Staff report
MONROE — A goal by Cincinnati Maderia with 5:12 left in the first half was the only scoring of the game, and it resulted in the Lehman Lady Cavaliers’ outstanding season coming to an end Saturday in Division 3 District soccer action at Monroe.
The loss ended Lehman’s season at 16-2-1. Madeira advances with a 13-3-3 mark.
The two teams met early in the season, but the gamme lasted only a half before the weather forced it to be suspended with the score 0-0.
The goal with time running out in the first half came on a long throw-in that landed inside the 18, said Lehman coach Jeremy Lorenzo. “A Madeira forward got her foot on it and scored,” said the coach.
Madeira had 16 shots on goal to 10 for the Lady Cavs.
There was alot riding on the coin toss because the winner was going to have the option of a strong wind at their back in addition to the sun. Madeira won the toss and took the wind.
“Madeira is regarded as the best defensive team in Cincinnati and has been very successful playing a defensive balanced formation,” said Lorenzo. “Getting out of the first half tied or winning was going to be crucial for us, especially playing into the wind and sun. However, Madeira knew that as well and they really went for it that first half.
“We knew they had player that could take a long throw in,” he continued. “I think we misjudged it a little when it came into the 18 and we just got beat to the ball as it came across.”
He said his girls came out determined in the second half.
“We came out the second half and played maybe the hardest that I have seen us play all year,” he said. “But Madeira having the 1-0 lead enabled them to get lots of bodies behind the ball and protect the lead.
“I was incredibly proud of how my girls fought that second half,” he went on. “Their goalie made a couple of great saves to keep them alive in the tournament. Of course losing hurts, but I know that we left it on the field. Any team could win state this year. When you get to this level, every team is about even. It comes down to who makes the big play or the big mistake or both. Unfortunately, they made the big play today. But we had a great year and my seniors had great careers.”
