Cavaliers Take Down Warhawks

The Woodson girl’s soccer team (11-2-3) beat the young Madison Warhawks 3-0 Wednesday night for the Cavaliers' first regional win in four years.  Their defense was rarely tested as the Lady Cavs dominated possession and were constantly on attack.  Junior defender Anna Brauch assisted on both first-half goals with baffling 40-yard throws. 

“They are even better than corners,” head coach Warren Williams said of Brach’s uncanny ability to get the ball from the sideline to the 6-yard box.  “They are softer, more accurate, and if you can get a few people in behind them, they are really effective.” 

Williams’ words proved true in the 26^th minute as freshman forward Teresa Fruchterman’s slightly redirected header off of Brauch’s throw was enough to beat the keeper for the first goal of the game.  Brauch struck again just two minutes later, as the long throw dropped into a scrum in front of the net before Cassidy Mercier was able to sneak it in. 

From there, the Cavaliers used their dominance in the middle of the field to control the possession, and their speed on the wing to keep the Warhawks on the back foot. 

“Kaitlin Brooks and Erin Harvard were phenomenal, at both winning the ball and playing it with one or two touches to the outside,” Williams said.  “Madison was well organized in defense, but we felt we had the advantage on the outside.” 

On the wing, Mercier was merciless, repeatedly beating her defended to the end line before knock in dangerous crosses.  Madeline Nguyen finally rewarded her for her efforts midway throught he second half.  Madison’s goalkeeper Nadia Shebaro disrupted the initial cross, and the ensuing shot but Nguyen was there to put it home.  The Cavaliers kept there foot on the pedal and cruised to the easy victory.  Woodson will hope to continue their terrific season with a win in the regional quarterfinals on Friday night. 

“We have very good senior leadership,” Williams said.  “But this is there first regional win, so we are really excited to move forward.”