GIRLS' SOCCER: Barnes, WCDS charge past nemesis Greenfield

By Ben Coley
Published in Sports on April 6, 2017 10:03 AM

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Midway through the second half, Wayne Country Day goalkeeper Jala Holloman misplayed a ball, and Greenfield's Samantha Wainwright took advantage.

It was the Knights' first goal of Wednesday's game.

But there were two reasons for the Chargers not to be concerned.

Firstly, they had already built a substantial lead. Secondly, that was just the second goal they've allowed all season. The Wayne Country Day defense once again held true to form in a dominant 4-1 victory over Greenfield.

After starting last season 2-5, the Chargers are 7-0-0 in 2017. They've outscored their opponents 39-2.

"I introduced a different formation," said WCDS' head coach Steve Ellis. "And they've gone with it. And it's worked so far... I've been really impressed with them to be honest."

The Chargers' back line is comprised of a trio of juniors -- Jennifer Potts, Jasmine Jones and Hannah Neal.

All of them worked to send away most of Greenfield's opportunities.

"It's a little bit of a mix (of experience)," Ellis said. "But the stability of the ones playing centrally have been playing centrally since JV up through. So they're used to playing next to each other."

The Knights -- who average 2.17 goals per game -- managed four shots and only one corner kick.

Holloman added two saves to her season total.

"To not be as compact," said Ellis, describing the change in defensive strategy. "We'll still have the security with a couple of the players here and there situated on the field. And then encouraging to press higher up the field."

The lone goal given up by Holloman came in the 55th minute. The Chargers led 4-1 after the score, but second-half miscues have been noticed by Ellis throughout the season.

During an undefeated season where many things have gone right, it stands as the one criticism he can use for his team.

"The start of the second half in every game, we've started a little slow," Ellis said. "You have pressure on that back line because we attack a lot... So it is something that we're trying to address."

Offensively, WCDS controlled possession and recorded seven corner kicks and more than 20 shot attempts. Sophomore Langley Barnes scored all four goals for the Chargers -- two in the first half and two in the second half.

The Chargers' upcoming schedule will provide a good measuring stick for their back line. Wayne Country Day's next four opponents -- Neuse Christian, Oakwood and Kerr-Vance (twice) -- have a combined record of 18-6.

Ellis knows that the road only gets more difficult from this point.

"(I'm) good with the way we're playing and the chances that we're creating," Ellis said. "The competition will step up a little bit. So I'll know more after next week where we lie."