Boyd girls clipped by Marshall Co.

By DALE STUBBLEFIELD / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

Boyd’s Axie Phillips, at right, keeps the ball away from a pair of Marshall County defenders during Thursday night’s game at Pistole Park. (Dale Stubblefield photo)

After two tough losses on the road against Page and Cascade, the Lady Bronco soccer team was hoping a home game would get them back on the winning track.

Thursday night at Pistole Park Boyd took on Marshall County, but the Lady Broncos came up short, falling to the Lady Tigers 1-0.

First-half action saw both teams play with a lot of intensity and enthusiasm. Action in the first half was played at mid-field as each team had few chances to score.

When the opportunity was there Ashlei Bain took control and fired several shots at the Marshall County net, but the shots were saved by Marshall County’s keeper. On the other side of the ball Lady Tiger Katrina Jones showed her strong kicking abilities as she fired shots from 20- and 25 yards out, but Lady Bronco goalie Courtney Hard came up with the saves. The half ended in a scoreless tie.

Play became more aggressive in the second half as Marshall County had plenty of weapons on its bench. But the Lady Broncos continued to handle the pressure. Lyndsey King playing her stopper position for Boyd did a solid job of clearing the ball and keeping Marshall County at bay.

But late in the game the Lady Broncos were called for a foul in front of the box, which allowed the Lady Tigers the opportunity to take the lead. The penalty kick was good putting Marshall County in front 1-0.

The Lady Broncos were running out of time and hurried on offense trying to tie the game before the whistle, but time expired giving the Lady Tigers the victory. Hard picked up 24 saves on the night for Boyd.

“Marshall County kept subbing, keeping fresh legs on the field, but our girls never let up and kept fighting for the whole game,” said coach Gina Cleek. “We did a good job of anticipating there passes and positioning on the field. The girls played a very good game tonight, and I was very proud of them.”