By PAUL GOTHAM
HONEOYE FALLS, N.Y. — Maya Ikewood converted on a corner kick opportunity in the 68th minute, and the Palmyra-Macedon girls’ soccer team held on to defeat host Honeoye Falls-Lima in non-league action, Monday night.
Ikewood combined with teammate Reagan Diehl on a short corner from the left flag and connected on her team-leading eighth goal of the season.
“We are pretty good in the air, but if we can take advantage of a 1v1 situation then we’ll go short if play in the air isn’t working,” Ikewood said.
Ikewood took the pass from Diehl along the outer third of the pitch and used one touch before going inside post with a right-footed shot.
“When they only send one player in a 2v1, it just takes so much pressure off because you have so much more time,” she explained. “You can really set up for a good shot.”
The shot was the fifth of the half and 13th of the game for the Red Raiders (6-3-1), but it was the first time Ikewood, a Class B Second Team All-State selection a year ago, found the slightest of an opening for a clear shot.
“Their backline was so compact and tight,” she said. “They had so many people playing back.”
The win came two days after Pal-Mac saw a five-game unbeaten streak including four straight wins end at the hands of Pittsford Sutherland.
“Saturday took a lot of energy out of us,” said Pal-Mac head coach Mike Carns. “We ran our tails off. We had a couple mistakes in the second half, and they capitalized. They’re good.”
Lillian Boesel scored the lone Pal-Mac goal in a 3-1 loss. Ikewood set up the play.
The setback had a lingering effect on Monday. Pal-Mac, the reigning Section V Class B1 champs, pushed forward late in the first half and earned a corner kick as well as three shots on goal, but the Red Raiders came away empty-handed.
“Playing a fast-paced game like that on grass (Saturday) and then transitioning to turf was really different,” Ikewood said. “It took some time. We had to really focus on our touches. On the grass, it can kinda bounce around and you can settle it. But here on turf, a bad first touch and it’s gone.”
Caroline Smith added to the frustrations for Pal-Mac. The HF-L keeper found her rhythm and made 12 stops on the night, a handful of those from inside the 18-yard box.
“Caroline was standing on her head out there,” said first-year HF-L head coach Paige Smith. “She definitely kept us in this game. She played an outstanding game and definitely kept us in it.”
Caroline Smith makes the stop on Maya Ikewood from 20 yds out. pic.twitter.com/rj2nQLhGn9
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) September 25, 2023
The Cougars (2-6-0) managed to get a late push for two corner kicks including one as time expired.
“I thought we played really well as a unit today,” Smith said. “We created a lot of good chances, worked the ball around. All around I thought our play was a lot better than our previous games. Hopefully, we can build on this going into October and into sectionals.”
Pal-Mac travels for a 7 PM kickoff against Newark/Lyons on Wednesday.
HF-L will host unbeaten Batavia on Wednesday for Monroe County Division IV matchup. A 6:30 PM start time is slated.
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