GIRLS SOCCER: Patriots Set Pace, Remain Unbeaten

Leah Pace's goal in the 13th minute of Wednesday's match was enough for the John Carroll School's girls soccer team to escape with a 1-0 victory at Bel Air High School's new Bobcat Stadium.

"Someone crossed the ball in the middle and it was basically a rebound and I guess I was there at the right time," the junior said of her game-winner against Bel Air.

The Patriots moved to 3-0 after previously winning the Glenelg Country School tournament. Head coach Gary Lynch was glad to get the win, even with some anxious moments.

"It means a lot. Every time we play the public schools no matter how good or bad we are or how good or bad another team is, this is big for the county," Lynch said. "I'm nervous until the final whistle I'm nervous every time they touch the ball when we don't have it."

But apparently he was not as nervous as Bel Air (0-1-0) head coach Josh Clemmer, who saw two of his team's shots hit the post.

"[My heart] stopped for a good 10 seconds. As soon as you see the ball approaching the goal the apprehension is tense," said Clemmer, who was still satisfied with his team's effort. "I'm happy with how we played, not happy with the result. It's just frustrating to come out with a loss when you hit a couple posts in a game and feel like you play a really good game."

Bel Air's  first near-miss came with less than four minutes remaining in the first half when junior Malorie Moran awkwardly put a loose ball on goal. John Carroll goalie Gina Maiorana mishandled the shot, which hit the inside of the left post before bouncing off the goal line and safely toward the junior keeper.

There were just seconds remaining in the contest when Bel Air freshman Jordan Layfield's direct kick near the left corner of the box clanged off the left post.

The decisive goal, however, was never in doubt. Sophomore Olivia DiFonso crossed the ball from the left corner to Pace, who was waiting above the six for the finish. Even though the game has little implications on John Carroll's postseason hopes, the junior was glad to remain unbeaten.

"We're always rivals with all the local public schools so it was really good to start off our season like this," Pace said.

Maiorana made two saves in the shutout while junior Emily Rosenberger turned away eight of John Carroll's nine shots on goal.

The Patriots play at Aberdeen at 6:45 p.m. tonight while Bel Air travels to Elkton for today's 3:30 p.m. match.