The Lakeland women's soccer team played host to the Jackson Jets today and dropped a hard fought 2-0 decision at Laker Field. The Lakers, playing with a depleted roster due to injuries, suffered more injury early in this game and would end up playing over 60 minutes down a player. Lakeland showed grit and determination as they worked to control the ball and limit quality scoring opportunties by the Jets. The Lakers were very successful doing that throughout the first half as the teams went into the break scoreless. The best scoring opportunity for either team came with under 30 seconds left in the half as the Lakers sent a ball up and over the Jet defense. Shelby Nagy was off to the races and ran by one defender before just running out of room to get off a quality shot to run out the period. The second half featured more of the same strategy for the Lakers as they would work to control the play and limit quality scoring chances. Neither team was able to generate a quality chance until a Jet player was fouled on the right side of the box at about the 20 yard line. The Jets then playd a direct kick across the center of the box and a Jet player was able to convert on a rebound. Jackson's second goal came three minutes later as a player picked up a ball about 18 yards out and just turned and shot. The ball went just under the crossbar for the Jets second goal. Lakeland would continue to battle and almost halved the lead when Peyton Trick had a partial breakaway and ripped a shot from about 18 yards out. Unfortunately for the Lakers, the Jet keeper was able to coral the ball just under the crossbar. Lillyan Agostine finished with 24 saves for the Lakers.
Lakeland's players of the game were Lillyan Agostine, Carli Salatino, and Kassie Emmett.
Mallon's Mentions: "Great effort by the team today. Especially when playing a man down for 60 minutes. We are very proud of the effort and team play. They dug deep."
Next Up: The Lakers will have a few days to get some players back from injury. Lakeland's next game is Saturday (9/23) against the Terra Titans at Laker Field. Game time is scheduled for 1:00 pm.
