By Duncan Nixon
Correspondent
In a closely contested game, the Fluco girls soccer team was outscored but not really outplayed on April 24. The first half was an even match-up as both Fluvanna and the Goochland Bulldogs had some scoring opportunities that they could not convert. With time running out in the half, and possibly with time actually run out, the Bulldogs put the ball into the net. The referee immediately blew his whistle signaling the end of the half. The referee keeps the time on the field and the stadium clock is stopped at two minutes, since it is not official. Spectators wondered whether the referee in rushing to follow the run down the field by the Goochland attacker might have not noticed that time in the half had run out before the score. In any event, the Bulldogs took a 1-0 lead into the second half.
One of the highlights of the first half for the Flucos was an impressive run through the Bulldogs’ defense by sophomore attacker Caroline Thomas, but she was turned away just in time from the Goochland point of view. Fluco senior stand-out Piper La Rochelle also had a good chance, but her long scoring attempt was too high. LaRochelle also headed away a Goochland corner kick with about 14 minutes remaining in the half.
Early in the second half, Fluco senior goalie Kayli Presnell made an excellent diving save, but was injured and had to leave the game. After several minutes of play, Presnell was able to return to her position. Shortly after her return, she made another outstanding save at the second half’s halfway point.
Both teams battled back and forth for the next 15-16 minutes of play until, with just 5:25 remaining, a long high floating kick by Goochland just slid under the cross bar for the Bulldogs’ second goal. It was one of those shots that occurs in soccer, not forcefully kicked, and with little chance of going in, but accidentally perfectly placed. This second goal with little time remaining seemed to put an end to the Flucos chances. Goochland scored two goals, one with probably no time on the clock and one on a fluke kick. The game could easily have been a 0-0 tie.
Several Flucos turned in strong performances for Coach Kat Hinkle. In addition to Caroline Thomas, senior McKinley Thomas and sophomore Jimena Linares Torres were very speedy and handled the ball well. Presnell had an excellent game in goal and LaRochelle was tenacious throughout, locking down the Bulldogs’ top attacker.
The girls team played at Monticello High on April 28 and will be at Charlottesville on May 1. Their next home game will be on May 5 when they host Albemarle High. After that, they travel to Western Albemarle on May 5 and host Orange County on May 12.
