Deering’s Meghana Clere scored the first and last of the Rams’ goals against visiting Bonny Eagle on Friday evening, leading her team to a 3-0 victory.
“I thought it was a great match,” said Bonny Eagle head coach Ed Taylor. “I was happy that we matched up with Deering, a great program…I thought we matched up well.”
“We came up short in a few areas,” said Taylor, providing some reasons why. “We skated by the injury bug all year – except for tonight. My senior captain center-mid Madi Freeman got injured late; my striker in the middle, who a lot of times controls the pace of the game, Hailey Bell, she got injured early. It kind of rocked the boat a little bit.”
Clere’s first goal came with 9:46 to play in the opening half. The Rams then added two more in quick succession early in the latter 40 minutes: one by Simone Lauture with 34:19 remaining and Clere’s second with 32:09 still on the clock.
Bonny Eagle had trouble at times finishing on offense; the Rams’ defense effectively contained the Scots’ standout attackers – including Madi Freeman, Abby Cates and Sarah Champagne – and interrupted their numerous advances.
“I told my team,” Taylor said, referring to the injuries his lineup suffered, ‘When you rock the boat against Deering, they’re going to capitalize.’ And they certainly did. They played an outstanding match.”
“The offensive attack, we had some opportunities, but we didn’t capitalize in some areas. Some missed touches here and there,” Taylor said. “On the defensive end, we played stout, but twice we unfortunately missed a mark or two.”
No. 7 Deering improved to 9-6-1 and advanced to Tuesday the 27th’s quarterfinals, where they faced off with No. 2 Scarborough (12-1-1).
Bonny Eagle, who entered the tournament ranked 10th, return to the proverbial locker room till 2016 at 7-8-1.
“I’m proud,” said Taylor. “The program’s come a long way. I couldn’t be happier. The girls for six years have bought into the program. My senior group led the team in the right direction. They’ll be sorely missed.”
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Bonny Eagler Desiree Wright charges past a Deering opponent on Friday night.
Bonny Eagle standout Madi Freeman suffered an injury in the late going against Deering on Friday night, hobbling the Scots’ chances of coming back against the Rams.
Avery Cochran settles a ball for the Scots at Deering on Friday night.
Kayley Rumery slices into a kick at Deering on Friday night.
Keelin Sweeney cleats a ball ahead as a handful of Deering opponents swarm toward her.
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