Linde and Cronin Strikes the Difference as Girls Soccer Blanks Concord-Carlisle, 2-0

Two of the best girls soccer teams in the Dual County League squared off in a real doozy yesterday at Proctor field, and defending state title champion Weston was true to form in its awe-inspiring 2-0 victory over visiting Concord-Carlisle. Both teams are now 5-2 overall and 2-1 in the DCL Small Division.

Weston's play was so crisp it showed its deep strength all over the field. Never was that more evident than when junior star defender Sarah Peters dashed toward her own goal-line, knocking the ball away just as it was about to cross at the 23:30 mark of the second half. The play was even more dramatic considering Peters played in the game after recovering from a tough neck injury in the prior tilt.

"We played with a lot of will and commitment and it showed," Weston head coach James Blackwell said.

"We had our chances," C-C head coach Nancy Slocum said. "I give Weston a lot of credit. They played to the final minute."

The game was scoreless until Linde took a feed from Hannah Graves on the fly and booted it home from a good spot in front with 9:37 left.

"She's always there, even when everyone is tired, chasing balls, and leads the game well," Blackwell said of Linde.

Cronin's strike over seven minutes later was set up by Ali Barenholtz on a cross pass.

Blackwell also praised Jackie Foody for holding C-C junior standout Amanda O'Brien in check. O'Brien had her chances, swarming the net all afternoon, but Foody and goalie Alissa Duffey were equal to the task. Duffey made a terrific save on a low shot to her left just 10 minutes into the second frame.

Graves and Cara Lembo also played solid two-way games for the Wildcats.

Slocum, meanwihile, lauded her team's offensive play, with O'Brien leading the way. The coach also noted the strong cross passing and shooting of senior captain Lucy Fell, junior Meg Yamin, and sophomore Emma Brandhorst, and the defensive effort of sophomore Katie Abbott.

Slocum was just as impressed with the goaltending of sophomore Abbey Ojemann.

"She was tested a bit, and I am very confident her ability," the coach said. "She did a great job."