End of Soccer Season

This was actually around three weeks ago, but I thought I'd share my good news. Our soccer team, after coming off a hard year of a completely new team, an unexperienced goalie, and new players alongside seasoned ones, took third place in our league. The story below was written by Mike McColley, our assistant coach.

News Article - Lady Lions defeat Chestertown in Consolation Game - May 6, 2011

Photo by April McColley

The CCA Lady Lions traveled to Fairwinds Christian School in Bear, Delaware on Tuesday, May 3, 2011 to play in the Delaware Valley Christian Athletic Confernce championship consolation game. The Lady Lions lost a tough playoff game the previous day to Salem County Christian School, palying them at their home field at Carney's Point. CCA had very little practice over the past few weeks due to Spring Break. After losing to Salem, the Lady Lions were set to face Chestertown Chrsitian in a game for third place in the league. The Lady Lions were looking forward to the match, as they had a record of 1-1 with the team during regular season play.

The day couldn't have been better for a soccer match; sunny and 80 degrees. CCA had all of their players available for play except one player out for illness and one for an injury. They were looking forward to the match because their loss to Chestertown during the regular season came after being short handed, having several players injured or unable to play. They were now at full force and ready to rumble.

The game started out with both teams playing agressively for control of the ball. The Lady Lions were able to strike first when Sarah Eckels nailed one in on the Chestertown keeper from the right side of the field. Chestertown tried several times to get a shot in on CCA, but the Lady Lions defense was in top form on this day, and were able to keep Chestertown at bay. About midway through the first half, CCA had an inadvertent hand ball in the penalty box, giving Chestertown a one-on-one penalty kick against the Lady Lion keeper. Miri Rose Goldsberry was able to make contact with the shot, but it still got by her an into the goal. The Lady Lions kept their heads up and took control of the ball, keeping it in Chestertown's end of the field for a significant amount of time. Briana Love was able to make a break up the right side of the field and sink one in from outside the 18, putting CCA up 2-1. The half ended with the Lady Lions leading the game.

The Lady Lions discussed how they could improve ball control during halftime, and went back onto the field fired up and ready to make a statement. Shayna Cole had been having a good day at controlling the ball in the middle of the field, and was fiannl able to get through Chestertown's defense and score goal number 3 for CCA. The battle continued with the possesion of the ball changing frequently. Chestertown was able to score a second goal, setting the score at 3-2 in favor of CCA. This really got the Lady Lions fired up, and they went down the field with a vengance. Shayna was able to continue her control of the middle of the field, and the Lady Lions forwards and midfielders were able to make exceptional passes, taking several shots on the Chestertown keeper. Shayna was able to take advantage of a free kick on a Chestertown penalty, laying the ball in behind the keeper to set the score at 4-2 Lady Lions. As the game was nearing the end, Shayna was able to complete the hat trick, scoring her third goal in the second half of the game, putting CCA up 5-2. As the game ended, a Chestertown player had a leg cramp and had to be assisted off the field. Soon after the game resumed, the referees blew the whistle, signaling the end of the match and a win by the Lady Lions. CCA had had their best performance of the year, and it came at the most opportune time. They had beaten Chestertown Christian for a second time during the season, a school that CCA had never beaten in the school's womens soccer history. Paula Beiler, Yessie Martinez, Sarah Eckels, Lillie Bailey and Brooke Marble were key in the forward line for CCA. The midfield was controlled incredibly by Shayna Cole, Briana Love and Lindsey Staniszewski. The Lady Lion defense was anchored by Emily Bosco, Madison Robinson, Bethany McColley and Hannah Slater. Miri Rose Goldsberry was credited with 12 saves during the match. All Lady Lions that played in the game were a key ingredient in the win, as the team was able to keep fresh players in the game. Great job Lady Lions !!!

The team was presented the D.V.C.A.C. third place trophy after the match, and were able to celebrate on the sideline.

The coaching staff would like to congratulate the girls on a successful season in which they improved their skills and team work. The team will not graduate any players this year, and should start next season with a very strong team.