Sarnia Spirit U-11 vs. Chatham June 1/09

 

The Sarnia Spirit U-11 girls traveled to Chatham for the second game of the season.

A strong wind greeted the faces of the Spirit girls, and they would have to battle Mother Nature as well as the Chatham defense for the opening half.

 

Vanessa Bucci tried to start things off early for the Spirit but her shot was handled by the Chatham netminder.  Sophie McKelvie started a four way passing play to Kyleigh Arthur on to Katie Barwitzki, wide to Claire Vanden Eynde but the ball could not be advanced through the Chatham defense.

 

Chatham who is well known to the Spirit for their aggressive play and speed, looked to capitalize on a strong through ball. Lauren Shaw was the lone Spirit defender back and was able to save the day and keep the game goalless.

 

Sarnia did not let the wind bother them. Barwitzki put the ball ahead to Kristy Hodgins. Hodgins passed to Skylar Soininen who broke free but turned to regroup before shooting and he goalie was up to the task. Barwitzki then headed a ball to Vanden Eynde, but the shot went wide of the Chatham net.

 

A through ball by Arthur found Bucci but again the shot was saved and the half ended at goose eggs.

 

Sarnia started the second half with the wind and Emma Colman replacing Ashleigh Pettit in the Sarnia net. Kristin Parkes passed wide on the wing to Kelly Hodgins but the shot was at the keeper and saved.

A “swing and a miss” in the Spirit backfield allowed the Chatham striker to break towards the Sarnia goal uncontested. A hustling Lauren Shaw caught the striker but was called for a hard foul outside the box. The ensuing direct kick was well struck but Colman made a big save to preserve the tie.

 

Vanessa Wardell tried to spark her side with a pass to Parkes. Parkes send the ball outside to Arthur but the shot deflected wide.

 

Vanden Eynde had a determined effort and won the ball to Arthur. Kyleigh tried to cross but was blocked. Parkes picked up the ball and tried to cross but again the Chatham defenders denied the cross but a corner was won. A short corner saw Arthur cross to Pettit at striker. Pettit was able to tip the ball but couldn’t finish and again Sarnia was turned aside. Parkes corralled the ball and passed to Pettit. Pettit found Arthur alone but the Chatham goalie read the play and charged out aggressively. Arthur shot but the ball deflected over the keeper and just wide of the outside post.

 

Sarnia kept the pressure on. Bucci found Arthur who passed on to Kristy Hodgins but the forward could not finish the chance. Bucci again looked for Kristy who was stopped by the keeper. Vanessa Wardell followed on the play but could not punch the ball past the Chatham goalie.

 

Sarnia lost their shape in the middle of the field and the Chatham player was away. A high shot over the net allowed the Spirit to dodge a bullet.

 

Sarnia controlled the match and looked for the win. A corner kick by Kelly Hodgins in to the middle came back to Hodgins but her attempt went wide.

 

Parkes spotted Wardell who passed through to Pettit. Pettit drilled a shot but the Chatham goalie was able to get her hands up and deflect the ball wide.

 

Sarnia once again had to settle for a tie.

 

Sarnia next plays June 10 in London vs. London United.