his Brookings-Harbor high school varsity girls soccer team had their final pre-season contest in preparation for their season opener hosting a strong Cascade Christian team Wednesday afternoon at Bruin field.
Both teams took advantage of a beautiful afternoon for soccer, and challenged each other from the opening whistle. Midfield play was key early, as both teams battled to control the middle of the field in an effort to get their offenses opportunity to take control of the game.
Both teams had opportunities in the first half of play, with missed shots from both offenses. The Lady Bruin keeper, sophomore Dakota Greenwood, kept the Lady Bruins even with two big saves in the first half of play, keeping the score 0-0 at the half.
The second half of play started off where the first half ended, with both teams building their offensive attacks from the midfield. However, a penalty kick against Cascade Christian for a hand-ball in the box approximately 15:00 minutes into the second half, would break the tie as senior Megan Pearson put the ball behind the keeper to take a 1-0 lead. The Lady Bruin defense, anchored by junior Marissa Scott #15, refused to allow an offensive build up by Cascade Christian, and pushing the ball out of the Lady Bruin half of the field.
With the pressure on the Cascade Christian defense, junior Zoe Carlson forced a loose ball, found an opening at the edge of the box and found the back of the net and giving the Lady Bruins a 2-0 lead mid-way through the second period. The Lady Bruins went on to add another goal to their total as freshman Sophia Bauer put the ball in the net late in the 2nd period as the Lady Bruins closed out pre-season play with 3-0 win.
Coach Carlson and the Lady Bruins will see the pitch next Thursday afternoon as they host the Sutherlin Lady Lancers in what will be both teams first league play of the season.
