Chesapeake Girls Defeat Much-Improved Eagles, 2-0

By Colin A.J. Murphy

The Chesapeake girls soccer team defeated Northeast 2-0 at Tick Neck Park on September 13 behind two goals from senior all-state striker Tori Luc. Northeast’s much-improved squad gave admirable challenge to a Chesapeake team loaded with talented seniors, but in the end the Cougars’ offensive firepower proved too much for the Eagles to overcome. Chesapeake Head Coach Liz Farrell was happy to see her squad create many scoring chances, though she would like to see her girls improve their finishing around net as the team moves forward.

“Northeast definitely had a better team than they’ve had in the past,” said Farrell of the Cougars’ opponents, who were blown out in last year’s matchup with Chesapeake but delivered a much more competitive effort this time around. “But we played really well, and it was good to see us put so many shots on frame.”

The barrage of shots coming from the Chesapeake girls called for Northeast goalie Chellsea Clark-Ames to step up her game, and the senior had an eye-popping 23 saves in an all-around outstanding performance for the Eagles.

For Chesapeake, Luc and fellow senior all-state center midfielder Jaclyn Ward drove the Cougars’ offensive engine throughout the game. Early in the first half, Luc took a shot that was saved on a spectacular dive and deflection by Clark-Ames, but the near miss by Luc was a bellwether of things to come. Moments later the forward broke free for a one-on-one with Clark-Ames and used her deft touch to slip a nifty roller past the Eagle goalie and into the net, giving Chesapeake a 1-0 lead.

Northeast’s scoring chances were few and far between, as Chesapeake maintained possession in their attacking third of the field for the majority of the contest. But the goaltending of Clark-Ames and strong play from defenders Taylor Dittmar and Amber Andino managed to frustrate Chesapeake’s otherwise robust attack. Late in the second half, Luc again the back of the net, this time punching in a cross by Ward, giving Chesapeake a 2-0 advantage and all but sealing the victory.

After the win, Coach Farrell discussed having what she feels is a very special group this year. “One thing I’ve never done in the past is be able to play almost every girl,” she said. “It’s been really nice to get the starters off and give them a breather and know that my subs can come in and do a great job too…and the camaraderie of the team and leadership from the seniors has been great and gets us through the day to day.”

Chesapeake rounded out an undefeated week with another 2-0 victory over Annapolis Senior High on September 15. For photos of many Chesapeake sporting events, visit our online photo galleries at www.pasadenavoice.com/in-focus.