The season first intra-Harbor girls soccer matchup ended inconclusively.
Aberdeen and Elma played to a scoreless draw in a non-league season opener Tuesday at Stewart Field. Since the contest was non-league, no overtime periods were implemented.
The tie was appropriate, since the first half in particular was exceptionally evenly played. Class 2A Aberdeen had the edge in shots and time of possession in the second half, but still wound up outshooting the Class 1A Eagles by only a 15-13 margin.
“We had opportunities; they had opportunities,” Elma coach Scott Rockey summarized.
Light on varsity experience, the Bobcats picked up the pace as the match progressed.
“I was pretty happy with our performance,” said Aberdeen coach Larry Fleming, who started the AHS girls soccer program in 1992 and is returning to the head varsity girls job following a 14-year hiatus. “We had some communication problems to begin with. In the second half, we put high pressure on them up the field and we passed much better.”
Aberdeen’s Emmy Walsh rattled a shot off the crossbar in the 19th minute. Teammate Abbie Bradt did the same in the 63rd minute and Emma Green’s rebound attempt sailed high.
Green’s first-half goal was nullified by an offside call.
Elma junior goalkeeper Holli Ray turned away the Bobcats several times on one-on-one thrusts.
“She’s a rock-solid keeper,” Rockey observed.
The Eagles also had a near-miss midway through the second half when Kassedy Olsen hit the right post off a corner kick from Brooke Sutherby.
Elma’s Kaelyn Burgher launched a mid-range attempt in the waning seconds that Bobcat goalkeeper Reagan Glanz easily handled.
Sutherby, Burgher and Jillian Bieker were cited by Rockey for fine performances. The Elma coach was generally pleased with his team’s showing, although he said the Eagles’ passing needs to improve.
Elma junior standout Molly Johnston will be sidelined for a couple of games with an ankle injury.
Fleming commended Green for midfield play and Taylor Coker and Nayeli Morris for defense.
Elma won the JV match, 3-1.
On Thursday, Aberdeen hosts Montesano, while Elma makes the long trek to Seton Catholic.
