GPS tops CCS, 6-1, in soccer opener

GPS coach Leland Strang describes her seven seniors as very driven after a state runner-up finish in 2012.

in a season-opening 6-1 win against host Chattanooga Christian, Bruiser seniors Marshall Rustand and Izzy Phillips helped lead the team to victory as they scored opening and closing goals, respectively, on the new all-weather David Stanton Field.

"I am really pleased with the total team effort," said coach Strang. "I told our players they should be proud of themselves with a great opening game."

The visitors looked in mid-season form with four goals in the first 25 minutes. GPS controlled the scoring and the stats with advantages in shots (15-4) and corner kicks (7-1).

"Our players hung their heads after being down 4-0, but kept with it, created opportunities and played pretty even with them in the second half," said CCS coach Cal Sneller who graduated seven starters off the 2012 state semifinals team.

"There were no surprises going in as GPS in a top five team in the state." 

Field Dedication: longtime CCS teacher and soccer coach David Stanton and his family were honored before the match in ribbon-cutting ceremonies.

Text Book Play: in the 72nd minute, senior Haden Gibbons sent a ball down the right sideline ahead of Zoe Rustand who in turn crossed to senior Izzy Phillips whose shot slid past the CCS goalkeeper and just inside the far post for the final goal.

CCS Quick Feet: Inside the final five minutes, Olivia Samples of CCS was able to clear a loose ball in front of the Chargers net after a shot by a GPS player was deflected by CCS keeper Kendra Jolly

Tough Halftime Speech: "I was tougher on the players at halftime tonight as in any match in a long time," said coach Strang. :"We hit 10 balls out of bounds in the first half when there was no pressure on the ball. There is no excuse for that.

"I hold my central backs to a higher standard than how they played in the first 20 minutes tonight." 

Going to the Dawgs: GPS senior Josie Love Roebuck has given a verbal commitment to play for Georgia next fall.

"I want to play in the SEC and Georgia is a great fit for me," said Roebuck.

Phillips Might Follow: teammate Izzy Phillips would like to play with Roebuck at Georgia ... and is also considering Elon.

 

GPS 6, CCS 1

GPS - 4 - 2 -- 6

CCS - 0 - 1 -- 1

Scoring

GPS - Marshall Rustand (Akia Harris), 7th minute ... 1-0

GPS - CCS own goal (Keyle Snyder), 14th minite ... 2-0

GPS - Elli Haskins (Akia Harris), 19th minute ... 3-0

GPS - Keyle Harris (Josie Love Roebuck), 25th minute ... 4-0

CCS - Allie Vannoy, 54th minute ... 4-1

GPS - Samantha Jackson, 69th minute ... 5-1

GPS - Izzy Phillips (Zoe Rustand), 72th minute ... 6-1

Records: GPS (1-0-0), CCS (0-1-0)

Stats:

Goals: GPS, 6-1

Shots: 15-4

Corner Kicks: GPS, 7-1

Crosses: GPS, 11-2

Throw-ins; 20-20

Fouls: GPS, 8-4

Free Kicks: CCS, 12-4

Hand Balls: GPS, 1-0

Offsides: GPS, 3-0

Saves: CCS, 10-2

 

Soddy Daisy 8, CSAS 0

Senior Miranda Smith scored a career-high four goals to lead the victorious Trojans ... Alyssa Scarpelli (2), Casey Helmick and Soni Whalen also scored.

Early Season Marquee Match: Soddy Daisy hosts GPS Thurs Aug 29 at 5 p.m.

 

Bradley Central 8, Chattanooga Central 2

 

contact B.B. Brantoh at William.branton@comcast.net