On the pitch: Wetherington leads attack vs. Campbell
The Anderson County Lady Mavericks soccer team hosted both Campbell County and Scott County last week. On Tuesday, the Mavs defeated Campbell County, thanks to a Tori Wetherington brace. However, Anderson County then dropped their Thursday match against Scott County, which marked their first loss of the season.
Against Campbell County, the Lady Mavs controlled most of the possession. Campbell County was rarely able to get out of their defensive third, and if they did so, it was on a quick counter attack.
Defensively, the Lady Mavs played a high backline all night, and were strong for 80 minutes. Senior goalkeeper and Lee University commit Mollie Wheeler earned the shutout and finished with three saves.
Anderson County Head Coach Chris Curtin was pleased with his defense’s performance, “It is a lot of communication, and Mollie gives us good direction.”
Anderson County’s first tally came in the 27’, when sophomore Tori Wetherington chased down a drop pass from the Campbell County defense to their goalkeeper. The pass did not have enough weight on it, which forced the Lady Cougars’ goalie to the top of her box to clear the ball out and away from danger. However, Wetherington’s tenacity paid off when the Campbell County keeper played the ball straight into Wetherington, and bounced off of her and toward the Cougars’ net. The sophomore found herself with the ball, an open net, and an easy tap-in, which put the Lady Mavs on top 1-0. “It was pretty easy, but it wasn’t the easiest goal,” said Wetherington about her first goal.
In the second half, Anderson County piled on attack after attack, and had numerous chances to put the Lady Cougars out of reach. In the 59’ of play, Wetherington tallied her second, and sealed the Lady Mavs’ victory. She found herself in the right place at the right time, when Allyssa Wetherington took a shot, which deflected off a Campbell County defender, and landed at her sister’s boots. Tori Wetherington buried the opportunity into the right upper netting. “That (goal) was pretty easy too,” said the sophomore. Her finish gave Anderson County a 2-0 advantage. “(Tori Wetherington) is working to get in (behind the defense) and keep the pressure high up top. She is starting to have a better vision of the field, and learn when she needs to attack the space or receive feet,” said Curtin about his forward’s performance.
The Lady Mavs dominated the game offensively, putting 11-of-24 shots on target, compared to the Lady Cougars’ three. Tori Wetherington led the Lady Mavs with eight shots, and her teammate Natalie Bartley followed closely behind with seven. Also, Anderson County earned five corners, while Campbell County had none.
On Thursday, the Lady Cardinals and the Lady Mavs faced off on the Anderson County turf in the pouring rain. The Lady Mavs failed to find the back of the net despite multiple chances, and Scott County would pull of the upset over the Lady Mavs, for a 1-0 district win. The Lady Mavs (7-1-2, 2-1) will be back in district play this Thursday against Kingston for their last regular season match. Kickoff for the match is set for 6:30 at Anderson County. The Lady Mavs will be honoring their seniors, and look to get back in winning form before post-season play starts early next week.