Girls soccer team better than record

By: Neil Hay
   For 70 minutes the Allentown girls’ soccer team stayed with Hopewell Valley, giving as well as taking. For 70 minutes the Redbirds battled the CVC Valley Division leaders.
   The Bulldogs scored twice in the game’s final 10 minutes for a 2-0 win.
   Certainly Allentown Coach Mike Bianchini could not ask more of his players. Well, maybe a few goals.
   "This was our best overall game of the season against a quality, first-place team. We were with them stride for stride. Hopewell Valley is so good, so skilled."
   With less than 10 minutes to play Hopewell Valley scored its first goal. With less than three minutes left they added the clincher. The locals, trying to score the tying goal, put on pressure which left themselves vulnerable in the backfield. Allentown goalie Katie Seiler (12 saves) had little chance on both goals.
   "Katie played really well. I could not fault her on either goal. We made Hopewell Valley earn it.
   "The entire team played well," continued Bianchini. "I want to give a nod to my defenders who have played almost every minute this year. We are strong in the backfield but thin" with no defensive reserves available.
   Megan Coffey is the Redbirds’ senior sweeper and captain. In front of her is junior stopper Elizabeth King, while the outside fullbacks are senior Erin Lamb and freshman Amanda Vernon.
   "They get the tough assignments, marking the other team’s forwards," said Bianchini of King, Lamb, and Vernon. "All four defenders were fantastic against Hopewell."
   The Bulldogs doubled the Redbirds’ shot totals, 18 to nine. Still, "We had some quality attempts. We had our opportunities. We played well. Their goalie was tested and made some nice saves."
   The loss dropped the locals to 2-6. The record may not look like much, but do not be fooled, cautioned Bianchini.
   "The record does not show the kind of team we are. We are in every game. The record is a reflection of our inability to score. The forwards are young and working hard. When the goals come, we will be a dangerous team."
   Missed chances, missed opportunities, are dogging the Allentown girls soccer team. And not just against Hopewell Valley.
   Bianchini, the first-year coach, is convinced the Redbirds would have a better record if only his booters would finish the play.
   Take last Friday’s 3-0 loss to visiting Notre Dame, a defeat Bianchini called "very frustrating."
   "I thought the Notre Dame game was winnable. The score does not reflect the kind of game it was. We had some opportunities. We didn’t capitalize, Notre Dame did."
   Seiler had nine saves for Allentown against Notre Dame. Each team had 12 shots. But Notre Dame made theirs count.
   Allentown’s play did go up a notch or two when the locals played at Hamilton back on September 17th. Said Bianchini of the Redbirds’ 2-1 loss, "It was a great game."
   The Hornets netted the winner with 15 seconds left in regulation, spoiling the Redbirds’ upset bid.
   "Both teams had opportunities. Seiler (15 saves as Hamilton outshot Allentown 23-12) played real well. There was nothing she could do about both goals."
   Erin Coffey (from Katelynn Bender) scored her third goal of the season as each side traded first-half goals.
   Allentown won its only game of the week on Wednesday, winning at Hightstown, 1-0. So far Allentown, Hamilton and Hightstown have taken turns beating one another.
   "It’s been a tricky year. There’s a lot of parity," said Bianchini.
   With 10:52 to play in the second half Shannon Gallagher’s unassisted goal proved to be the game’s only score. Gallagher earned it the hard way: she beat her defender, got the shot off, then raced in to boot the rebound home.
   Shots were close, 12-10 in Allentown’s favor. Seiler had eight saves, including some biggies late in the fray.
   "The game was saved by Katie. She made three or four outstanding saves late in the game."