Women's Soccer Splits the Points With Crusaders After Scoreless Draw
(Howell, MI)-- The Cleary Cougar women's soccer played inspired soccer Wednesday evening, but both the Madonna Crusaders and Cleary Cougars played to a scoreless draw at Lake Trust Stadium.
Cleary started the game with a pair of corner kicks, but nothing came from them, as Madonna was able to clear the ball out of danger. The teams would exchange shot attempts throughout the half, as both team's defenses maintained their shape and discipline to prevent quality chances. Madonna would make a late push in the first half with some quality possession, but their shots were off target, or Bella Marsh was there to make the necessary saves, and the two teams went into the half tied 0-0.
The Crusaders had the better run of play to start the second half, but Cleary's defense remained up to the task. The Cougars regrew into the action, and their best chance came in the 80th minute when Chelsea Waller was able to get behind the defense down the left hand side. She would make a cross attempt to center the ball instead of shooting, and her cross would go out of play. Moments later, Shayne Krystyniak would get the ball on the left wing, and cut inside towards the top of the box. She would take a shot, but it didn't have enough power, and was easily saved. In the 89th minute, Bella Marsh made the save of the season, as Madonna's Molly Cote fired a shot that was heading for the upper left corner of the goal. Marsh would go full extension to get a glove on the ball, with strong enough hands to keep it out. The rebound effort was blocked, and the Cougars were able to clear the ball, thus preserving the shut-out.
Bella Marsh made 9 saves in the game, while recording her fourth shutout of the season. Madonna outshot the Cougars 19-7 in the game, and held a 4-2 advantage on corner kicks.
The draw now gives Cleary a 4-7-2 overall record, 0-4-2 in the WHAC. The Cougars will be back at the Lake on Saturday for Homecoming, when they host the Rochester Christian Warriors at 4:00 PM.
