James Wood, Broadway play to scoreless tie

By Jerry Holsworth - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

WINCHESTER -- James Wood and Broadway entered Friday night's girls soccer match with two things in common. Both teams had an identical record of 0-1-1, and both teams had not yet scored a goal this season. After 80 minutes of soccer, both teams left the field the same way they entered.

For the second time in as many weeks, the Gobblers and the Colonels ended their game in a 0-0 tie.

"Defense always comes first," Colonels coach Jim Carden said. "There our so many new players on this team that it's going to take a little while for our offense to get going. One extra pass or one extra touch makes a lot of difference. We're 60 percent where we want to be right now."

Both teams' defense dominated play, resulting in very few opportunities for goals. Broadway had more opportunities in the first half, out-shooting James Wood 4-1. Both goalkeepers combined for one save each in the half. "We had our chances tonight," Gobblers coach Seth Crissman said. "We had some good looks, but they just didn't go in. But I'm really proud of the girls and the way they played tonight. We worked hard the entire game."

Broadway's golden opportunity came in the first half with 9:46 left. Maria Driediger launched a perfect cross from the right wing to teammate Amber Bowman about 10 yards from the Colonels' goal. Wide open for the shot, Bowman, however, hit it right at James Wood goalkeeper Kaleigh Fincham.

"That was a hard shot," Fincham said. "It hit me right in the chest and took the wind out of me. I don't mind that, though. I'll do whatever it takes to keep them from scoring."

That statement perfectly described the entire Colonels back line. James Wood's defense rarely let the Gobblers in the penalty area, and when Broadway managed to get close to the Colonels' goal, the James Wood defense swarmed them.

"Our defense is really strong," said Fincham said. "That's what's keeping us in these games so far. We're still pretty good on offense, but the balls just aren't going in for us now."

The second half was the Colonels chance to get on the scoreboard. The Gobblers had just one shot in the second half, and Fincham saved it easily.

"We played a lot better in the second half," Carden said. "We got two really good shots off, but they didn't go in. But you've got to get more than two opportunities if you're going to score goals."

James Wood's first chance came with 24 minutes left in the game. Nancy Riggleman sent a hard shot into the goal mouth from 40 yards out but Gobbler goalkeeper Abi Martin was able to make the save.

With just three minutes to play, Stephanie Roby got open from 40 yards out. Her shot was on the mark, but high.

"I got a really good pass from Cat Woznak, and I took the shot," Roby said. "It just sailed high."

Roby, however, was quick to defend her teammates on the front line after the scoreless game.

"We really work hard together," Roby said. "We play hard and we play together. I know that if we keep playing like that we'll get our share of goals."

Carden also echoed his sophomore forward's remark.

"Our girls have a lot of heart," Carden said. "They give you everything they've got all of the time. We'll get back to practice and get to work on this."