CSAS Tops Hixson 5-2 In Girls Soccer Season Opener

Direct free kicks by CSAS's Sophie Albarakat was the difference in Tuesday night's season opening game for both the Lady Patriots and Hixson Lady Wildcats on CSAS's home field.  Albarakat  had four free kick opportunities after Hixson fouls just outside the box.  She hit her first three dropping them all in the top part of the goal in the 25th, 30th, and 73rd minute and bounced a fourth shot off the top post in the 78th minute. 

 

Albarakat noted that it wasn't just her shots but the fact the the whole team "stepped up tonight because we were able to move the ball the whole evening."

 

CSAS's Coach Poss was also pleased when the play of his girls after "a pretty rough preseason" finishing with recognition for Albarakat being "a one woman wrecking crew". 

 

CSAS put the first tally on the scoreboard with a beautiful shot by Suzie Rodriquez from the top of the box into the upper left corner of the net. The Patriots' fourth goal was scored by Riley Craig in the 52nd minute after she dribbled the ball into the box as Hixson's defense was occupied by other attacking CSAS players and slotted the ball low through the Wildcats' keeper's arms.  

Hixson had several opportunities denied by a wide ranging CSAS goalie, Katie Hopper, who besides controlling her goalie box was seen several times stepping hard to clear the ball before a Wildcat could run it down for the shot.  Hixson did find the back of the net twice.  Once in the first half on a PK by Mollie Bishop after a CSAS handball in the box and then again in the second half after some talented dribbling by Emily Darr past three CSAS defenders to shoot the ball low past the keeper and into the net.

 

Although Hixson coach Ashley Harper seemed disappointed with the loss, she was very upbeat about her girls potential. After the game she commented that she saw both "positive things and things to work on"  but with a fairly young team full of "newbies" that they were "getting there".