McKenzie Thomas Scores Only Goal In 1-0 Victory
by John Hunt
posted October 7, 2008
) Photo by Greg Davick Simone Busby makes a save. |
Regardless of who's done what, you can always be guaranteed that both teams will battle their hearts out.
These two soccer teams faced each other Tuesday night at GPS with first place in the Division II East Region on the line.
The Lady Red Raiders claimed that top spot and remained unbeaten with a hard-fought 1-0 victory.
Baylor, the defending D-II state runner-up, forced the action in the first half and spent much of that time on the GPS end of the field.
There were plenty of shots on goal, but freshman keeper Simone Busby was on top of the action and kept anything from breaking through.
While she was successful in the first half, Baylor broke the scoreless tie in the 69th minute when freshman McKenzie Thomas scored on an unassisted goal.
That proved to be the difference in the match.
“I don’t know how it went in, but somehow it did,” Baylor coach Jimmy Weekley said after his team improved to 11-0-1.
“We created a lot of chances in the first half, but the ball just didn’t go in. Give GPS a lot of credit because they defended well. It was almost impossible to get behind them.
“You never know how they will respond in a situation like this, but I’m proud of my girls for not getting all caught up in the emotion of the event.
"Our goal is to get back to the state finals. This is just another step in that process.
“I’m glad that we won, but I don’t think we’ve played up to our potential yet. We kept our composure tonight and that was important.
"I’m happy with the way we played to a certain extent, but we can play better,” Weekley added.
Senior keeper Taylor Davidson was credited with the shutout for Baylor.
Senior forward Kemesha Woodfine was one of the Baylor leaders while Weekley also gave credit to midfielders Peyton Thomas, Caroline Scales, Carissa Sanchez and Sarah Gawthrop for their outstanding play and “doing a good job of helping us keep possession."
GPS coach Dave Barrueta was hoping for better results.
Unfortunately, great effort doesn't always produce great results as the Bruisers fall to 4-6-2 with the defeat.
“Baylor has a great team. For where we are at this point in the season, I’m pleased with the way we played. We have some girls who are still learning how to play this game.
“I knew this would be a hard-fought contest and it was, but I knew we’d have to play mistake-free soccer and we didn’t. We’ll just have to focus on our next game and try to get better.
“I’m proud of Simone (Busby). This is her first year to play goalkeeper, but she’s a gamer and she played well tonight,” the GPS coach added.
Baylor returns to action on Thursday with a match at St. Cecelia Academy while GPS will travel to Knoxville next Tuesday for a battle with Christian Academy of Knoxville.
(Email John Hunt at tnmoose2002@aol.com)
) Photo by Greg Davick |
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