MOUNT VERNON — With less than three minutes left to play, the Mount Vernon High School girls soccer team found its goal under attack. The visiting squad from Delaware Hayes took a shot in the home team’s goal area, but two Mount Vernon defenders were there to kick the ball away.
“Two minutes, ladies, two minutes,” said a nervous Vit Streska, as he paced the sidelines.
The head coach of the Yellow Jackets afforded no time to relaxation until the Jackets secured the hard-fought win, with Mount Vernon defeating the visiting Pacers, 1-0, Tuesday.
“It was important to get this first win,” said Streska. “We’ve been having some trouble scoring, so it is good to see the team overcome that. I’m very proud of these girls.”
The match was the second home contest for Mount Vernon, the first since the students were back in school. It was also the team’s first win of the year, after six games played, and it was the squad’s first time playing under the lights this season.
The game’s only goal was scored by Mount Vernon’s Erin Miller. Although no assist was awarded, Miller’s goal started with a kick that Christine Harold sent to the center of the field. The ball bounced off a defender, giving Miller a clear shot at the goal. Miller took the shot, giving Mount Vernon the lead with 10 minutes remaining in the first half.
“This win feels good,” said Miller. “It is good to win; it is definitely encouraging.”
The Jackets had to work hard through the second half, despite holding the lead. The Pacers were aggressive offensively in the second half, but Mount Vernon was equally aggressive with its defense.
“We couldn’t back down,” said Miller. “We played hard defensively, and kept them from scoring.”
The junior varsity Jackets weren’t quite as successful as the varsity squad. Mount Vernon fell to Delaware, 4-0.
The Yellow Jackets will have a day of hard practice today to shape up for their next match. The squad wants to improve on its current record of 1-5.
“This was only one win; we have a lot more games to go,” said Streska.
Mount Vernon will be back in action Thursday, as the Jackets host the Columbus School for Girls. The jayvee contest will start at 5:30 p.m.
