The Panther Pride U11 girl’s soccer team added two more wins to their record this weekend. The Pride defeated the Galaxy Black on Saturday 5-2 dominating the game early with strong forward play by Kelsey Kraft (5 goals) and strong Midfield play by Kristy Zimbelmann (2 assists), Lauren Wilson (1 assist) and Mikaela Mockenhaupt. The defense was solid led by Kamyrn Coppes, Caitlyn Lukowski, Cali Bonie, and Alyison Simon. Madison Pence (2 assists) Courtney Gardner and Eliza Soyars provided excellent support at the Midfield and forward positions ensuring the Pride victory.
On Sunday the Pride faced an undefeated Kickers Classic team in a battle for first place. In the first half both teams played extremely hard and had many chances but were unable to score. The Pride came out in the second half with new energy and determination setting up a nifty play when Zimbelmann made an excellent leading pass to Kraft who out ran the defense and put the ball in the back of the net. The teams continued to battle back and forth throughout the second half with scoring opportunities on both sides. Excellent defensive play by Coppes, Lukowski, Bonie, Emily Nagel, and Alyison Simon held the Kickers in check. Forward Kraft, midfielders Mockenhaupt, Zimbelmann, and Wilson helped to control the ball in the second half and pressure the Kickers defense. Outstanding goaltending and excellent saves by Pence and Bonie preserved the shutout. With the victory the Pride were able to clinch the IWSL U11CW title.
