Flexing muscles
JACKSON TWP — The chances were there for the Seneca Valley girls soccer team to put Butler away early in their Section 2-AAA matchup on Wednesday.
The Tornado, however, trailed just 1-0 until the closing minutes of the game before the Raiders broke through for two more scores in a 2-minute, 23-second span that iced a 3-0 victory.
With the win, Seneca Valley improved to 7-1-1 overall and 4-1-1 in the section. Butler fell to 2-7, 1-5.
"I thought we had better play and better opportunities in the first half, but couldn't finish," said Raiders coach Dave Sylvester. "The second half, I thought it was just sloppy. Not a lot of passes.
"The second goal was kind of a relief. I knew then we were in halfway decent shape,"Sylvester added.
In front of a crowded net, Courtney Leon scored off an assist by Alissa Gamelier with 6:34 remaining to give the Raiders that two-goal advantage.
Then with 4:11 left, Karisa Fernandez fired a shot past Butler goalkeeper Lisa Rodgers off an assist from Jessica Meurer.
"For us, we're working hard," said Butler coach Marlene Peoples. "Our touches aren't clean. I was pleased we fending off their opportunities, but not the end result. We are not as deep."
Butler has been hampered by injuries which has led to a smaller roster than usual. Rodgers finished the game with 10 saves while Seneca Valley sophomore goalie Catherine Messmer didn't have to make a save.
The Raiders scored their first goal of the game with 3:04 left in the first half, a goal in front by Veronica Pecora off a Gamelier assist.
Rodgers had made seven of her saves up to that point.
"I think we get those opportunities, but it doesn't frustrate us," said Sylvester. "Sooner or later we expect to finish. It's the character of this team.
"Butler is a rivalry, Butler and North Allegheny. We know they have some injuries and their numbers are down. Of course, (Rodgers) is good so we always expect we'll get a competitive game," Sylvester added.
The Raiders hit the midway point of the section in good shape, tied in second place with North Allegheny behind undefeated Pine-Richland. The Rams handed Seneca Valley its only loss, 3-1, earlier this season.
"We're kind of where I expected," said Sylvester. "I think we're in good position. Of course, everyone has seen you once now. I think we're playing good."
Butler has had a tough time through the first half of the section schedule, but they lost to the Rams 3-2 and were in a tight battle with Seneca Valley until late in the game.
"It's very frustrating," said Peoples. "The whole season we've been working hard, coming out and doing what we can.
"We feel like we need a breakthrough. The kids won't give up and that's the key," she added.
