Mars girls smother Knoch, 2-0
JEFFERSON TWP — Don't let the underclassmen fool you.
The 2017 edition of Mars girls soccer is a force to be reckoned with.
The Planets featured three sophomores and four freshmen in their starting lineup Monday night against an undefeated Knoch squad, but dominated play in a 2-0 win in the Section 1-AAA opener for both teams.
“Everybody plays somewhere,” said Mars coach Blair Gerlach in reference to his players' roster spots on club teams. “They're facing world-class competition over the summer.”
The victory improved the Planets to 3-0 on the season.
“That's a little unexpected,” added Gerlach. “We thought we'd face a few more knocks on the chin, but while we are young, we are also resilient.”
Two first half goals proved to be all the offense in the game. Mars' Alison Scaletta was credited with a goal in the 10th minute. Eleven minutes later, Megan Zukowski beat Knoch goalkeeper Becca Stockert.
It was more than enough offense for Mars keeper, Claire Valentine. The junior, in her first year as a starter, needed to make just one save in the game — on a shot from Shiann Thomas in the 56th minute.
“Claire faced some tough shots against Pine-Richland (a 3-2 win) and dealt with some shots in the rain down at North Hills (a 2-0 win),” Gerlach said. “We are very comfortable with her in goal.”
Knoch's Lindsie Galbreath got around two defenders in the 67th minute of play, but was met and lost possession near the left side of the goal box.
At the other end of the field, Stockert faced a barrage of shots, stopping 14 of them.
“She's in her second year of starting and has really stepped it up,” said Knoch coach Kevin Wood. “She was fantastic tonight.”
Knoch's offense mustered little push, earning one corner kick along with the one shot on goal.
“Mars has three forwards who are deadly,” Wood added. “We had to use our outside midfielders to combat that. We played the numbers game. Up top, we just didn't have enough to do much against their back four.”
Maggie Williams, a senior defender for the Planets, was one of just four upperclassmen to start for Mars.
“Some people thought this was going to be a rebuilding year for us,” she said, “but it's not. We're reloading. A lot of our players may be young, but they have so much talent and skill. They've been awesome additions to the team.”
“We're organized in the back,” said Gerlach. “They don't just defend. They contribute to our attack, too.”
Both teams have section contests scheduled for Wednesday. Mars hosts Indiana while Knoch travels to Gateway.
