Girls soccer: Carmel Catholic times it right, edges Stevenson
Spring storms can cause havoc, as the girls soccer teams from Stevenson and Carmel Catholic found out Monday afternoon.
The team waited out two lightning delays before a third ended their nonconference soccer match.
By that time, the Corsairs had created their own power surge, scoring a pair of goals. The second one was a game-winner from Kathleen Graham as Carmel topped Stevenson 2-1 in a match shortened to 44 minutes by the elements.
The game had delays of 35 and 40 minutes before a third stoppage ended the game.
"It says a lot about our team, our heart and dedication," said Carmel Catholic assistant coach Stephanie Swanson, who filled as head coach Ray Krawzak tended to a family matter. "We switched things around to put pressure on the (Stevenson) defense. We added two more forwards to get something going.
"We knew with the weather we had to get anything. We needed to get a goal - and it worked."
Stevenson (6-5-1) opened the scoring in the 18th minute. Jill Steinbrink scored with an assist from Savannah Kruse, as a cross went off the far post and into the goal for a 1-0 lead. Right after that goal, play was stopped for the first lightning delay.
Play resumed for about 10 minutes before the second lightning delay.
The Corsairs (8-2-2) came back from the second break, quickly tying the game in the 29th minute. Graham sent a cross in front of the goal, and Ali Cepon scored on a volley kick.
Graham then scored what turned out to be the game-winner in the 43rd minute. After Erin Johnston sent a long ball to the other side of the penalty area, Graham took control, made a move and found an opening into the back of the net.
The match went into a third delay a minute later and was finally called.
"We needed to get forward and there wasn't a lot of time," said Graham, who now has 6 goals and 4 assists. "I saw an open area and took it. The defense made a hole in the center, it was like a path for me. I just had an open shot."
Stevenson entered the match unbeaten over its previous six games.
"I thought if we played a regular game, we could have had a different outcome," Stevenson coach Kevin Heffernan said. "With Carmel, you never know, because they have brilliance too. Either team has chances, and the team that capitalizes usually wins.
"We've been playing well - this was not one of those days. As long as we bounce back and stay focused heading toward the playoffs, we should be all right."