Lydia Adams

Chloe Groemling (#5, 10) dribbling the ball away from a Brown player.

On Saturday morning, the varsity girls’ soccer team matched up against Brown. The Crimsons prevailed in a low-scoring defensive affair and came out on top with a 1-0 win. 

First Half:

The game started with multiple near misses by both teams. Mia Bajic (#6, 11) and Bela Gatton (#3, 11) both had shot attempts for the Crimsons within the first five minutes. Gatton’s shot came off a corner kick from Chloe Groemling (#5, 10). 

Brown’s first shot attempt came shortly after, which was saved by Manual keeper Morgan White (#00, 11). 

Brown’s shot was soon followed by another corner kick for Manual by Groemling. The Crimsons were able to keep the ball close to the goal for several minutes, eventually resulting in a goal by Amelia Jones (#7, 12) at the 29-minute mark of the first half.

“I’m proud of myself for scoring, but it’s a team effort, so I can’t take all the credit,” Jones said.

Brown took several more shots throughout the first half, all of which either went long or were saved by White. In the last 15 minutes, Emerson Jones (#19, 12) and Bajic had several close shots including one from Bajic that was narrowly saved by Brown’s goalkeeper.

A foul on Abigail Barker (#8, 11) resulted in a free kick for Brown with six minutes remaining in the half. This shot and corner kick were both well-defended by multiple Manual players and were saved by White. 

“I’m really glad that we stayed together as a team and defended well,” Jones said, about the team’s defensive performance. 

The Crimsons entered halftime holding a 1-0 lead.

Second Half:

The second half of the game was a defensive battle. Shots from Jones and Bajic were saved by Brown’s keeper. Following a narrow miss from Gatton, Manual’s Emma Griffin (#2, 11) was called for a foul. Brown was once again awarded a free kick, which White saved. 

Several more shot attempts were made by each team, but the score was held at 1-0 throughout the second half due to multiple saves by both goalkeepers. The Crimsons were ultimately able to keep Brown out of the goal and pitch a shutout, defeating Brown 1-0.

“It was really good when they played as a team…I thought the energy was really high. We did have some moments where it dropped a little bit, but I think it was very positive throughout,”

Manual assistant coach Emma Jackson said. 

The Crimsons’ next game is on Monday, September 25 where they face Elizabethtown High School at home at 6 p.m.Mia Bajic (#6, 11)

Gallery • 9 Photos

Lydia Adams

Amelia Jones (#7, 12), Mia Bajic (#6, 11) and Chloe Groemling (#5, 10) celebrating after a play.