HILTON, N.Y. — Jamie Schneider might have appreciated another goal or two, but the head coach of the Spencerport girls’ soccer team was happy with a win.
Lindsay Lenhard connected in the 16th minute for all the offense needed in a 1-0 Spencerport victory over host Hilton on Monday afternoon.
“That was a good, solid win,” Schneider said. “We didn’t play exceptionally well. We played better last game against Mercy (3-nil victory), but good teams find ways to win when they don’t play exceptionally well. We’ll take it into the last week of the regular season as momentum for us.”
Emily Peacock caught Lenhard in stride with a through-ball, and the sophomore midfielder slotted a ball inside post for her team-high 10th goal of the season.
⚽️⚽️💙💛👏🏻👏🏻 https://t.co/JZvR23wNDH
— Kathy Peacock (@kathy_peacock) October 10, 2022
The win was the sixth straight for Spencerport which is unbeaten (8-0-1) in its past nine.
“We’ve improved in creating goal-scoring opportunities,” Schneider noted. “We’re getting better on the ball and off the ball. Those are the two factors. Can you be good on the ball and off the ball to create those goal-scoring opportunities?”
The Rangers have had to replace more than 50 goals from last year with the graduations of Lily Brongo (10 goals), Bre DeHond (27 goals) and Alyssa Hackett (15 goals). That team won the program’s sixth straight sectional title and advanced to the state semifinals. All three of those former Rangers have continued their careers at the collegiate level.
“It was a big job to replace those players,” Schneider admitted.
Brongo and Hackett roamed opposite flanks the past two seasons for Spencerport and created width in the Rangers’ attack. Brongo had 27 assists last season, most of which came on crosses from the right wing. Hackett helped set up another eight tallies.
Schneider moved current Rangers Aleena Solano and Kathleen Fitzgerald to outside spots and pushed Lenhard into a role as attacking midfielder.
Emily Peacock rings the bell early. pic.twitter.com/dyW8Gsnv3K
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) October 10, 2022
“We’ve made some improvements. It’s been a little bit of a journey to find the best rotation and putting the players in the best positions.”
Cate Burns made seven saves for her second straight shutout and seventh clean sheet of the season.
Cate Burns passes her first test of the day. pic.twitter.com/CgGh5w8Va4
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) October 10, 2022
Hilton (7-7-0) toppled Penfield (then top-ranked in the state) last time out. The Cadets tested Burns on Monday afternoon but nothing like the three-goal outburst in the second half against the Patriots.
“We got away from possession,” Hilton head coach Rick Trabold said. “Possession is our key. It’s hard to maintain your game against a team of that quality.
“If you’re playing against a quality team that presses well and knows how to possess the ball themselves, it’s hard to get that ball back. Kudos to them.”
Hilton keeper Sierra Bianchi nine shots including a pair of one-on-one situations late in the game, and the ninth-grade keeper also made a diving save early in the contest to keep the game scoreless.
Bianchi was on 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 today. Great GAME Sierra! Stay strong @CadetGirlSoccer sectionals are right around the corner! #GoCadets. https://t.co/6TzGFLVwGm
— 🇺🇲Kendrick Krause🇺🇲 (@kendrickkrause) October 10, 2022
Hilton travels to play Monroe County Division I foe Victor, on Wednesday. A 6:30 p.m. start time is scheduled.
Spencerport hosts Gates Chili for a 7:15 p.m. kickoff on Wednesday.
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