Chargers open season with shutout of Eagles

By Andrew Stevens
Published in Sports on March 14, 2008 2:44 PM

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Wayne Country Day coach Baron Heinemann saw plenty of room for improvement during Thursday's season-opening match against Wayne Christian.

But the outcome wasn't a disappointment.

The Chargers scored early and late, and played with a 'bend but don't break' mentality in a 2-0 decision over county rival Wayne Christian.

Wayne Country Day controlled possession in the first half and was able to capitalize on a scoring chance as Kim Martell's shot bounced off the hands of Eagles keeper Niki Fitzmorris and into the net.

"I saw a lot of things today that we were trying to do," Heinemann said. "With those first-game jitters we weren't quite on target. When we got that first goal my girls seemed to pep up once they got it. Our warm up was a little flat."

The Chargers (1-0 overall) continued to threaten throughout the first 40 minutes but were unable to convert on five corner kick opportunities. Virginia Best had a blast sail just over the top of the goal and another shot that ricocheted off the cross bar.

Wayne Christian was held without a shot on goal in the first half and trailed 1-0 at the break.

The Eagles' offense found some life in the second half but what it couldn't find was the back of the net. Four corner kicks, two in the 41st and two in the 63rd minute all failed to produce goals.

Jennifer Price found herself all alone with the ball in the 72nd minute just seven to eight feet from Wayne Country Day keeper Ellen Elmore. Price was whistled for being offsides just before she unleashed a shot on goal.

"My offense is a little young," Wayne Christian head coach Daryl Anderson said. "It's really my JV team and they're still learning. I have to give credit to Wayne Country Day, they've got a good defense. They're an older defense and they know what they're doing."

A tired Eagles defense failed to get back in position after pushing the ball into Chargers territory in the 76th minute. Wayne Country Day took advantage as Virginia Best scored, pushing the lead to 2-0.

"I think maybe that was a little luck," Heinemann said. "I think their team didn't retreat back fast enough and we just happened to get a foot on it. I'm proud of our players for crashing the net and getting a foot on it."

Wayne Country Day plays host to Ahoskie Ridgecroft today and Wayne Christian (1-2) visits Faith Christian of Rocky Mount on Tuesday.