(CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.) – In a hard-fought United East clash, Wilson defeated Cairn after consistent attacking pressure, opportunistic finishing, and a late defensive stand for a key home win. The victory pulls the Phoenix even in the conference standings now at 2-2.
Although they opened the scoring in the second half with an early goal and added another later, the Blue and White had to hold off a late charge by the Highlanders who scored in the closing minutes. It was the only blemish in an otherwise strong game for the Phoenix back line.
The Basics
Score: Wilson 2, Cairn 1
Venue: Kris's Meadow
Records: Wilson 4-6-2, 2-2-0 UE; Cairn 1-8-1, 0-3-0 UE
How It Happened
- Wilson set the tempo early with five shots and two corner kicks in the opening 10 minutes. Despite that the Phoenix were unable to find the back of the net. Three more corner kicks followed the rest of the half, but they were unable to generate any shots after they were played in and the teams went into the break squared away at 0-0.
- The second half started similar to the first, but this time Wilson's adjustments allowed the Phoenix to score 3:30 into the period. Annie Smith (Jr., Hagerstown, Md. / North Hagerstown) set it up by firing a shot from the left side of the box, and while it was saved, the rebound came right back out to Atiya Jackson (Jr., Brunswick, Md. / Brunswick / Shippensburg Univ.) on the right side. With plenty of space, she was able to flick it inside the left post to put Wilson in the lead.
- The Phoenix kept the pressure on with Smith testing the Cairn keeper Rhian Erspamer for two saves. Ella Schmoyer (FY, York, Pa. / West York) and Halley Shaffer (Sr., Sunbury, Pa. / Line Mountain) added takes in the 61st and 68th minutes, respectively, that also needed stops. Hard work eventually paid off once again as Gretchen Turner (Sr., York, Pa. / Northeastern) centered a pass from the left side to Shaffer who was breaking up the middle. Shaffer had little trouble from there with a one-on-one chance to make it 2-0 in the 81st minute.
- The Highlanders didn't go away and looked to cut into the deficit with a shot that went wide right in the 86th. A set piece then allowed them to score after a corner kick was headed in during the final minute of play.
Inside The Numbers
- Jackson's goal was her second of the season and first since she scored a goal and an assist in a home win against Penn State Mont Alto.
- Smith tallied a point for the second-straight contest and now has five points with three helpers on the year.
- Shaffer's goal was her ninth of the season. The program's all-time leader in goals and points now has 61 goals and 128 points in her career.
- Madison Ebersole (So., Big Pool, Md. / Clear Springs) faced six shots on the day, three in each half, and made three saves.
- The Phoenix did well to limit Cairn's chances. Not only did the back line defuse most sparks that the Highlanders had when trying to push up the field, but the Phoenix inundated the Cairn defense with 23 shots on the day.
- Wilson improves to 5-4-1 all-time against the Highlanders. The Phoenix have defeated Cairn in five consecutive regular season games.
Up Next
The Phoenix prep for a pair of non-conference games starting with Penn State Schuylkill on Thursday. Kickoff with the Nittany Lions is set for 3 p.m.
