by North Olmsted defeated Valley Forge 6-0 after controlling possession and scoring four goals during the final 11 minutes of the first half.
The Eagles controlled the ball for most of the opening half and consistently pressured the Valley Forge defense. North Olmsted initially struggled to connect passes and finish its scoring opportunities, but the team eventually settled into the game and found its rhythm.
North Olmsted broke through when Esma Shahin scored the first goal with 10:37 remaining in the opening half. The goal gave the Eagles a 1-0 lead and started a strong offensive stretch to end the half.
Valley Forge goalkeeper Grace Pavka made several saves to keep the Patriots within one goal, but North Olmsted continued to attack. Amaya Capps extended the Eagles’ lead to 2-0 with 3:29 remaining in the half.
A little over one minute later, Peighton Witwer found the back of the net off an assist from Shahin. The goal gave North Olmsted a 3-0 advantage with 2:10 left before halftime. The Eagles were not finished, as Esma Shahin scored her second goal of the game with 24 seconds remaining. North Olmsted entered halftime with a 4-0 lead.
The Eagles recorded 17 shots during the first half, while Valley Forge finished the half with only one. Valley Forge’s goalkeeper faced constant pressure and made 11 saves during the first half.
Valley Forge came out of halftime and created a few offensive opportunities, but North Olmsted’s defense prevented the Patriots from completing a comeback.
North Olmsted continued its offensive momentum when Emilea Weiss scored with 22 minutes remaining in the game. Alexis Hipkins recorded the assist as the goal increased the Eagles’ lead to 5-0.
The Eagles added their final goal with 4:08 remaining when Peighton Witwer scored her second goal of the game. Emilea Weiss assisted on the play after scoring earlier in the half.
North Olmsted finished the game with 27 shots and six goals from four different players. The Eagles also completed the shutout after allowing Valley Forge only two shots. Despite the loss, Valley Forge’s goalkeeper delivered a strong performance, finishing with 21 saves.
Players of the Game
North Olmsted: Esma Shahin scored two goals and added one assist to help lead the Eagles’ offense.
Valley Forge: Sabrina Attab helped create scoring opportunities and provided an offensive presence for the Patriots.
