SOLON– The Lady Spartans varsity soccer team (6-4) prepared to do battle with the Center Point-Urbana (CPU) Stormin’ Pointers (5-5) Tuesday, May 4, with the sun shining and a strong breeze blowing, the second game in as many days for Solon.
The game was exciting in the first half and equally an edge-of-the-seat defensive stand for both the teams, and the fans, in the second half.
The Stormin’ Pointers drew first blood with 12:44 remaining in the first half as Center Point-Urbana sophomore Kailey Spurlock snuck a shot past goalie Alex Paisley, the only one she would allow in the game, for a 1-0 lead.
A little more than eight minutes later, sophomore Lady Spartan Georgia Havlicek snaked a shot past Stormin’ Pointers’ senior goalie Sierra Davis to tie the game, 1-1, with 4:17 still left in the first half.
Around a minute later, Solon sophomore Morgan Link had her feet taken out from under her from behind by a CPU player resulting in a penalty kick. Link, in very collected fashion, threaded the needle, depositing the ball through Pointer defenders for the Lady Spartans’ game-winning goal.
The defense of both teams was showcased in the second half as each team advanced into opposing territory on several occasions only to be turned away.
Solon’s stats were unavailable as of deadline, however the Lady Spartans allowed only one goal while CPU fired 11 times, nine on goal, during the game.
“I thought Izzy Paisley had another great game, as well as Alex Locke,” Head Coach Amanda Paulson praised. “We also had Naya Vang step on the field as outside defender for Christine Diersen and she did a great job!”
“Offensively, Morgan Link had several dangerous shots from outside and we had two great goals, one from Link and one from Havlicek,” Coach Paulson continued. “We also had several players come off the bench- Duster, Johnson, Rocca, (and) Young– who brought high energy to our play.”
Link’s penalty kick was extremely important for the team’s mental focus and energy and Havlicek’s goal was icing on the cake, Paulson added.
“I wanted to go into the second half with a lead since we would be facing the wind,” she said. “I also didn’t want us to feel defeated and I wanted us fighting until the end. I think the wind, as well as CPU pushing offensively, forced us to play more defensive in the second half, but I felt we handled it well.”
The Lady Spartans were scheduled to host the West Branch Bears at Spartan Stadium on Monday, May 10, and visit Independence High School to battle the Mustangs on Tuesday, May 11, before a brief break prior to traveling to Karr Athletic Complex, in Vinton, to battle the Vinton-Shellsburg Vikettes at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, May 14.
The Lady Spartans host the Clear Creek-Amana Clippers on Tuesday, May 18, at 5:30 p.m. and host the Iowa City Regina Regals at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, May 21.
Paulson said it will be two busy weeks before postseason play begins.
“I have some concerns about our numbers and our ability to stay healthy for the last six games, but I have full confidence in our team and I know they are doing their part to care for their bodies,” said. “The team’s focus and attention to details has been fantastic and they are doing everything we ask of them. I am excited to see what we can do in the last two weeks of regular season play. We will have a few challenging games, including Vinton-Shellsburg and CCA, but every team will be an opportunity to play together and create scoring opportunities before moving into the postseason.”

Gallery • 4 Photos

Solon’s Morgan Link receives high fives from teammates Stella Mesch and Grace Yetley after scoring on a penalty kick Tuesday, May 4, at Spartan Stadium, during the Lady Spartans’ 2-1 victory over the Center Point-Urbana Stormin’ Pointers.