Free kicks lift Benet

Benet’s 3 direct-kick goals, combined with stifling defense from its midfielders, made for a positive start to the 2012 season.

The Redwings used those strengths during a 4-1 nonconference victory over Hinsdale South on Tuesday evening at Benedictine University.

“We had some awesome goals today on the direct free kicks,” Benet coach Bob Gros said. “Madie Burke and Michelle Morefield all had excellent shots.”

Benet’s first scoring opportunity came during the fifth minute when Burke’s corner kick to Colleen Lewellyan was saved by Hinsdale South goalkeeper Vanessa Niestrom.

However, Burke took advantage of the next Redwing opportunity with her first of two direct-kick goals during the eighth minute.

“We haven’t really worked on free kicks that much, but we’ve worked a lot on shooting and that’s paid off,” Burke said.

Hinsdale South got on the scoreboard in the 37th minute when Julie Reschke kicked in a rebound off of teammate Alissa Lokanc’s shot. That was the last shot the Redwings gave up until the 67th minute.

Benet kept the Hornets out of its end of the field for much of the night, giving up only 3 shots the entire game.

“The whole team is a work in progress like everyone else is at this time of year,” Gros said. “I think the midfield is a big strength of our team. We have very good technical players; good passing ability and crisp movement off the ball.”

Benet had four legitimate scoring chances in the first 10 minutes of the second half. Two minutes in, Jamei Borges’ shot sailed just over the goal. Two minutes later, Katie Michalik’s shot off a corner kick was blocked by Hinsdale South’s Carolanne Pilch. Catherine Caniglia also had a pair of shots on goal.

Amanda Kaiser finally put one past the net with 26:12 left to play. Her kick from 30 yards out sailed above the head of Niestrom, hit the crossbar and landed safely behind the goal line.

“I thought in the second half we were taking (Hinsdale South) apart pretty well. We just couldn’t punch in the goals,” Gros said. “I was really pleased with Amanda. We’ve got her at defensive midfield this year and she has a really strong shot.”

Burke followed with her second direct-kick goal of the night six minutes later.

“We wanted to win our first game at home this season,” Burke said. “I think we picked our game up in the second half and played much better.”

Morefield completed the scoring with 15:45 left, tallying the Redwings’ third direct-kick goal of the night.