Griffins blank Celtics to capture first victory of season

 

 

By Curt Herron

After seeing their team allow 10 goals in the first three matches, Brian Papa and Ryan Decker knew that changes had to be made.

Finding a system that emphasized defense, possessing the ball and manufacturing set pieces was essential for Lincoln-Way East.

With nearly a week off since their last action, the Griffins had plenty of time in order to work on the new kind of approach.

And while one match doesn't signify a complete success, an initial victory definitely makes it a step in the right direction.

East snapped its losing streak and posted its initial shutout with a 2-0 win over Providence Catholic on Saturday in Frankfort.

A goal midway through the opening on a header by Lindsey Murphy off a corner kick from Kelsey Elam stood for most of the match.

After the Celtics tested keeper Katie Kazmierczak with several free kicks, Elam put in one of her own during the final minute.

But equally important for East was the play of Jessica Bicek and Murphy inside and Tracy Brinkman and Elam outside on defense.

Thanks to good efforts in the midfield to control possession, the backline effectively limited threats toward the Griffin net.

And on the other side, Griffins forwards Hanna McClard, McKenna Fuggett and Bona Shin kept the pressure on Providence's goal.

"We asked a couple of things from the girls and one of those was to keep possession," Papa said. "We had a week of practice and we worked real hard to learn some things. The girls bought into what we worked on and it was a good result.

"We played much better than a 1-0 result, but that's what it was most of the game. We lost some composure at the end but then we regained it. There were a lot of ups and downs but for the most part I was very happy with the girls.

"Their opportunities mainly came on a breakdown here or there, but that's the game of soccer. This was only their second game and in the first half they didn't play that well and we did but then they started pressing in the second half."

As has been the case with all teams so far this season, trying to find a rhythm has been difficult due to the lousy weather.

"With all of the snow and the 20 degree weather, we had to get out and practice this week," Papa said. "I give the girls a lot of credit since there was no griping. Even though we have some experience with a few seniors, we're still young.

"This was a big win for Kaz as a goalkeeper because she was inexperienced from last year but today she had a complete game. I thought our defense of Kelsey, Jessica, Lindsey and Tracy kept their shape for the most part and moved quite well.

"We have a healthy Jill Kilrea and she's starting to play well in the midfield. Hanna, McKenna and Bona gave us some presence in the front line. This was a good team that we beat and we got the ball behind the defense and got some crosses."

After scoring only one goal in its first two matches, East got a boost last Sunday in a 3-2 loss to Lockport at Toyota Park.

The optimism gained from that result seemed to carry into Saturday's contest which was played on a cold but sunny afternoon.

Heading into the wind during the initial half, the Griffins got the only goal that they would need just after the midpoint.

Elam started the sequence with a corner kick that went into the box to Murphy, whose try was deflected for another corner.

After going to the other side of the field, Elam sent another perfect corner kick in front and Murphy headed the ball in.

"Hopefully getting our first win boosts our confidence," Murphy said. "We're still trying to get used to playing with one another. We've been trying to work on things at practice and I guess that we're getting stuff done since we won.

"After what happened last year against Lockport, only losing to them by one was a big accomplishment. It's fun being a part of this team. In the back we joke around if a ball gets past us but we always know that we have each others' back."

As the opening half of play wound down, McClard was thwarted on an attempt from the side and then later on a line drive.

Midway through the final half, Samantha Fiorella was denied from close range and then Hanna Dawczak had a shot try halted.

Fiorella later saw a short shot stopped and Elam was thwarted on a long free kick as East looked to add to its advantage.

Meanwhile, the Celtics started to apply more pressure on Kazmierczak, primarily on a series of free kicks from long range.

"It means a lot to us that we got our first win," Kazmierczak said. "We got a shutout and a win at the same time so that's also good for our defense. We really needed this as a team in order to move forward for the invite next week.

"I rely a lot on my back four of Tracy, Jessica, Lindsey and Kelsey and it's not my win, it's theirs. It's been hard with the weather but we got our first full week of practice in and it showed. I think we have a strong group this year."

It looked like the first-half goal would be the lone tally but Elam capped the victory with one more well-placed free kick.

Her effort from the side was lined into the opposite corner of the net with just 19 seconds left to result in a 2-0 final.

"Getting this win boosts our confidence and helps us know what we need to work on for our next games," Elam said. "We worked a lot the last few days of practice in going where we wanted to go, making passes and also our defense.

"We worked really good together today on defense and our midfielders and forwards all connected with each other. It feels like a family and we don't have any conflicts on this team. We have a lot of chemistry and that's always good."

The Griffins hope to follow up on their initial success when they compete in a pair of matches at this week's Stagg Invite.

East takes on the host Chargers on Monday and then meets Mother McAuley on Wednesday with both taking place in Palos Hills.