Girls varsity soccer started last week with a big away game win at Tyngsborough. It was an important Dual County League game for the Warriors.
The Tuesday game started with Wayland’s advantage. “We had good possession, as well as good movement with and without the ball,” said Wayland girls varsity soccer coach Guy Enoch.
Sophomore Emily Ivker scored the first goal in the 26th minute when she shot inside the six yard box. With ten minutes left in the half, freshman Cassidy Way kept up the momentum by putting pressure on the Tigers’ defense. She scored low corner on Tyngsborough.
Ivker scored again with eight minutes left in the half when there was a scramble in the six during an offensive push by the Warriors. The score was 3-0 at half time.
In the second half, junior Whitney Fletcher scored by shooting from inside the 18 yard line. Tyngsborough also scored around the 20th minute of the second half. The score came off of a direct kick when Wayland goalkeeper Liz Doyon let up a rebound and Tyngsborough pressed and kicked the ball into the net.
“It is very important to finish the game strong, and we did this against Tyngsborough,” said Coach Enoch. The final score was 4-1, and it was a key win for the Warriors.
On Friday, Wayland played Concord-Carlisle at home. The Patriots played hard, but there was limited possession in the first half. The ball traveled back and forth over the center of the field, ending the half with no scores.
In the 27th minute of the second half, there was a scramble on the Warriors’ 18 yard line. The Patriots attempted a shot, which was deflected off Wayland and into net for an own goal and the first score of the game.
Led by their captain Rachel Oliver, Wayland pressured the Patriots. “We woke up a little in the second half, and fought to stay in the game,” explained Coach Enoch.
Sophomore Claire Nishioka crossed the ball from the outside and into the 18 yard box, where junior Melanie Sperling finished the play and scored.
The final score was 1-1. “Although there was a little bump in this game, the girls showed their heart by coming back to tie,” said Coach Enoch. “Overall we have continued to improve, and we have continued the streak to four games undefeated.”
Wayland is now 5-7-2 with four games left in the regular season. “We are in an uphill battle to win at least three of our last four games in order to make the tournament,” said Coach Enoch. “This is our own little tournament.”
The Warriors are scheduled to play Boston Latin on Tuesday, Brookline on Thursday, and Lynnfield on Saturday.