For a team off to such a promising start, the Lady Pioneers are still struggling to start games.
Warren County was able to overcome another early goal Tuesday night, ultimately forcing a 2-2 tie against a tough Central Magnet team in its home opener.
The Lady Pioneers, who are now 3-0-2 this year, allowed a goal in the opening two minutes for the third time in four games. It hasn’t cost the team a game yet, but coach Todd Willmore has continued to stress starting quickly to his talented squad.
“It’s almost like we need something to energize us,” said Willmore. “The intensity we showed in the first half was good. We possessed the ball well.
“The girls have noticed how good we play when we start quick. We’ve done it twice this year. We’ll keep working.”
It was the first season meeting for the two squads, but the programs are no strangers. The Lady Pioneers met the Murfreesboro team early in the summer at MTSU camp, something that has been an annual occurrence over the last 4-5 years.
After falling down in the opening minutes, Warren County flipped the game back in its favor before halftime.
The Lady Pioneers got on the board midway through the first half by attacking the net. Journey Cowan played a ball from the wing into the box, leaving it bouncing around between defenders and Warren County attackers.
Jaden Smartt was able to win the battle, bodying a shot into the net for the equalizing goal.
The same process unfolded minutes later.
The Lady Pioneers again attacked the Central Magnet net, igniting a mad scramble when Breezy Wanamaker, Katie Toney, Bekah Jackson and Sam Ramsey rushed the net. Toney, the team’s leading scorer, was in the right place at the right time, tapping in a shot after it squirted past the Lady Tiger keeper.
Warren County couldn’t hold its 2-1 lead in the second half though. Central Magnet scored the tying goal early in the half, then survived a Lady Pioneer barrage near the end to earn a tie.
“Central Magnet played really well in the second half. They changed the momentum and it was late before we ever got it back. We had chances to score, but it didn’t happen for us,” said Willmore.
The Lady Pioneers were at home trying to defend their unblemished mark Thursday against St. Andrew’s Sewanee. Results were unavailable at press time. Check Sunday’s sports section for more coverage of Lady Pioneer soccer.
