Eastwood freshman Karissa Nelson and Otsego’s Aubrey Hartman battle for possession in a tournament game on the Eagles’ field Wednesday. (Lee Welch | Sentinel-Tribune)
By Bryce Hudik
Special to the Sentinel-Tribune
PEMBERVILLE — The Eastwood girls soccer team defeated rival Otsego at their home field, 9-1, on Wednesday to advance to the Division IV district semifinals.
A pair of freshmen, Karrissa Nelson and Lauren Schuerman, combined for four of the nine goals in the match.
“We knew coming out that its tournament time, win or go home and that was the message. To take care of business today,” said Eastwood coach Julie Cross.
The Eagles wasted no time taking care of business, scoring three goals within the first 20 minutes of the game. Schuerman got things started with the first goal of the game at 38:48, assisted by sopohomore Ava Kachmarik.
Eastwood junior Karly Wasserman was next to score, finding the back of the net with her left foot at the 30-minute mark. Schuerman finished the sprint of goals, a finesse shot off the inside of her left foot into the bottom right corner at 22:36.
Early on Otsego looked to have some fight in the tank as senior Kaylee Eberly scored by slipping the ball into the top shelf of the net.
“This was the first game we were back fully from injury,” said Otsego coach Isaac Puffer. “It’s been rough, it’s been a frustrating season but the girls that did play played to their fullest abilities. We have got as a lot of young players who’re learning, and the future looks pretty solid.”
Unfortunately for the Knights they would not find another goal.
Wasserman scored two more quick goals at 12:48 then at 11:17. The second goal was set up by a perfect cross from Schuerman and Wasserman headed it in. Not to be overshadowed, this final goal gave Wasserman a hat trick in the first half.
Nelson ended the Eagle’s prolific scoring half with a break away goal in the waning minutes. This made the score at half a lopsided 6-1.
Nelson scored her second and back-to-back goal of the game to break open the second period at 33:02. This was succeeded by a goal from junior Piper Sutton goal and then senior Riley Burtchin scored off a corner kick.
The trio of Nelson, Schuerman, and Wasserman accounted for seven of the nine goals and looked to be a dominant force in general. Another freshman, Macy Shoemaker. had three assists while Kachmarik and Sutton had two assists apiece, and Schuerman had one assist.
“I think we just have to build on those connections that gave us all our chances. And clean up a few things on defense and take pride on the side of the ball,” said Cross.
Eastwood senior goalkeeper Jordan Jensen had three saves.
Eastwood (7-8-3) will take on No. 1 seed Lake next Wednesday at Genoa High School with kickoff slated for 5 p.m. The Knights’ season comes to an end at 5-13 but will look to bounce back next year when they return multiple players.
