CCS's Olivia Hoffman tries to control the ball late in the game Thursday night in Murfreesboro.
photo by Sara Davick
MURFREESBORO - The scoring opportunities were few for both teams, but Christ Presbyterian used a shot and a deflection off a defender for a 1-0 win against Chattanooga Christian in an A-AA state semifinal match here Thursday at the Richard Siegel Soccer Complex.
District 12 player of the year Sarah Sievertsen scored the winning goal in the 54th minute as the Lions advance to Saturday’s state final against defending state champion Greeneville, a 5-1 victor against White House in the other semifinal match.
“The match boiled down to taking advantage of scoring opportunities and we were able to do so,” said CPA coach Tom Gerlach. “Before the match, if someone asked how would we do with CCS if we played 10 times and I feel we would each win five. That is how evenly matched we are.”
Gerlach also pointed to the play of freshman goalkeeper Kayla Wegner who had five saves.
“She played great and had a three world class saves – one in the first half and two in the second half.”
CCS coach Cal Sneller pointed to CPA’s energy early on in the match as a factor.
“Their energy and aggressiveness early on kept us from making good passes and they won more than half of the 50-50 balls in the first half.
“But we came out strong in the second half, but just couldn’t get the score.
“Our players gave me all they had and that’s all I can ask for.”
Notes: CPA has won 14 straight and has allowed only two goals since a 2-0 loss to Ensworth Sept. 8 ... Greeneville has won 16 straight ... last loss was 3-0 at CCS Sept. 10
CPA 1, CCS 0
CCS 0 – 0 – 0
CPA 0 – 1 -- 1
CPA – Sarah Sievertsen 54th minute 1-0
CCS (17-7-1), CPA (20-4-2)
Goals: CPA, 1-0
Shots: CCS, 7-6
Saves: CPA (Kayla Wegner, 5) CCS (Taylor Price, 3)
Corner Kicks: CPA, 4-3
contact B.B. Branton at william.branton@comcast.net