Pekin 2, Washington 0

PEKIN - Pekin won its second straight girls' soccer match with a 2-0 Mid-Illini Conference decision over Washington Tuesday at Coal Miners Park.

“The girls really wanted this one,” Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval said. “Washington beat us pretty easily in two out of three games last year. I think our girls wanted to show just how far we've come.”

Jakki Johnson broke a scoreless tie when she took the ball deep toward the right end line and lofted the ball high towards the far post where Lauren Cash poked it in for a 1-0 lead.

The Lady Dragons' (9-6-1, 4-6-1) defense held strong until midway through the second half when Washington (2-10-2, 2-7-2) had several chances. Lindsey Coffey stopped all eight shots she faced, including one rocket with a diving save.

Cash set up the only other score with a pass to Colleen Quilty.

“The goal was all about desire,” Sandoval said. “(Quilty) made a run from the defensive midfield area and finished it off. I wish all our players wanted it that bad.”

Pekin 2, Galesburg 1

The Pekin girls soccer team got back on the winning track Monday, earning a 2-1 non-conference win at Galesburg.

It didn't take long for the Dragons (8-6-1) to get on the board, with Allie Zuercher scoring off a Jakki Johnson assist just over a minute into the game.

“It was a great goal and a well executed corner,” said Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval. “It looked like we'd be able to score at will after that, but I think it might have given our girls too much confidence.”

The goal ended the scoring in the first half, with the next tally coming four minutes into the second half when Johnson assisted on Lauren Cash's goal.

Galesburg scored a goal in the 59th minute, but that was as close as the Silver Streaks would come.

Dunlap 3, Pekin 0

PEKIN - Dunlap's Ashlynn Miller scored two goals and Pekin had trouble finding its offense in a 3-0 loss at Coal Miners Park on Saturday.

Jenna Haste also scored for the Eagles (10-4-1, 7-3) in the MId_Illini Conference win.

Goalie Lindsay Coffey stopped a career-high 18 shots for Pekin (7-6-1, 3-6-1).

Metamora 3, Pekin 0

METAMORA - For the second straight game, the Pekin girls soccer team was unable to put the ball in the net, losing a 3-0 Mid-Illini Conference decision to host Metamora Thursday.

A beautiful shot from Marissa Ausman just four minutes into the game turned out to be the game-winner. The Redbirds outshot the Dragons 15-2 in the first half.

With the wind at their backs in the second half, the Dragons were in full attack mode, getting several good chances to score.

"We outshot them in the second half, but still couldn't get over the hump," said Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval. "Still, it's progress as we had many more chances tonight than we did against Morton. Hopefully we can regroup and give a strong effort against Dunlap on Saturday."

Pekin goalie Lindsay Coffey finished with 16 saves, one short of her career high.

Morton 5, Pekin 0

PEKIN - Pekin's longest winning streak came to a screeching halt Tuesday with a 5-0 girls' soccer loss to Mid-Illini Conference leader Morton at Coal MIner's Park.

Freshman Holly Bennett's goal 11 minutes in was all the offense the Potters (9-1, 8-0) would need, and all the offense they'd be able to muster in the first half. "We contained and challenged really well in the first half and (goalkeeper) Lindsay (Coffey) had some great saves," Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval said. "We just werren't able to put passes together and threaten on the offensive end."

The Dragons' defense was unable to sustain the effort in the second half. With star sweeper Mrissa McGurr still slowed by injury, they took another big hit when sophomore defender Haley Lower went down with a sprained ankle. The Potters' Amy Unszicker scored twice in a four minute span at the start of the half.

Pekin didn't quit and with under five minutes, McGurr sent a long ball over the defense and Lauren Cash beat two defenders before coming up short in the penalty box.

"I love that our girls didn't give up and were still looking to score despite the match being out of reach," Sandoval said.

Coffey finished with 12 saves for the hosts (7-4-1, 3-4-1).

Pekin 3, Lincoln 0; Pekin 3, Sterling 0

PEKIN - The second annual Pekin Invitational girls soccer tournament was a big zero for the host team.

The Lady Dragons didn't allow a goal in three games en route to winning their second consecutive championship.

A 3-0 victory Saturday over Lincoln clinched the title. Pekin previously blanked Peoria Woodruff 7-0 Friday and Sterling 3-0 Saturday in the four-team round-robin competition at Coal Miners Park.

Record setter

The win over Lincoln was Pekin's sixth straight, a school record. The former longest winning streak was five, in 2005.

The young Lady Dragons (7-3-1), who do not have a senior in their starting lineup, also have a school record five consecutive shutouts.

“It was a great weekend,'' said Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval. “The girls did everything I asked them to do, especially on offense.''

Pekin and Lincoln went into their game with identical 2-0 invitational records.

Shawna Swisher, who tied with Lincoln star Beth Rayman for invitational scoring honors with five goals, scored twice to lead the Lady Dragons past the Railsplitters (5-7-1).

Allie Zuercher, who dished out an invitational-best five assists, scored Pekin's other goal against Lincoln.

Helping hand

Kayla Milam saved Pekin's shutout late in the second half when she booted away a ball that had slipped past goalie Lindsay Coffey and was headed into the net.

Coffey was a tower of strength otherwise. She made seven saves and several tough catches on crossing passes.

Haley Lower was assigned to cover Rayman in Lincoln's attacking zone, and Lower carried out her assignment.

Rayman's best scoring chance came on a second-half free kick that kissed the crossbar and went harmlessly out of play.

Lincoln also had not allowed a goal in the invitational going into the title game.

“It was exciting for both Lincoln and us because of what was at stake,'' Sandoval said. “I told the girls beforehand that our substitute rotation was going to be different, like it would be in a state tournament game.''

“This is big time for us,'' said Lincoln coach Tim Stuckey. “We really like playing in this tournament. The hospitality is great, and this is an outstanding facility.''

Swisher scored Pekin's first goal against Lincoln. She used her speed to get behind the defense after chasing down a pass from Zuercher, then she cut to her right and blistered a shot into the net at 16:38 of the first half.

Swisher's second goal came in the second half. Her rebound shot hit the crossbar and bounced down. Stuckey protested the goal, but all that earned him was a yellow card.

“No. 21 (Swisher) is very quick,'' Stuckey said. “We couldn't run her down all day.''

Zuercher's goal, set up by some hard work by Emily LaBanca, gave Pekin a 2-0 halftime lead.

About the only thing that went wrong for the Lady Dragons against Lincoln was the 11 offsides called against them in the first half.

Pekin played the entire invitational without star sweeper Marissa McGurr, who was sidelined with a hip injury. She may be ready to play Tuesday against Mid-Illini Conference power Morton.

“First I need to see if she can run,'' Sandoval said.

JUST FOR KICKS: Swisher, Diane Jess and Jakki Johnson scored Pekin's goals against Sterling, and goalie Morgan Lynn earned the shutout. ... In other invitational games Saturday, Lincoln defeated Woodruff 6-0 and Sterling blanked Woodruff 2-0. ... Sterling (1-2) finished third and Woodruff (0-3) was fourth in the invitational standings. Sterling was outscored 11-2 and Woodruff was outscored 15-0 in three games. ... LaBanca, Pekin's leading scorer last year, plays with a heavy brace on her left knee. She underwent ACL surgery last fall and just returned to action last week. ... Pekin Mayor Dave Tebben helped award championship and runner-up team trophies and individual medals to Pekin and Lincoln after the game.

Pekin 7, Woodruff 0

PEKIN - The Pekin girls soccer team suffered through another slow start, but turned it on in the second half en route to a 7-0 win over Woodruff Friday in the opening match of the Pekin Invitational.

The Warriors' defense held strong early, keeping the Dragons off the scoreboard until 18 minutes in. Lindsay Coffey sent home a pass from Allie Zuercher right in front of the Woodruff goal for the only score of the half. It was the first of three assists for the junior midfielder.

“We had plenty of chances, but we just weren't finishing,” said Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval.

The offensive floodgates opened in the second half for the Dragons.

Zuercher found Emily LaBanca, playing just her second game of the season, for another goal just 89 seconds into the second half. Leading scorer Shawna Swisher got into the act, scoring two goals in a six-minute span.

Seniors Michelle Feicke and Darsie Hacker and freshman Hayley Brienen scored their first goals of the season to close out the scoring.

“I think our girls were fired up after missing so many shots in the first half,” Sandoval said. “Hopefully we can keep it up on Saturday.”

Freshman goalkeeper Morgan Lynn recorded her first career shutout.

Lincoln 5, Sterling 0

In the second game of the Pekin Invitational, Lincoln looked like a team with something to prove. The Railsplitters tied Sterling 1-1 in their opening match last year, but this year's rematch was a much different story, with Lincoln coming out on top, 5-0.

Lincoln got on the board just 43 seconds into the game when the school's all-time leading scorer, Beth Rayman, put the ball in the back of the net. Rayman finished with a hat trick and two assists.

Emily Bergiln and Audra Krusz accounted for the other goals for Lincoln.

The Invitional wraps up with a four-game schedule today at Coal Miners Park, starting with Pekin vs. Sterling at 9 a.m.

Dragons picked to defend soccer title

PEKIN - The Pekin High School girls soccer team has given up an average of 66 goals a year during its 12-year history.

As the Lady Dragons approach the halfway point of this season, they've allowed just 10.

That stingy defense is a big reason why Pekin is favored to successfully defend its championship in its second annual invitational tournament.

Four teams will each play three 60-minute games (20 minutes shorter than usual) today and Saturday in a round-robin format at Coal Miners Park.

Pekin (4-3-1) will open against Peoria Woodruff at 4 p.m. today, then face Sterling (1-3) at 9 a.m. Saturday and Lincoln at 3:30 p.m. Saturday.

The Lady Dragons won all three of their invitational games last year, including a narrow 1-0 triumph over Lincoln that determined the champion. It could all come down to that game again this weekend.

"Our defensive effort this year has been exceptional,'' said Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval. "Giving up just 10 goals is especially impressive when you consider we've played Morton, Dunlap and Metamora.''

Besides playing three games in less than 24 hours, Pekin's defense will be short-handed this weekend.

Star sweeper Marissa McGurr injured her hip during the Lady Dragons' 2-0 win Tuesday over Orion and she missed Pekin's 2-0 victory Thursday over Limestone.

''Marissa is out for the tournament, and maybe longer,'' Sandoval said.

Sophomore Colleen Quilty will be available. Quilty, who was hurt most of her freshman season, is playing a strong defensive midfield. She also creates many scoring chances with her long throw-ins.

"She's a weapon,'' Sandoval said.

Offensive midfielder Allie Zuercher has combined forces with Quilty to give Pekin a strong presence in the midfield.

Goalie Lindsay Coffey stopped four Limestone shots in recording her second shutout of the year.

Emily LaBanca, Pekin's leading scorer last year, played her first game of the season Thursday. She's recovering from ACL surgery she underwent in the fall.

"We start two freshmen, four sophomores and five juniors, so our future looks bright,'' Sandoval said.

Woodruff, Pekin's opponent this afternoon, won its first game of the season Tuesday when it defeated Peoria Central, 6-2.

After opening the year with a 1-1 tie with Orion, Sterling has been outscored 17-0 in its last three games.

Lincoln features star forward Beth Rayman, who set single-season school records in goals (17) and points (39) last year. The four-year starter also owns school career records in goals and points.

Rayman, who was born without use of her left hand and arm, takes Lincoln's free kicks, corner kicks and penalty kicks.

Lincoln's fifth-place finish in the Central State Eight Conference last year was its highest since the program was launched in 1997. Led by Rayman's efforts, the Railsplitters broke 11 school records in 2007.

Pekin 2, Limestone 0

BARTONVILLE - Pekin climbed above the .500 mark for the second time this season with a 2-0 Mid-Illini Conference girls' soccer victory over Limestone on Thursday.

"The first half was our worst half of the season by far," Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval said. "I know we were going into a strong wind, but that doesn't explain why we were getting beaten to all the balls. Our girls just didn't seem to want to be out there."

After a scoreless first half, the Dragons (4-3-1) scored on a play from Lauren Cash to Jakki Johnson to Shawna Swisher. Then, with seven minutes to go, Cash again cut back on a defender and played the ball where Johnson drove a shot into the net.

"The second half was much better," Sandoval said. "The ball was in their end for the great majority of the time. We had many chances, but we still need to work on finishing."

Pekin goalkeeper Lindsay Coffey stopped all four Limestone shots she faced to get her second shutout of the season.

Pekin 2, Orion 0

PEKIN - Host Pekin recorded back-to-back girls' soccer wins for the first time this season Tuesday following a 2-0 non-conference victory over Orion at Coal Miners Park.

The Lady Dragons got on the board early when Jakki Johnson took the ball down to the endline and played a solid cross to Shawna Swisher for a point-blank goal seven minutes into the first half. It was Swisher's third goal in the past two games.

“On Monday we really stressed not putting the ball up for grabs in the box and looking at all the places you should be finding teammates,” Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval said. “Jakki and Shawna executed perfectly.”

The score stayed 1-0 with Pekin struggling to get good shots going into a strong wind. But with the wind in the second half, they were able to threaten the Chargers with multiple quality chances.

With about 10 minutes left, they iced the match when Lauren Cash's shot rebounded off an Orion defender high into the air and Colleen Quilty, waiting about 25 yards out on the right side, was able to strike it into the left corner of the goal.

Pekin 4, East Peoria 1

PEKIN - The Pekin High School's girls' soccer team finally found its offense, exploding for four goals in a 4-1 Mid-Illini Conference win over East Peoria Saturday at Coal Miners Park.

Trailing 1-0 early, the Lady Dragons stormed back with two goals in a seven-minute span. Lauren Cash saw a cutting Shawna Swisher and played a ball through the Red Raider defense, where Swisher put it in the back of the net to tie the game up.

Seven minutes later, it was Swisher again, this time setting up for a shot inside the box when she was tripped from behind by an East Peoria defender. Marissa McGurr blasted the penalty kick past EP goalkeeper Autumn Burrage to give the Lady Dragons (2-3-1) the lead for good.

“Shawna and Lauren were exceptional up front and had several other breakaway chances,” Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval said. “We talked at halftime about tightening your gut and blocking out all distractions and I think they really took it to heart.”

Four minutes into the second half, Swisher ran into a Colleen Quilty lead pass, side-stepped a sliding Burrage and put the Lady Dragons up two with an open net goal. Cash closed out the scoring with a breakaway goal of her own.

“Colleen Quilty and Allie Zuercher were phenomenal in the midfield,” Sandoval said. “They won the majority of the 50/50 balls, made terrific decisions and passes that led to a number of scoring chances.”

Pekin 0, Washington 0

WASHINGTON - Pekin didn't muster much offense on Tuesday, but for once, it didn't end up in a loss for the Lady Dragons, who finished their Mid-Illini Conference girls' soccer match with Washington in a 0-0 tie.

The tie snapped a three-game losing streak for Pekin (1-3-1).

“We dominated early, keeping the ball mostly in their end for the first 15 minutes, but we were pretty uninspired after that,” said Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval. “We had more chances, but they had better chances, so this was a good result. And they outscored us 13-1 in three games last year, so this is a good step in the right direction.”

The Dragons outshot the Panthers, 10-9, with Pekin goalie Lindsay Coffey making eight saves.

Pekin will travel to Galesburg Thursday for a non-conference match.

Postponed

The rest of Tuesday's Pekin spring sports activity was postponed by rain.

Dunlap 1, Pekin 0

DUNLAP - Pekin played another solid defensive game, but couldn't generate any offense in a 1-0 Mid-Illini Conference girls' soccer loss to host Dunlap Saturday.

Pekin (1-3-1) had just one shot on goal compared to the Eagles' 12. The lone goal came from Lisa Ukleja at 63:54 in the second half.

Pekin's freshman goalie Morgan Lynn had 11 saves.

Note: Lindsay Coffey played goalie for us on Saturday and had the 11 saves.

Metamora 4, Pekin 0

PEKIN - Metamora handed Pekin its second straight shutout loss, posting a 4-0 Mid-Illini Conference girls' soccer victory Tuesday at Coal Miners Park.

Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval said his squad played very well defensively in the first half.

“We played a strong first half,” he said. “We had three shots on goal to their 10 and our defense was strong. We just needed to possess the ball better to set up more chances.”

Metamora's Emily Husted scored the first goal of the game late in the first half from just outside the penalty box. The Redbirds scored twice more in the second half and received an own goal.

Pekin freshman goal keeper Morgan Lynn made 14 saves.

“Our effort in the second half wasn't as good,” Sandoval said. “We lost track of our marks and didn't make many good decisions with the ball. Metamora lost only two starters from last year's team. I expected this to be a challenge.”