YOUNGSVILLE, Pa. – Warren’s girls’ soccer team weathered early pressure and battled its way to a 3-1 win over visiting Harbor Creek on Saturday.
Georgie Bickling scored a pair of goals, including one on a penalty kick, and Leyna Irwin tacked on the third late in the second half to give the Dragons breathing room.
Bickling spoke about the match following the win:
Harbor Creek controlled possession early in the match and created several quality chances that were either stopped by keeper Hailey Peterson or went wide of the net.
“(Hailey)’s a converted field player,” Warren coach Jeremy Bickling said. “We didn’t have an option for goalkeeper, basically halfway through the summer, she took on the job. Each and every game we’re seeing progress with her. She’s making stops that keep the momentum rolling for us, and inspire the girls to work harder for us. Huge credit to her for taking on that challenge.”
See his full postgame interview here:
The Dragons created a quality chance at 11:30. Warren pushed the ball into the offensive zone and after a brief scrum in the box, Bickling got control and pushed the ball past the keeper for the opening goal.
Bickling was able to capitalize on another chance with just over two minutes to play in the first half. She drew a penalty in the box and buried the PK to give the Dragons a 2-0 lead at the half.
This Georgie Bickling PK puts @LadyDragonSocr up 2-0 over Harbor Creek. Bickling has both goals at half. pic.twitter.com/EXYGrcEJi1
— D9and10Sports (@ydlsportsnet) September 17, 2022
The intensity, and physicality, ramped up in the second half of the match. Both teams were able to get shots on goal, but the keepers were up to the task.
Just before the midpoint of the half, a Harbor Creek player went up to head the ball. She twisted in the air and fell to the ground. After a lengthy discussion and the ejection of a spectator, officials ruled a foul on the play and awarded a free kick to the Huskies.
Reese Weismiller launched the free kick into the box and Leya Bretz headed it into the net to cut the Dragons’ lead to 2-1.
Moments later, Irwin got behind the defense and popped a kick over the keeper’s head and into the goal for the final tally.
Ella Ordiway and Bickling picked up the assists on the first and third goals for the Dragons.
Warren will be right back on the pitch on Monday as the Dragons welcome in rival Meadville.
