The Chelsea Standard
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Chelsea kickers blank Tecumseh
By Don Richter, Sports Editor
PUBLISHED: April 17, 2008
Chelsea's girls' soccer team defeated visiting Tecumseh 2-0 April 10.
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Senior Emily Rabbitt scored for the Bulldogs (1-0-1) at the 19:50 mark of the first half, giving Chelsea a 1-0 lead. Freshman Hailey Dixon picked up an assist on the play for the Bulldogs.
"Hailey made a fantastic cross from the right flank and Rabbitt was sitting at the front post waiting to hammer the ball into the goal," said Chelsea coach Chris Orlandi.
With 10:40 remaining in the first half, freshman Anna Rode scored for the game's final margin. Senior Alexa Petoskey recorded an assist on the goal for Chelsea.
Earning the shutout in net for the Bulldog was senior keeper Jenna Jarvis.
Chelsea out-shot the Indians 24-4 for the game.
"Sloppy conditions frustrated the Chelsea offense, but couldn't stop the Bulldog domination of play," Orlandi said. "Chelsea owned the possession, keeping the ball pinned deep in the Tecumseh end for the vast majority of the contest. When conditions are sloppy, finishing often suffers and that was the case today.
"We hit two or three (shots) off of posts and simply misfired on a few other open looks. It was nice to see some new faces get on the scoresheet."
In the second half, both clubs struggled, slogging through the inclement weather.
"The intensity of the game dropped off in the second half as the weather got worse and Tecumseh shifted into a more defensive formation," Orlandi said. "Plenty of shots still came our way, but none were able to find the net. We looked really good passing the ball and our defense was solid. This was a nice SEC (Southeastern Conference) White victory."
On April 8, visiting Chelsea tied county rival and defending Division 2 state semifinalist Dexter 1-1 in both teams' season opener.
After a scoreless first half, Dreadnaught senior Katie Marsh, who'll play at Eastern Michigan University next season, hit the back early in the second half for a 1-0 Dexter advantage.
With 13:21 to play, junior Brooke Ehman scored for the contest's final outcome.
"She (Ehman) received the ball 25 yards from the goal and surrounded by defenders," Orlandi said. "Somehow she worked herself into a position where she could get a shot off and placed it perfectly."
Orlandi said Chelsea was strong defensively against the high-powered Dreadnaughts.
"I thought Sarah Bingel was outstanding in her debut as our central defender," Orlandi said.
Offensively, Orlandi said it took a while for the Bulldogs to start clicking.
"That's understandable when it's a season opener," he said. "I thought we did a good job in the second half of finding some seams in the Dexter defense with quality passes. We had numerous chances to win the game.
"We're pleased with a tie because Dexter is such a quality team, but we have a long way to go if we're going to challenge them for the SEC title. Our energy was great throughout the contest and I think this result will give us a lot of confidence."
Chelsea next hosts Ypsilanti Lincoln Thursday at 5:30 p.m.
On Monday, the Bulldogs host Milan at 5:30 p.m.
On Tuesday, Chelsea travels to Hillsdale for a contest at 7 p.m.
On April 24, the Bulldogs visit Ann Arbor Pioneer for a game at 5:30 p.m.
JV Soccer
Chelsea's girls' JV soccer team defeated visiting Tecumseh 4-1 April 10.
"The girls played very well together, especially our offense," said Chelsea coach Kirsten Smart. "Yesterday, we had practiced utilizing the space and making through passes. The girls showed what they had learned while on the field today."
Scoring for the Bulldogs (1-0-1) were sophomore Julianna Ameel and freshmen Diana Uihlein and Brooke Gier.
"Sophomore Olivia Hagerman and freshman Megan Erskine both did a wonderful job as outside midfielders," Smart said. "They used the width of the field to our advantage and outplayed the Tecumseh midfielders 100 percent.
"Our win was because of our communication, passing and off ball runs."
On April 8, visiting Chelsea tied county rival Dexter 1-1.
"Prior to the game, we had one practice on our soccer field due to the weather," Smart said. "We were playing on the gym floor or sharing the football field with the varsity. We also had spring break last week, so the girls only had Monday's practice before our game Tuesday."
Smart said the Bulldogs hustled and played aggressively against the Dreadnaughts.
"The girls know that Dexter is an aggressive team and they were able to step up to the pressure," she said. "In the first half, our team was struggling with field placement and tactical knowledge, which allowed Dexter's goal. This is something that we are continuing to work on as a whole. We will be making improvements over the season."
Despite trailing 1-0 at the break, Smart remained positive.
"At the half, I told the girls to start the second half with a 0-0 mentality, which they accomplished beautifully" she said.
Gier scored for the Bulldogs for the game's ending tally.
"The ball was passed up to her and the Dexter defense was unable to challenge," Smart said.
Smart said junior Melissa Ederle, sophomore Chelsea Vincent and freshmen Ashley Chrisman and Erin Stewart all played well defensively.
"Also, Beth Karschnick, a freshman outside midfielder, had a great shot," Smart said.
Preserving the tie in net for Chelsea was keeper Michelle Wellman.
"She has never played goalie before, but she is doing very well and learning quickly," Smart said. "I am very proud of the girls. I look forward to a great season."
The Bulldogs next host Ypsilanti Lincoln Thursday at 4 p.m.
On Monday, Chelsea hosts Milan at 4 p.m.
On Tuesday, the Bulldogs travel to Hillsdale for a match up at 5:30 p.m.
On April 24, Chelsea visits Ann Arbor Pioneer for a contest at 4 p.m.
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