The Chattanooga Christian soccer team capped off its regular season with a win over the East Hamilton Lady Hurricanes, 2-0.
A dominant offensive showcase led to the win, as the Lady Chargers lived on the Lady Hurricanes' side of the field most of the match. Junior Olivia Thomas and sophomore Lauren Alexander led the offensive charge for CCS
Thomas became the first attacker as she split the defense and made a sliding shot, but East Hamilton goalkeeper Maggie Rickard was able to dive on the ball. Shortly after, Thomas would sneak past the defense towards the goalpost and would receive a cross from the opposite side. She would take the pass and ricochet a left-footed shot off the opposite post and in for the goal. It gave the Lady Chargers a 1-0 lead eight minutes into the contest.
The second goal for the CCS would be much more laborious than the first. The Lady Chargers had multiple scoring opportunities following corner kicks, but multiple saves by East Hamilton’s Rickard and the defensive back line kept CCS from expanding their lead. At one point, it felt like Rickard had more time of possession than anyone else as the keeper racked in the saves.
But the cracks in the defense kept growing. Nearing the end of the first half, Lady Charger Lauren Alexander was pushed inside of the penalty area and attracted two Hurricane defenders. Alexander would send a grounded pass towards the center of the box to Lady Charger teammate Tess Duble. Duble would one-tap the ball in for the goal to give CCS a cushioned lead, 2-0, going into the half.
The East Hamilton strikers were able to put shots on goal throughout the second half, but Lady Charger goalkeeper Annie Steele kept the Hurricanes off the board with multiple diving saves. As for the Lady Hurricanes defense, their halftime adjustments kept the duo of Thomas and Alexander at bay and off the scoreboard.
The defensive standstill would allow for CCS to cruise into the postseason with the win and upping a new win streak to two games. The Lady Chargers stand at 13-2-2 for the year as they await their postseason opponent.
East Hamilton has two more contests before their season ends. Currently at 8-4-1, the Lady Hurricanes have a visit to take on the respected Cumberland County Jets (9-6) on October 1st, before their final home game against Walker Valley on October 6.
Game Summary
CCS 2 0 - 2
EAST HAMILTON 0 0 - 0
Goal Scorers: CCS (2) Olivia Thomas, Tess Duble