Photos: Hunter Hall and Shalini Malhotra
Words: Michael Moore
On Tuesday, September 1, the new turf field and Centennial saw its first game action as the Centennial Girls’ Soccer team scrimmaged visiting Catonsville High School, coming out on top. This was the first game held on Centennial’s new turf field. The team christened the field with a shout-out win setting the standards high for the upcoming fall season.
The Eagles came out firing early, creating numerous scoring chances in the first ten minutes. Along with getting the goal opportunities, the Eagles also dominated the possession battle. Senior Reese Western made the offense work, beating her defender to the ball countless times and generating opportunities for herself as well as her teammates. Fellow senior Jesse Dunagan was also an offensive threat, letting multiple shots fly in the first half.
With 7:38 left in the first half, freshman Mckenna Griffin found herself on a breakaway and buried the ball in the opposite corner for the first goal not only of the season, but also of her high school career.
The Eagles entered the second half with a 1-0 lead.
The second half was almost a mirror image of the first. The Eagles were a threat and created many opportunities. The defense however was a big part of the possession advantage. Junior Cristina Narron and senior goalie Allie Durkee, anchored a defense that was very effective.
Western generated offense in the second half, and with the help of junior Jasmine McCree and sophomore Kirsten Wikner, the Catonsville team had their hands full trying to stop the dynamic Centennial offense.
The night however, would not be over for Griffin. With just over 9:30 to play, she was forced to the ground in the penalty box, and was awarded and penalty kick. As she placed the ball on the new turf, she collected herself and stuck the shot right under the crossbar for her second goal of the game.
With a great mix of young talent and veteran experience, the Eagles will look to build off this scrimmage and take what they learned into the regular season.
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