The Lady Jackets soccer team fought hard in a 3-2 loss to 8th Region foe Simon Kenton Sept. 12 at Woodford County High School. The Pioneers are a team that Woodford could see in the regional tournament and Woodford got a good dose of the Simon Kenton offense and know what to expect next time.
Woodford Coach Brandon Cummons said there were encouraging moments against a talented Simon Kenton team, but the Lady Jackets have to find a way to put those moments together consistently.
“I saw it in moments today,” Cummons said. “But then I also saw where we switched off. I think two of the three goals, in my opinion, are preventable today with proper defending.”
Simon Kenton scored the opening goal in the eighth minute despite a few solid saves from Woodford goalkeeper Emma Dorsey. The Lady Jackets had looks on the offensive end as well, with Sacoyia Garcia and Abby Lowe getting shot attempts but unable to find the net.
The Lady Pioneers added another goal with 15 minutes remaining in the first half to take a 2-0 lead.
Lowe got Woodford on the board with a booming shot over the head of the Simon Kenton goalkeeper and into the net, bringing the Lady Jackets within a goal heading into halftime.
Simon Kenton scored again in the second half to take a 3-1 lead, but the Lady Jackets answered. Erin Myers caught the Pioneers goalkeeper off her mark and sent a ball over her head and into the back of the net to cut the lead to 3-2.
Woodford’s intensity rose following Myers’ goal as the Lady Jackets searched for the equalizer. Woodford continued to push forward, but the Simon Kenton defense turned away the Lady Jackets’ late chances to preserve the 3-2 victory.
Cummons said only a handful of plays can decide games against quality opponents.
“They’re all going to be difficult. They’re all going to be hard. They’re all going to be physical,” Cummons said. “It’s going to come down to those moments that are going to decide the game, and they decided the game tonight.”
One of the bright spots was Dorsey’s performance in goal. Cummons said she kept Woodford in the game with several big stops.
“I thought Emma was brilliant tonight,” Cummons said. “She made some phenomenal saves.”
Woodford has dealt with injuries throughout the season, which Cummons said has made finding consistency difficult. He said he has yet to use the same starting 11 in consecutive games this season.
The schedule has offered few breaks, but Cummons hopes playing strong competition will prepare the Lady Jackets for the postseason. Woodford still has games against several quality opponents ahead, including DuPont Manual, South Oldham and Lafayette.
Cummons said the responsibility now falls on the players and coaches together to respond.
“We’ve got to lead them, we’ve got to instruct them,” Cummons said. “But they have to want to fix it.”
The girls’ squad beat Dupont Manual Sept. 4 on the road, 3-1. Lowe had a goal and an assist. Avery Sayre and Sacoyia Garcia had a goal apiece. Dorsey had three saves with one goal allowed.