Pekin Lady Dragons Soccer

Normal West 3, Pekin 1

2009-05-19T23:32:00.000-05:00

EAST MOLINE -
Pekin High School’s splendid girls’ soccer season came to an end Tuesday night with a 3-1 loss to Normal West in the semifinals of the Class 3A East Moline Sectional.
Second-seeded Normal West (16-4-3) advances to Friday’s championship against top-seeded Normal Community (22-1), and 8-1 winner over host East Moline.
The third-seeded Lady Dragons (13-5-2) didn’t go down without a fight and actually got on the board first. About eight minutes into the game, Pekin forced a corner kick and for the eighth time this season freshman Sarah Zuercher found Michaela Quilty for a goal off a corner.
“That combination is extremely dangerous,” said Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval. “Sarah serves a great ball and Michaela times her runs so well.”
Normal West struck back two minutes later when midfielder Jen Guy crossed to Jordan Becker who finished it off with a beautiful header. The score remained 1-1 until later in the half when Guy scored on a pass from Becker.
“We played a good first half, they just executed perfectly on those two plays,” Sandoval said.
The score remained 2-1 for most of the second half with Pekin sophomore keeper Morgan Lynn stopping several strong West chances in the box. The Lady Dragons had several chances of their own, but Wildcats keeper Erin McGinnis was equal to the challenge.
In the end, it was another Becker header from point blank range with three minutes to go that ended the Lady Dragons’ season.
“We graduate a senior class of six terrific young women, five of whom have been with me on varsity for four years, “Sandoval said. “I will miss them very much. But they laid the foundation for a very bright future.”
Second in the Mid-Illini Conference (9-1-2), the Lady Dragons return nine starters and 16 players in total that account for 91 percent of this year’s goals and assists. Pekin will also get back it’s top five defenders and starting goalkeeper.
NOTES: The 2009 Lady Dragons set program records for most wins, fewest losses, most goals scored and fewest goals allowed. For the first time ever, three Pekin players: juniors Marissa McGurr, Colleen Quilty and freshman Sarah Zuercher, were voted all-sectional by the Illinois High School Coaches Association. Coach Edgar Sandoval was voted Coach of the Year by the Section 13 (includes the Peoria and Quad Cities areas) coaches.

Tough Road For Pekin Soccer Team

2009-05-18T23:31:00.001-05:00

EAST MOLINE, Ill. -
Could there be a tougher Illinois High School Association girls soccer regional in the state than the Class 3A East Moline Regional?
It’s doubtful. Going into the regional, the five teams in the field had a combined 68-25-8 record.
No. 1 seed Normal Community (21-1) and No. 3 seed Pekin (13-4-2) have set school records for victories in a season.
Normal Community has won 20 straight games and outscored its opponents 100-9. Its only loss is a 1-0 setback to Peoria Notre Dame.
No. 2 seed Normal West (15-4-3), which finished third in last year’s Class AA state finals, has won five consecutive regional championships.
No. 4 seed East Moline (11-7-1) and No. 5 seed Moline (9-10-1) are no slouches.
After being rained out Friday, East Moline and Moline collided in a play-in game Monday and East Moline won 2-0 thanks to two second-half goals.
East Moline will face Normal Community at 4:30 p.m. today, followed by Pekin vs. Normal West at 6:30 p.m.
The winners will play in the regional championship game at 5 p.m. Friday, with the champ moving on to the Normal Sectional to face the Minooka Regional winner May 26 at Normal Community.
Pekin is 0-2 against Normal West and Normal Community this season. The Lady Dragons dominated the second half but lost 2-0 to Normal West in the championship game of the Lady Dragons Invitational, and they fell 2-1 to Normal Community in their season opener.
Despite those losses, Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval is glad he added those teams to his schedule.
“I think my forward thinking has paid off,” he said. “At least our girls are familiar with those teams.”
Normal West crushed Pekin 11-1 in 2004 and 8-0 in 2005 in previous regional games. But this is an entirely different Pekin team. It’s filled with a talented freshman class and solid veterans.
“It’s special,” said Sandoval, who nearly has run out of adjectives to describe the Lady Dragons. “This is the first Pekin team I’ve coached that has the ability to be truly competitive in every game we play.”
The Lady Dragons went 9-1-2 in the rugged Mid-Illini Conference, good for second place. They were 3-1-2 against conference champion Morton, Metamora and Dunlap, outscoring them 12-9, after going 0-13 and being outscored 52-1 by the trio in Pekin’s first two seasons in the conference.
Shock waves reverberated across the area soccer world April 28 when Pekin upset Morton 3-2, ending the Lady Potters’ 68-match conference unbeaten streak. Morton hadn’t lost a Mid-Illini game since 2003.
Pekin hasn’t lost back-to-back games all season. In addition to their 13 victories, the Lady Dragons’ four losses, 59 goals and 21 goals allowed are all school records.
“What these girls have accomplished goes beyond my wildest expectations,” Sandoval said. “I would have been incredibly pleased if we had gone 8-4 in the conference.”
If Pekin beats Normal West and advances to Friday’s regional championship game, Sandoval will have to change his weekend plans.
He’s scheduled to fly from Peoria to Las Vegas on Friday for a family get-together. If he needs to coach Friday, he’ll fly out Saturday from Chicago.
“I’ve told the girls, ’Make me miss my flight Friday,’” Sandoval said.
Pekin’s leading scorers are freshman Sarah Zuercher (18 goals, 19 assists), freshman Michaela Quilty (13 goals, seven assists) and junior Shawna Swisher (10 goals, four assists.)

Pekin 3, Dunlap 1

2009-05-14T23:29:00.000-05:00

DUNLAP — The Pekin girls soccer team capped off their best season ever with a 3-1 Mid-Illini Conference win at Dunlap Thursday.
Shawna Swisher got the Dragons on the board with a goal just seven minutes into the game off a Sarah Zuercher assist. Zuercher then found the back of the net with less than a minute to go in the first half to put Pekin up, 2-0.
“We spent a big chunk of practice the other day scrimmaging where every pass had to stay on the ground,” said Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval. “I think it really helped us refocus and got us playing the way we were playing at our peak a few weeks ago.”
Zuercher pushed the lead to 3-0 with a goal off an assist from Lauren Cash, giving Zuercher 18 goals on the year, just two off the team single-season record.
The Eagles got on the board with about four minutes to go on a beautifully placed shot by Dunlap’s Jenna Haste, but it was too little too late.
“They dominated us for two years, so to sweep them this year is very satisfying,” Sandoval said.
“It is one of many great milestones this team has reached.”

Richwoods 4, Pekin 3

2009-05-09T23:34:00.000-05:00

PEKIN — Coming off a record-setting Senior Night on Thursday, Pekin had its momentum halted by Richwoods, as the host Lady Dragons fell to the Lady Knights by a score of 4-3 Saturday.
Pekin set a record for wins in a season (12) on Thursday night, but the Lady Dragons (12-4-2) couldn’t quite hold off Louisville-recruit Courtney Holtz, who found the net twice in Richwoods’ Saturday win.
Nicole Strube struck first for the Lady Knights, scoring 3:55 into the game, while Holtz followed up just over 20 minutes later with her first goal.
“Holtz and Strube are fast and they work well together,” Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval said. “We had a plan. They were just able to execute better.”
Pekin freshman Sarah Zuercher answered back with the first of her two goals to bring the Lady Dragons within one at the half.
Zuercher tied the game with her second goal five minutes into the second period on an assist from junior Lauren Cash, but Holtz retaliated with a penalty kick seven minutes later to put Richwoods ahead 3-2.
Pekin junior Shawna Swisher tied the game once more, but Strube’s second goal was enough to give the Lady Knights their sixth win of the year, compared to nine losses and no ties.
“No one play loses a match,” Sandoval said. “We had plenty of chances. Obviously we wanted the win, but it was a terrific back-and-forth battle.”
The Lady Dragons will finish up the regular season Wednesday at Dunlap and will begin regional play on Friday.

Pekin 7, East Peoria 1

2009-05-07T23:25:00.000-05:00

PEKIN, Ill. -
The Pekin girls’ soccer team celebrated Senior Night by beating East Peoria 7-1 Thursday and setting a program record for wins in a season (12).
The Lady Dragons also topped their record for goals in a season (53) and are on the way to setting a new mark for fewest losses in a season as well (6).
After the game was delayed by lightning for more than 30 minutes, Sarah Zuercher connected on a 30-yard free kick for the only score of the first half.
“Sarah is so unselfish and you could see how hard she was working to get our seniors some quality scoring opportunities on Senior Night,” coach Edgar Sandoval said.
In the second half, Zuercher assisted on goals by fellow freshmen Michaela Quilty and Megan McGurr. Allie Zuercher got the seniors on the board with a left-footed strike. The younger Zuercher then followed up with her team-leading 14th goal of the season.
Junior Shawna Swisher and freshman Nichole Fulk wrapped up the scoring for the Lady Dragons in the second half. Fulk’s goal was the first of her career.
Pekin (12-3-2, 8-1-2) clinched at least a tie for second in the Mid-Illini Conference. The Lady Dragons host Richwoods and the area’s top player, Louisville recruit Courtney Holtz, at 10 a.m. on Saturday.

Pekin 4, Washington 0

2009-05-05T23:23:00.000-05:00

WASHINGTON — With a 4-0 Mid-Illini Conference shutout over Washington Tuesday, the Pekin High School girls’ soccer team tied the program record for wins in a season with 11.
The Lady Dragons’ superior speed was evident on the first goal. At about three minutes in, sophomore defender Danica Mason sent a ball over the top to freshman forward Michaela Quilty, and Quilty put the ball far post for the early game winner.
Junior forward Emily LaBanca added two first-half goals, the second on a beautiful through ball from freshman Sarah Zuercher.
“We had a decent first half,” Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval said. “We just needed to stop trying to force it down the middle. That’s not how we’re most effective.”
After working the flanks, Pekin got on the board two minutes into the second half. The Lady Dragons earned a corner kick and Zuercher drilled the ball towards the far post. Quilty used her chest to force it in for the final score of the match.
Lindsay Coffey, Morgan Lynn and Kaitlyn Worrall combined for the Lady Dragons’ seventh shutout of the season.
Pekin (11-3-2. 7-1-2) hosts East Peoria at 4:15 p.m. Thursday at Coal Miners Park. Senior night festivities will take place at halftime.

Pekin 1, Metamora 1

2009-05-01T23:40:00.000-05:00

After ending Morton’s 68-game conference winning streak, the Pekin girls soccer team came back to Earth on Friday, but were still able to manage a 1-1 tie with Metamora. The Lady Dragons came out flat and gave up a goal to the Redbirds’ Kristin Rauh 16 minutes into the first half.

“Coming off such an emotional win, we really struggled to get focused," said Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval. But this is uncharted territory for us.”

The Lady Dragons came out much stronger the second half with seven shots on goal. Junior Shawna Swisher’s blast with 12 minutes to go was saved by Metamora’s Martina Fraboni, but she couldn’t catch it. Sarah Zuercher crashed the box and sent it home for the equalizer.

Pekin had several solid chances in the last several minutes, many created by Marissa McGurr, who moved up to the midfield, but it just wasn’t to be.

“We dominated the second half, but were just unable to get that second goal," Sandoval said. "But they shut us out twice last year, so the fact that they couldn’t put us away twice this year is still great progress. Unfortunately it’s probably going to cost us our share of the conference title.”

Pekin outshot Metamora 9 to 5. The Lady Dragons travel to Washington on Tuesday.

Pekin 3, Morton 2

2009-04-28T23:51:00.000-05:00

MORTON, Ill. -
If there was a way to gauge how far Pekin High School’s girls’ soccer team has come this season, it would be against Mid-Illini power Morton.
On Tuesday night, the Dragons passed that test with flying colors, beating Morton 3-2 to hand the Potters their first loss in conference play since 2003.
Junior Danica Mason’s first career goal with less than four minutes to play was the game-winner, sending Pekin into a tie for first-place in the league with the Potters.
“It is an incredible feeling,” Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval said. “This is the result of all the hard work in the off season, playing with passion and believing in each other.”
The Potters got on the board first when SIU-Edwardsville signee Kristin Dierker beat the Dragons defense and scored about 20 minutes into the match.
But the Lady Dragons answered back. Junior Shawna Swisher found freshman Sarah Zuercher at the top of the box, Zuercher put a beautiful move on her defender and launched a rocket past Morton keeper Brooke Bisping to knot it up going into the half.
It was the first goal Pekin had ever scored on Morton.
“That goal gave us a lot of confidence,” said Sandoval, who notched his 50th career victory. “It let our girls know that Morton is beatable. But I challenged them to focus. … one play, one touch, one possession at a time and not think about the result.”
The Lady Dragons (10-3-1, 6-1-1) fell behind again when sophomore Holly Bennett scored on a header just after halftime.
But unlike previous matches with Morton, Pekin would not be denied. Midway through the half, Swisher found Zuercher again and this time she blasted it home to tie the match again.
The game remained tied with Pekin and Morton threatening to score several times before the Lady Dragons forced their sixth corner kick.
“I started screaming ‘aim for the six’ (top of the goal box) because the wind had taken Sarah’s last three corner tries,” Sandoval said.
Zuercher’s strong drive found it’s way through the Morton defense where Mason was waiting at the top of the box for the game winner.
Pekin’s Morgan Lynn was outstanding in goal, stopping 17 Morton shots including several diving saves.

Pekin 3, Lincoln 0; Normal West 2, Pekin 0

2009-04-25T22:52:00.000-05:00

PEKIN, Ill. -
For the first time in the three-year history of the Lady Dragons Invitational, the Pekin girls soccer team lost a game.
But coach Edgar Sandoval wasn’t singing the blues after the Lady Dragons fell 2-0 Saturday to Normal West at Coal Miners Park.
“I’m happier about how we played in this game than in our previous three games, which we won,” Sandoval said.
After giving up two goals to Normal West within 1:01 just past the midway point of the first half, Pekin (9-3-1) had last season’s third-place finisher in the Class AA state finals reeling most of the remainder of the game.
The Lady Dragons didn’t allow a shot in the second half. They won the majority of the 50/50 balls, and had the Lady Wildcats (9-2-2) resorting to hard fouls and even grabbing a jersey to keep Pekin off stride.
Normal West goalie Erin McGinnis played a strong game. She made five saves.
“We lost our marks on their goals and we couldn’t finish on a couple of occasions, but other than that, we played very well,” Sandoval said. “We had six freshmen in the game at one point in the second half. That ought to scare some people.”
Normal West’s Katherine Riggins got behind the Pekin defense and scored with 19:07 to go in the first half, and Jordan Becker headed in a cross from Veronica Klein to make it 2-0.
Pekin goalie Morgan Lynn didn’t have much of a chance on either shot.
Sandoval added Normal West to the invitational field this year to give his young but talented team a test. That’s what it got Saturday.
“If all I cared about was winning, I would have kept the invitational the same,” Sandoval said. “Our girls need to be challenged.”
Pekin hadn’t been challenged in its first eight invitational games, dating to 2007. The Lady Dragons won all eight, outscoring their opponents 30-0.
Both Pekin and Normal West were undefeated in the two-day, four-team round-robin competition heading into their showdown.
The Lady Dragons beat Peoria Christian 2-0 and Lincoln 3-0. Normal West blanked Lincoln 3-0 and Peoria Christian 5-0.
Sarah Zuercher scored one goal and assisted on goals by Lauren Cash and Shawna Swisher in Pekin’s victory over Lincoln (2-10) earlier Saturday. Marissa McGurr assisted on Zuercher’s goal.
Pekin outshot Lincoln 14-2. Lynn and Lindsay Coffey shared the shutout.
The victory moved the Lady Dragons seven games above the .500 mark for the first time in the program’s 12-year history.
Peoria Christian (7-4), another first-year invitational team, defeated Lincoln 3-0 in the other game Saturday. The final invitational standings were Normal West 3-0, Pekin 2-1, Peoria Christian 1-2 and Lincoln 0-3.

Pekin 2, Peoria Christian 0

2009-04-24T22:26:00.000-05:00

PEKIN, Ill. -
The Pekin girls soccer team got what it wanted Friday.
Coach Edgar Sandoval’s team defeated Peoria Christian 2-0 in the opening game of the third annual Lady Dragons Invitational at Coal Miners Park.
Keeping the Chargers scoreless was as important as the victory for Pekin because goals-allowed is a standings tie-breaker.
But Sandoval is seeing storm clouds on the horizon.
“We had a lot of success during a recent week-long stretch. Everything came very easily for us,” Sandoval said, referring to a three-game blitz from April 11-18 when Pekin outscored Dunlap, Washington and East Peoria by a combined 17-0.
Sandoval is concerned about what he saw after the first 17 minutes of his team’s 4-1 victory Thursday over Limestone, and what he watched for much of the game Friday.
“We’re getting away from what’s made us successful,” he said. “We’re trying to out-athletic people instead of outplay them. We can’t make long passes and use our speed all the time. That’s easy to defend.”
To put it in baseball terms, Sandoval said, the Lady Dragons (8-2-1) are trying to hit a home run too much of the time instead of mixing in some small ball.
But Sandoval is confident the Lady Dragons will get back on track.
“We have girls who have soccer experience, and know how to win,” he said. “You can tell on their faces that they know what’s happening. They’re policing each other, and they’re encouraging each other.”
Normal West defeated Lincoln 3-0 in the other invitational game Friday. The four teams will each play two games today.
Pekin scored two early goals against Peoria Christian (6-2), which already has equaled last year’s victory total.
Shawna Swisher converted a perfect cross from Michaela Quilty with 20:32 left in the first half, and Quilty banged home a corner kick from Sarah Zuercher with 14:02 to go.
Peoria Christian kept the Lady Dragons off the scoreboard after the early flurry, and had the better chances to score in the second half.
Pekin goalie Morgan Lynn wasn’t tested much in the first half, but Lindsay Coffey needed to be sharp in the second half. The two combined for five saves. Peoria Christian goalie Kristen Smith also had five saves.
Players on both teams were dragging a bit late in the game, played on a unseasonably warm, sunny afternoon.
“We’re not used to playing when the temperature is in the 80’s,” Sandoval said.
Pekin is now 7-0 in invitational history and has outscored its opponents 27-0 in those seven games.
The Lady Dragons will face Lincoln (2-8) at 9 a.m. and Normal West (7-2-2) at 3:30 p.m. today.

2009 Tournament Preview

2009-04-24T21:28:00.000-05:00

PEKIN — This weekend’s third annual Lady Dragons Invitational girls soccer tournament bears no resemblance to the previous two tourneys.
Sure, Pekin and Lincoln remain in the four-team field, but Normal West and Peoria Christian have joined the fray at Coal Miners Park, replacing Peoria Woodruff and Sterling.
“We have a talented team. We need to be tested,” said Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval.
The Lady Dragons haven’t been tested much in their tournament. They have outscored their opponents 25-0 in six games over two years.
The two new teams give the tournament an entirely different feel.
Normal West (6-2-2) went 28-1 last season, losing only to eventual Illinois High School Association Class AA state champion Waubonsie Valley 1-0 in the state semifinals.
The Wildcats won the next day to earn the third-place trophy.
Peoria Christian (6-1) has lost only to Peoria Richwoods. No shame in that.
Lincoln (2-7) is better than its record. A tough schedule has given a Railsplitters a splitting headache. They’ve lost to defending Class A state champion Rochester and powerhouse Chatham Glenwood.
Tournament games will be played today and Saturday, with a point system for wins, losses and ties determining the champion. Each half will be 30 minutes instead of the usual 40 minutes.
Pekin (7-2-1) will face Peoria Christian at 4 p.m. today. It’ll be Lincoln vs. Normal West at 5:30 p.m.
On Saturday, Pekin and Lincoln will clash at 9 a.m., then Normal West and Peoria Christian will play at 10:30 a.m. It’ll be Lincoln vs. Peoria Christian at 2 p.m., and Pekin vs. Normal West at 3:30 p.m.
No admission will be charged either day.
Pekin’s expectations were high going into the season.
With all 11 starters in terms of scoring and minutes played returning from last year’s 11-7-3 team and six talented freshmen from the highly successful Pekin Pride ‘94 club team joining the roster, there was excitement in the air.
The expectations have transformed into results. Pekin is 4-1-1 halfway through the Mid-Illini Conference schedule.
The Lady Dragons have done well against Mid-Illini powers Dunlap, Metamora and Morton after going 0-13 against them and being outscored 41-1 in their first two years in the conference.
Pekin beat Dunlap 4-0, tied Metamora 1-1 and lost 4-0 to Morton after playing the Lady Potters to a scoreless tie at halftime.
“The second half against Morton is our only bad half this season,” Sandoval said.
Pekin’s only other loss was a 2-1 setback to Normal Community in its opener. Sandoval thinks Normal Community might be the most talented team on the Lady Dragons’ schedule.
Michaela Quilty heads into the tournament as Pekin’s leading scorer with nine goals. She’s already shattered Emily LaBanca’s freshman season record of six goals, set in 2007.
Quilty also has four assists. Freshman Sarah Zuecher leads Pekin in assists with nine and she also has seven goals.

Pekin 4, Limestone 1

2009-04-23T22:27:00.000-05:00

PEKIN, Ill. -
PEKIN — The Pekin girls’ soccer team continued its winning ways Thursday with a 4-1 Mid-Illini Conference victory over Limestone at Coal Miners Park.
The Lady Dragons (7-2-1, 5-1-1) put it away early as junior Shawna Swisher scored three goals in the first 17 minutes.
“Shawna has been sacrificing her own offense and doing everything I’ve asked to help the team this year and it has paid off, so it’s nice to see her break out like this,” said Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval.
Swisher’s first goal came just five minutes into the contest after freshman Sarah Zuercher played a perfect ball right in front of the goal. The assist was Zuercher’s 10th, which ties the Pekin record for most assists in a season.
Down 3-0, the Rockets struck back when senior Rachel Kyle dribbled past several Pekin defenders and blasted the ball into the net, ending Pekin’s consecutive shutout streak at three.
In the second half it was Swisher returning the favor, assisting on Zuercher’s eighth goal of the season. Despite the Lady Dragons’ six-match undefeated streak (5-0-1), Sandoval was dissatisfied with his team’s effort.
“The truth is after a great first 17 minutes, we played really uninspired soccer,” Sandoval said. “I don’t know if we felt like they weren’t going to try after that or what. It was good enough to win today, but our girls feel like we can play better than that… and we’re going to have to if we want to do well in our tournament.”

Pekin 8, East Peoria 0

2009-04-18T17:14:00.000-05:00

EAST PEORIA, Ill. -
EAST PEORIA — Pekin dominated both ends of the field Saturday, holding East Peoria without a shot on the way to an 8-0 Mid-Illini Conference girls’ soccer victory at EastSide Centre.
After forcing a corner kick a minute into the game, freshmen Michaela Quilty scored off a serve from classmate Sarah Zuercher. The two have combined for four goals off corners this season.
Their older sisters accounted for the next goal, when senior Allie Zuercher found junior Colleen Quilty at the top of the box for a goal 10 minutes later. Allie Zuercher and Michaela Quilty later scored on assists from freshman Nichole Fulk to close out first half scoring.
Michaela Quilty, Lauren Cash, Sarah Zuercher and Shawna Swisher each scored in the second half, allowing Quilty to finish with a hat trick. Zuercher tallied three assists and senior Mallory Dodson recorded her first career assist.
“East Peoria is young, but the fact is they only start one more underclassman than we do,” Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval said. “I think our girls had this one circled on the calendar and came out with great focus and determination.”
Pekin (6-2-1, 4-1-1) will be home for its next four matches, hosting Limestone on Thursday, followed by their invitational tournament next weekend.

Pekin 5, Washington 0

2009-04-16T23:55:00.000-05:00

PEKIN — The Pekin girls’ soccer team stretched its unbeaten streak to four matches with a 5-0 Mid-Illini Conference make-up win over Washington Thursday at Coal Miners Park.
For the second straight match, the Lady Dragons got on the board within minutes of the first whistle. Freshman Michaela Quilty finished off a corner kick from fellow freshman Sarah Zuercher for Pekin’s only goal of the first half.
“We were a little out of sync in the first half,” said Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval. “It wasn’t that we were playing poorly. We just misjudged balls and mistimed a bunch of runs. At halftime, I challenged the girls to work harder without the ball and show that they’re better than what the scoreboard read.”
The Lady Dragons responded. After a Washington foul just outside its box, Zuercher found Quilty again far post for a goal from point blank. Twenty minutes later Zuercher tallied her third assist of the game — another corner kick, this one to junior Emily LaBanca. From there, Quilty got into the giving spirit as she assisted on goals to Zuercher and senior Jakki Johnson.
Zuercher and Quilty each have six goals on the season, tying LaBanca’s Pekin record for goals scored by a freshman. The Lady Dragons (5-2-1, 3-1-1) defense was stout, limiting the Panthers to just one shot on goal.

Pekin 4, Dunlap 0

2009-04-11T23:56:00.000-05:00

PEKIN, Ill. -
For 13 years, the Pekin girls’ soccer program has been working towards a signature victory over one of the area’s soccer heavyweights. They finally got it Saturday morning in a dominating 4-0 win over Dunlap.
“Our girls exceeded my highest expectations today,” Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval said. “I couldn’t be more proud.”
Freshman striker Sarah Zuercher gave the Lady Dragons the only goal they would need less than one minute into the game on a pass from freshman Michaela Quilty. She was also able to connect again midway through the half for another goal, this time from freshman midfielder Holly Spangler.
Midway through the half, freshman midfielder Holly Spangler took a drop from junior Lauren Cash just outside of the 18, then switched the ball to the right side where Zuercher buried it again for a 2-0 lead.
“Michaela and Holly made two great passes and to have a finisher like Sarah makes it rewarding and lot of fun for all of us,” Sandoval added.
Pekin was able to rack up two more goals after the break, when junior Shawna Swisher was able to connect on her first goal of the season and Quilty hit a shot from about 20 yards out with about seven minutes to play.
“Look, it’s just one win, but this is a significant milestone for our program,” Sandoval said. “To beat one of the top teams in the area after struggling to just get shots on their goal the past two years says a lot about how hard our girls have been working.”
Pekin (4-2-1, 2-1-1) hosts Washington on Tuesday. The Lady Panthers’ squad is 4-1-1 against the Lady Dragons the past three years.

Pekin 1, Metamora 1

2009-04-07T23:06:00.000-05:00

PEKIN, Ill. -
The Pekin High school girls’ soccer team continues to make progress, going on the road to battle Metamora to a 1-1 Mid-Illini Conference tie Tuesday.
The Lady Dragons got on the board just before halftime. Freshman Holly Spangler played a great ball down the right side, where freshman Sarah Zuercher got to it in stride and sent it home from outside the 18 for Pekin’s first goal against the Redbirds since joining the league.
“They’ve shut us out for two straight years, outscoring us 12-0 and rarely allowing us a shot on goal,’’ Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval said. “So to take a lead into half and not lose ... that’s another step in the right direction for us.”
Metamora salvaged a tie when freshman Kristin Rauh hit a shot from just outside the 18 for the final score.
The Lady Dragons (3-2-1, 1-1-1) outshot the Redbirds 8-5 and host Dunlap on Saturday morning.

Pekin 3, Moline 1

2009-04-04T23:17:00.000-05:00

After Moline had held 2008 state semifinalist Normal West to one goal and shut out perennial power Richwoods to open the season, it wasn’t likely that the Pekin girls' soccer team would hand them their first loss of the season. But after falling behind 1-0, the Lady Dragons (3-2) stormed back with three goals in a nine-minute span for the 3-1 road win on Saturday.

“I thought going into the season we could surprise some teams," Pekin coch Edgar Sandoval said. "They definitely weren’t expecting this from us after going 1-0-1 against those heavyweights.”

Moline (2-1-1) got on the board first when midfielder Cory Buenting lofted a shot that got caught in the wind and dropped into the Pekin net fifteen minutes into the first half.
 
Pekin got the equalizer about 20 minutes later on a goal by Colleen Quilty, who scored on a pass from her younger sister, Michaela. Quilty found the net again about 10 minutes later, beating the Moline goalkeeper for the go-ahead score.

“Colleen had a heck of a match today. She wanted it more than their midfielders and finished strong twice. And lots of credit to Holly (Spangler). Often the pass that sets up the assist is overlooked, but I recognize she created those chances as much as Michaela and Emily (LaBanca).”

The Lady Dragons added one insurance goal two minutes into the second half, as Jakki Johnson was able to score from just inside the right sideline.

Morton 4, Pekin 0

2009-04-02T23:21:00.000-05:00

PEKIN -
For one half, the Pekin girls soccer team played defending conference champ Morton even 0-0. But the second half was a different story as the Potters scored four goals in route to a 4-0 win at Coal Miner's Park.

Holly Bennett scored five minutes into the second half to get the Potters on the board. Pekin's best chance came on a corner kick just a few minutes later. Lady Dragons' freshman forward Sarah Zuercher's corner kick bent in and hit the crossbar.

"We had some defensive breakdowns and I think some of our girls were intimidated by their physical play," said Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval. Bennett had two goals for the Potters (1-1, 1-0)

The Lady Dragons (2-2, 1-1) will try to climb back over .500 when they travel to Moline on Saturday.

Pekin 5, Limestone 0

2009-03-31T23:20:00.001-05:00

BARTONVILLE, Ill. -
Pekin’s girls soccer team got through the bad weather and made things stormy for host Limestone Tuesday, shutting out the Rockets 5-0 in a Mid-Illini Conference match.
Colleen Quilty scored twice for the Lady Dragons, who handed Limestone (2-1, 0-1) its first loss of the season.
Quilty got Pekin on the board in the first half, scoring off a Sarah Zuercher assist in the 18th minute for the only tally of the first stanza.
Zuercher put the ball in the net next for the Lady Dragons, scoring off a Lauren Cash assist in the 45th minute. Quilty had an unassisted goal in the 57th minute, followed by Kelsey Armstrong’s unassisted goal in the 65th minute.
Jakki Johnson closed the scoring off a Zuercher assist in the 77th minute.
The Dragons will host six-time defending conference champion Morton on Thursday in a 4:15 p.m. match at Coal Miners Park.

NOTE: Michaela, not Colleen scored twice in this match.

Pekin 2, Orion 1

2009-03-21T22:09:00.000-05:00

ORION -
Pekin got on track Saturday, winning their first girls’ soccer match of the season 2-1 over host Orion-Sherrard.
The Lady Dragons got on the board just four minutes into the contest. Shawna Swisher flicked a Sarah Zuercher corner kick towards the far post, where freshman Megan Campbell set up and finished with a beautiful header for her first career goal.
“We’ve been working a lot on redirection and creating chaos in the box,’’ Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval said. “ Every opportunity in there is different, but getting them used to it is key.”
The score remained 1-0 with about ten minutes left in the half when Zuercher found Campbell on a give-and-go right down the middle. With two defenders draped all over her, Campbell found another freshman, Michaela Quilty, cutting in from the left side for her first career goal.
“Michaela had a couple chances against Normal Community that she wanted back and she was really focused in practice yesterday, even taking extra some shots on her own between drills.
Clearly it paid off,” Sandoval added.
Orion-Sherrard avoided the shutout on Amanda Schmendt’s second half goal.
Pekin outshot its host 16-5 but was unable to generate another goal.
“We just couldn’t find the back of the net. We had so many shots and many more chances and we just couldn’t take advantage,’’ Sandoval said. “They dropped a lot of defenders, but you have to be able to adjust.”
The Lady Dragons have a week of practice before kicking off the Mid-Illini Conference schedule with a trip to Limestone March 31.

Normal Community 2, Pekin 1

2009-03-19T23:41:00.000-05:00

PEKIN - Pekin’s girls soccer team got off to a bit of a rough start to its 2009 season Thursday, although the Lady Dragons’ 2-1 loss to visiting Normal Community did show some good as well.
The Dragons’ defense, led by Marissa McGurr, Colleen Quilty and Morgan Lynn, was tenacious in the first half, limiting the Lady Ironmen to just a few chances on goal.
Those chances finally materialized early in the second half, when an unassisted goal by all-stater Kelly Shulman (Indiana State University signee) and then an assist from Shulman to midfielder Meg Rogers put Normal Community up 2-0 just four minutes in.
“We came out flat,” said Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval. “I’m not sure why because our girls were so jazzed after the first half, but it happens.”
The Lady Dragons responded five minutes later. Freshman midfielder Megan Campbell found freshman forward Sarah Zuercher at the top of the box. Zuercher sent a left footed rocket past Lady Ironmen goalie Jessica Rolfs (University of Tennessee signee) for her first career goal.
“Megan and Sarah have great chemistry having played together for so many years before high school,” Sandoval said. “I think this was the first of many great moments we’ll see from them.”
It was a tough, physical match and Pekin’s aggressiveness seemed to frustrate the visitors, who committed twice as many fouls (10 to 5) and were issued two yellow cards.
Pekin had a few solid chances including one from freshman Michaela Quilty at point blank range, but Rolfs was able to turn the Lady Dragons away.
“This was a great showing for us,” Sandoval said. “Normal Community might just be the best team out of the Twin Cities. They’ve got two D-I signees and several other players who will get looks. For us to play them close to even is a great start to this season.”
The Lady Dragons travel to Sherrard on Saturday morning for an 11 a.m. match with the Orion/Sherrard co-op team.

2009 PCHS girls soccer preview

2009-03-19T12:33:00.001-05:00

PCHS soccer ready to take next step

PEKIN, Ill. -
Pekin High School girls soccer coach Edgar Sandoval enters the season with healthy doses of optimism and realism.
He’s optimistic because the Lady Dragons are coming off the second winning season in the program’s 12-year history (11-7-3) and have all 11 starters back in terms of scoring and minutes played.
Then there are six freshmen from the heralded Pekin Pride ‘94 travel team that has placed first or second in 20 tournaments across the state and finished first in the Central Illinois Youth Soccer League several times.
The group includes Megan Campbell, Nichole Fulk, Megan McGurr, Michaela Quilty, Holly Spangler and Sarah Zuercher. McGurr, Quilty and Zuercher have older sisters on the Pekin team.
This is the first large group of travel players to join the Pekin program. Previously, most of the experienced players came from recreational leagues.
“The successful high school programs in the area — Dunlap, Metamora, Morton, Peoria Notre Dame and Peoria Richwoods — are all fed by strong travel programs,” Sandoval said. “They get a group of kids with this kind of experience every year, which is why there has been such a gap between us and them even in our best years. These girls from the Pekin Pride will help close that gap.”
The gap is the source of Sandoval’s realism.
Nobody has to tell him that Pekin is 0-13 against Dunlap, Metamora and Morton in its two seasons in the Mid-Illini Conference, and has been outscored 41-1 in those games.
“When we start beating those three teams, that we‘ll know we‘ve arrived,” Sandoval said.
Sandoval has toughened the Lady Dragons’ schedule to make it more challenging for his talented squad.
“It’s not just about winning. It’s also about seeing how our girls develop against the best competition,” he said.
Richwoods (led by midfielder Courtney Holtz, a University of Louisville recruit), Moline, Normal Community and Normal West have been added to Pekin’s dance card.
Sandoval says Normal Community, Pekin’s opening day opponent today, could be the best team the Lady Dragons face all season.
Normal Community goalie Jessica Rolfs (36-8 record, 29 shutouts the past two years) is a University of Tennessee recruit.
Normal West, which finished third in last year’s Illinois High School Association Class AA state finals, and Peoria Christian have joined the field of the third annual Lady Dragons Invitational April 24-25.
Gone are Peoria Woodruff and Sterling. Pekin outscored those teams 21-0 in four invitational games the past two years. Lincoln remains in the four-team field.
Another reason for the revamped schedule is Sandoval wants to prepare his team for the first season of IHSA three-class girls soccer.
The Lady Dragons could find themselves facing teams like Moline, Normal Community and Normal West in Class 3A come state tournament time.
All-conference junior defender Marissa McGurr is back to anchor Pekin’s back line.
“Marissa is the glue back there. She organizes our defense and cleans up when we make mistakes,” Sandoval said.
Junior Colleen Quilty and senior Allie Zuercher, both second-team all-conference selections, give the Lady Dragons a strong one-two punch in the midfield.
“Colleen is physical. She fights for every ball in her area. She also has a devastating throw-in,” Sandoval said. “Allie makes great decisions and passes.”
Zuercher is one of four seniors who have been on the team since they were freshmen. The others are Jessica Allen, Lindsay Coffey and Jakki Johnson.
Coffey, another second-team all-conference player, and sophomore Morgan Lynn are Pekin’s top goalies. Junior Kaitlyn Worrall provides depth.
Senior Mallory Dodson, juniors Lauren Cash, Emily LaBanca, Haley Lower and Shawna Swisher, and sophomore Danica Mason are the other returnees.
LaBanca was Pekin’s top scorer the past two seasons, while Mason started every game last season as a freshman.

Morton 6, Pekin 0

2008-05-16T22:00:00.000-05:00

MORTON - Pekin was a decided underdog in the Class AA Morton Regional girls soccer championship game Friday night against the host Lady Potters.

So perennial power Morton's 6-0 victory at McClellan Park didn't come as a shock to anyone. What was a surprise was how well Pekin played in the game's first 15 minutes.

Less than 48 hours after playing 120 minutes of soccer and winning a five-round penalty kick shootout against Limestone in the regional semifinals, the Lady Dragons had to step on the field against Morton, which hardly broke a sweat in an 8-0 semifinal shellacking of East Peoria.

Despite several good scoring chances, it took 15 minutes for the Lady Potters to register their first goal against Pekin on a header by Meagan Reitz.

“Our girls are exhausted mentally and physically. (The Limestone game) took a lot out of them,” said Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval. “Keeping Morton off the scoreboard for 15 minutes was phenomenal. You could feel the frustration on their bench.”

Morton led only 2-0 at halftime. The Lady Potters scored their last three goals in the final 20 minutes, when Pekin (11-7-3) had no gas left in the tank at all.

No. 2 seed Morton (18-4-1) advances to the Peoria Notre Dame Sectional, where it'll face Geneseo Regional champion Geneseo at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Despite Friday's loss, Pekin ended the season on an upbeat note.

“Five years from now, our girls won't even remember the Morton regional game,” Sandoval said. “They'll remember the Limestone regional game Š the highs, the lows, the elation.”

No. 4 seed Pekin led No. 6 seed Limestone 2-0 early in the second half, then saw the Lady Rockets tie the score 2-2 on a goal with 1:25 remaining.

Four 10-minute sudden-death overtime periods didn't produce a winner, so the teams went to a shootout.

Nearly three hours after the opening kickoff, Pekin won the shootout 2-1. It's the longest high school game played at Rotary Field in McClellan Park, and the longest game in Pekin's 12-year history.

The victory over Limestone gave Pekin 11 wins, tying the team record for victories in a season set by the 2005 squad, which finished 11-7-1.

The Lady Dragons set another team record earlier this year when they won six straight games, recording shutouts in the final five games of the stretch.

Pekin has had just two winning seasons in its history - 2005 and this year.

Morton beat Pekin three times this season by a combined 14-0.

The first two victories came in Mid-Illini Conference play. The Lady Potters have won six consecutive Mid-Illini championships, are 73-1-3 in conference games since 2000, and have won six straight regional titles.

Despite the disparity in the success of the two programs, Morton coach Brian Deters has a lot of respect for Sandoval and the Lady Dragons.

“Edgar does a good job with his team,” Deters said. “He played a lot of people back (Friday), which was the correct tactical move. I thought we played well. We passed well, moved into space well, and our defense was crisp.”

Morton forced busy Pekin goalie Lindsay Coffey to make 24 saves. Lady Potters goalie Brooke Bisping didn't have a save.

Rachael Payne and Reitz each scored twice for Morton. Maci Hatch and Amy Unzicker had the other goals. Holly Bennett and Unzicker each had two assists.

Pekin 2, Limestone 2 (Pekin wins 2-1 in penalty kicks)

2008-05-14T18:59:00.000-05:00

MORTON - May Madness infected McClellan Park on Wednesday night.

In what's believed to be the longest high school soccer game played at Rotary Field, Pekin beat Limestone 2-1 in a five-round penalty kick shootout in the semifinals of the Class AA Morton Regional.

The nearly three-hour game went to a shootout because 120 minutes of soccer weren't enough to decide a winner. The teams were tied 2-2 after 80 minutes of regulation time and four 10-minute sudden-death overtime periods.

Thanks to the marathon victory, No. 4 seed Pekin (11-6-3) will face No. 2 seed Morton (17-4-1) in the regional finals at 7 p.m. Friday.

Pekin junior goalie Lindsay Coffey was the star of Wednesday's shootout. Besides allowing just one Limestone goal in five rounds, Coffey scored the eventual winning goal.

“I saw that she (Limestone goalie Carli Light) was coming out to challenge our shooters, so I put a chip shot over her,'' Coffey said about her third-round goal.

Jakki Johnson scored for Pekin in the first round. Lauren Cash and Allie Zuercher shot high in the second and fourth rounds.

Only Aliex Bullock was able to put a shot past Coffey in the shootout. That came in the third round, just before Coffey scored.

Coffey made a save on Kyrstin Smith in the second round, and Rachel Kyle (first round), Ashley Schultz (fourth round) and Amanda Hurst (fifth round) missed the net.

“I was nervous,'' Coffey said. “I was involved in shootouts in grade school soccer, but this was the first time in high school.''

Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval had a sneaking suspicion that No. 6 seed Limestone (3-12-2) would play defensively and take the game into a shootout.

That's why he had his team work on shootouts in the final 15 minutes of practice for the past week.

“I think we were more at ease than Limestone during the shootout because of the experience in practice,'' Sandoval said. “But the game really shouldn't have gone that far. We had so many chances to score. Carli Light played a fantastic game, but we didn't finish very well.''

Light made 15 saves. Coffey had three saves.

It was Pekin's third victory over Mid-Illini rival Limestone this season, and each game was a struggle.

The Lady Dragons won the previous encounters 2-1 and 2-0.

It looked like Pekin was in control Wednesday after breakaway goals by Shawna Swisher with 31:38 left in the first half and Cash with 34:53 remaining in the second half gave the Lady Dragons a 2-0 lead.

Long passes by Haley Lower and Zuercher sent the speedy Swisher and Cash on the way to their goals.

Limestone got back into the game in a hurry after Cash scored. A goal by Kayla Bredernitz just 1:46 after Cash's goal made it 2-1.

The Lady Rockets tied the game with 1:25 remaining in regulation when Schultz collected a misplayed ball and banged a shot off the post and into the net.

“Limestone seemed to want to win the game more than we did in the second half, and their first goal really gave them momentum,'' Sandoval said.

One more time: Dragons expect tough game from Limestone

2008-05-13T19:02:00.001-05:00

MORTON - On the surface, it looks like a mismatch.

Pekin (10-6-3), one victory away from tying the team record for victories in a season, faces Limestone (3-11-2) at 7 p.m. Wednesday in a semifinal game of the Morton Class AA Regional girls soccer tournament at McClellan Park.

Despite the disparity in the teams' records, Lady Dragons coach Edgar Sandoval and his players aren't taking the Rockets lightly.

Especially after hard-fought 2-1 and 2-0 Pekin victories when the squads met in Mid-Illini Conference competition earlier this spring.

“It's always difficult to beat a team three times in a season, and Limestone will be ready for us,'' Sandoval said. “They know our strengths.''

Limestone's strength is its aggressive play.

“They win a lot of 50-50 balls,'' Sandoval said. “There's no doubt we're a better team when we win those. We can't be lackadaisical about that against Limestone.''

Sandoval says goalie Carli Light and sweeper Rachel Kyle, who can be a factor at both ends of the field, are Limestone's best players.

Pekin counters with top scorers Shawna Swisher (nine goals) and Lauren Cash (four goals), and a sturdy defense led by goalie Lindsay Coffey.

“We have a lot of speed. Shawna, Lauren and Emily LaBanca are dangerous, especially on a big field like they have in Morton,'' Sandoval said. “It wouldn't surprise me if Limestone dropped back a couple of extra defenders.''

Two key Pekin injuries might become a factor in Wednesday's game.

Defender Jessica Allen is out with an illness, and sweeper Marissa McGurr is battling a knee injury suffered on a vicious tackle late in the Lady Dragons' 1-1 tie with East Peoria last week.

Pekin's 2-1 win over Limestone on March 25 was the Lady Dragons' first victory in a season opener in the program's 11-year history.

If Pekin wins Wednesday, it'll make history again by matching the 11 victories racked up by the 2005 squad, which finished 11-7-1.

The winner of the Pekin-Limestone regional semifinal will most likely meet perennial power Morton for the regional championship at 7 p.m. Friday.

Pekin 2, Peoria Christian 2

2008-05-06T23:40:00.001-05:00

PEKIN - Host Pekin was looking to tie a program record with its 11th girls' soccer victory in a season, but was forced to settle for a 2-2 tie with Peoria Christian Tuesday at Coal Miners Park.

The Chargers struck quickly, scoring just 40 seconds into the game when Amber Christ found Kelli Dixon wide open just outside the 18. Dixon hit a perfect shot over the outstretched arm of Dragons keeper Morgan Lynn for the 1-0 lead.

“It was a good shot, but she was totally unchallenged,” said Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval. “We can't let that happen.”

Pekin struggled to get anything going on the offensive end until five minutes left in the half. A Peoria Christian foul led to a Pekin free kick. Lindsay Coffey played a ball across the front of the goal where senior Rebecca Anderson was able to send home her first career goal.

“I think for Becca to score on senior night was pretty special,” Sandoval said. “I couldn't have written the script for a better performance in her last home game.”

The Dragons couldn't keep it tied for long as the Chargers' Megan Stuff scored just two minutes later, sending Peoria Christian into halftime with a 2-1 advantage.

The second half was a much different story. Pekin outshot Peoria Christian 8-1 with the most important shot coming three minutes into the half.

Shawna Swisher lofted a ball from the left side where Lauren Cash was able to get a head on it for the equalizer.

“It was a much better second half,” Sandoval said. “We kept the ball in their end for most of it and got several chances.”

Pekin's first-round game at the Morton Regional is May 14 vs. Limestone.

The Dragons go into the playoffs bitten by the injury bug, with McGurr and Emily LaBanca unable to play more than a few minutes Tuesday night and junior defender Jessica Allen's status in doubt as well.

“Hopefully we can use the next week to get healthy and rested,” Sandoval said. “While we went 3-0-2 in our last five, we only played really well in one of those games. We need to rediscover our midseason form.”

The Dragons finish the regular season 10-6-3 (4-6-2 in conference, 6-0-1 in non-conference matches). It is the second most wins in a season ever by a Pekin girls soccer team and just the second winning season in the program's 12 years.

Pekin 1, Macomb 0

2008-05-05T23:39:00.002-05:00

MACOMB - The Pekin girls' soccer team reached a rare milestone Monday night.

With their 1-0 win over Macomb, the Lady Dragons guaranteed only the second winning season in the program's history.

It wasn't easy though. Despite outshooting the host Bombers 16-4, Pekin struggled to finish for the second game in a row. Emily LaBanca scored the game's only goal 28 minutes into the first half.

“A win is a win, but I honestly think our girls just took them too lightly, much like the Galesburg game,” said Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval. “We just weren't taking advantage of our chances in the final third. We were dribbling when we should have passed and passing when we should have dribbled to set up a shot.”

Darsie Hacker had a chance to make it 2-0, but her penalty kick attempt hit the crossbar.

The Pekin defense played well once again, limiting Macomb to five shots. Morgan Lynn and Lindsay Coffey combined for a school-record eighth shutout on the season.

The Dragons host Peoria Christian today, as Pekin honors Hacker, Rebecca Anderson and Michelle Feicke on Senior Night. Pekin will be looking to tie the program record for wins in a season with 11, which would equal the 11-7-1 effort of the 2005 squad.

Pekin 1, East Peoria 1

2008-05-01T22:31:00.000-05:00

EAST PEORIA - Pekin was two minutes away from a third straight girls' soccer victory Thursday night, but a goal by East Peoria forced the Lady Dragons to settle for a 1-1 Mid-Illini Conference tie at EastSide Centre.

Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval said the match was pretty even in the first half with the Lady Dragons still managing several shots while playing into a strong wind. About 10 minutes before halftime, Pekin's Colleen Quilty got the ball on the left side and switched strong across the center where Jakki Johnson, celebrating her 18th birthday, was able to run onto it and strike it home for Pekin's only goal.

"Coach (Michelle) Bodily and I have been preaching all season the value of switching fields and Colleen and Jakki really came through," Sandoval said.

The score remained 1-0 until the 78th minute. Pekin goal keeper Lindsay Coffey was able to deflect a cross, but the Raiders' Becca Britton followed it in for the equalizer.

The last two minutes of the game saw two East Peoria yellow cards, the second coming with nine seconds left. After Pekin's Marissa McGurr passed the ball, an East Peoria player slid in hard, crushing her leg.

"The ref sent their girl off, but the damage was done," Sandoval said. "Hopefully it doesn't cost Marissa the rest of her season."

The Dragons move to 9-6-2 on the season and finish 4-6-2 in conference heading into Monday's non-conference match at Macomb.

Pekin 2, Washington 0

2008-04-29T22:32:00.000-05:00

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

2008-04-28T22:34:00.000-05:00

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

2008-04-26T22:36:00.001-05:00

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

2008-04-24T22:34:00.000-05:00

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

2008-04-22T22:36:00.001-05:00

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

2008-04-21T19:01:00.001-05:00

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

2008-04-18T22:20:00.000-05:00

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

2008-04-17T22:59:00.000-05:00

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

2008-04-17T22:28:00.000-05:00

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

2008-04-15T22:17:00.000-05:00

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

2008-04-12T22:49:00.001-05:00

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

2008-04-08T22:51:00.000-05:00

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

2008-04-05T22:45:00.001-05:00

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

2008-04-01T22:58:00.001-05:00

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.”

Morton 3, Pekin 0

2008-03-29T22:18:00.001-05:00

Pekin made Morton work, but the Lady Dragons were unable to generate any offense in a 3-0 Mid_illini Conference girls' soccer road loss Saturday. After the Potters’s Amy Unzicker scored a quick goal in the opening minutes, the Dragons defense shut the defending conference champions down for almost 70.

“Marissa McGurr was a ton back there and we got strong defensive performances from Haley Lower, Mallory Dodson and Colleen Quilty," Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval said. "Based on past history, I think Morton was expecting to blow us out, but our whole team just kept fighting.”

The score remained 1-0 until the 69th minute when Morton finally broke through with goals from Maci Hatch and Megan Reitz.

“I think the second goal took the wind out of our sails and led to that quick third score," Sandoval said. "When you can’t generate any offense, it just puts too much pressure on the back four. Still, of all our games against the top teams in the area, this was by far our best 80-minute defensive effort.”

Pekin keeper Lindsay Coffey had a strong game in goal, saving 15 shots, two short of her career high.

Pekin 2, Limestone 1

2008-03-25T22:00:00.000-05:00

PEKIN - For the first time in the 11-year history of the Pekin girls' soccer program, the Lady Dragons started out on a winning note, beating Limestone 2-1 Tuesday in a Mid-Illini Conference match at Coal Miner's Park.

The Dragons took a 1-0 lead about 10 minutes into the game on a throw-in on the right side junior midfielder Colleen Quilty. Shawna Swisher slashed toward the goal and centered the ball to Allie Zuercher who put the ball in the upper left corner of the goal.

Pekin's lead grew to 2-0 about two minutes into the second half. Zuercher's shot was deflected, but Diane Jess followed with a shot, a rebound and a goal.

“This was a great way to start off the season,” Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval said. “Limestone is a physical team but our girls didn't back down and weren't intimidated at all.

“I was a little worried about Allie tonight. She rolled her ankle pretty good in practice on Monday, but she was in the exact place at the right time and came through. There was no way their keeper was going to get a hand on that shot.”

Freshman goal keeper Morgan Lynn registered five saves in her high school debut.

2008 PCHS Girls Soccer Preview

2008-03-21T19:26:00.004-05:00

PEKIN - This year's edition of the Pekin Community High School girls' soccer team is one that is searching for an identity, according to fifth-year head coach Edgar Sandoval.

Defensively, the team took a big hit when the school's first all-sectional player - defender Jeleighsa Hamilton - graduated after being a four-year starter. Also gone are two other physical defenders - Karis Parkin and Amanda Miller, who joined Hamilton playing for Illinois Central College this past fall.

The team is also missing two of its stronger offensive players. Junior Shelly Morris transferred to Peoria Richwoods, while sophomore Emily LaBanca, the team's leading scorer (six goals), had knee surgery in November and is questionable for this season.

"Emily is going to be an especially tough loss," Sandoval said. "She hopes to get back on the field later this season. But, she scored more goals than any other freshman and had a real shot of moving closer to Aimee St. Andre's career mark of 35 goals."

The team's other key player this season is sophomore Marissa McGurr, who was named second team all-Mid-Illini Conference and honorable mention all-sectional last year as a freshman. She will split time between defense and midfield.

The offense will lean heavily on sophomore forward Shawna Swisher, junior midfielder Jakki Johnson and junior center Allie Zuercher. Defensively, junior Jessica Allen returns with some experience, along with junior Kayla Milam, who is moving over from offense but had some success in the fall club season.

The goalie position will be filled by two-year varsity starter Lindsay Coffey and freshman Morgan Lynn.

"Having two strong goalies is a luxury few coaches have," Sandoval said. "Lindsay has done some really good things for us during her two years, including a 1-0 loss to Washington on a last-minute penalty kick. And last spring, I saw Morgan hold the eventual state club champions (Chicago Magic) to one goal before they scored an incredible game-winner in the last minute of a tournament game. I think the competition will help both of them develop."

Pekin returns five starters from last year's opening day roster. The Dragons were 6-11-2 overall, highlighted by a 1-0 win over Lincoln in the championship match of the Pekin Girls' Soccer Invitational, and 2-8-2 in the league.

Also, Sandoval said seven of his varsity players (including LaBanca) played in the fall club season. Zuercher, Coffey, Milam, McGurr, LaBanca and freshman Danica Mason teamed with some eighth graders on the Pekin Pride '94 team that took first place in the Central Illinois Youth Soccer League's High School Gold Division and second at the Morton Pumpkin Festival tournament.

"For the first time since my first year, I won't have three or four varsity seniors," Sandoval said. "I'm asking some of the younger girls to step up and take that leadership role a year or two early. It will be a challenge, but I'm looking forward to it."

Washington 6, Pekin 1

2007-05-16T22:26:00.000-05:00

MORTON - For a minute it looked like an upset in the making.

Actually it was 1:11. That's how long it took Washington to respond to Pekin's early goal in a Class AA Morton Regional semifinal girls soccer match Wednesday at McCallan Park.

No. 7 seed Washington went on to a 6-1 victory and a berth in Friday's 7 p.m. championship game against No. 3 seed Morton.

"I think we caught them by surprise," Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval said about freshman Emily LaBanca's goal less than six minutes into the semifinal game.

Washington goalie Ashley Jacobson couldn't handle a crossing pass, and LaBanca was there to boot the ball into an open net. It was Pekin's first goal against Washington in three games this season. The Lady Panthers beat the Lady Dragons 6-0 April 10 and 1-0 May 1 in Mid-Illini conference contests.

Freshman Kathleen O'Brien answered LaBanca's goal, then Washington (11-6-1) went ahead for good 2-1 with 16:07 left when Tabea Tietz scored off a corner kick by Michelle Rhoades. It was the first of four goals scored off corners by the Lady Panthers.

"Corners have been our Achilles' heel all season," Sandoval said. "When Metamora beat us 3-0, all three of their goals came off corners."

The first of Carrie Bunting's two goals gave Washington a 3-1 halftime lead. Moriah Peterson and Rhaodes also tallied in the second half for the Lady Panthers.

Goalie Lindsay Coffey played a solid game for 15th-seeded Pekin (6-11-2) making nine saves.

"Washington might have taken us lightly in our last game (May 1) because they were better prepared this time," Sandoval said. "Their spacing on offense was much better."

Sandoval was happy about his young team's progress this season. Pekin played a tougher schedule because of its move to the Mid-Illini from the Mid State 6 Conference and it gave up a program record low 46 goals.

Dunlap 6, Pekin 0

2007-05-10T22:09:00.000-05:00

PEKIN - For the second-straight match, Pekin was held scoreless Thursday afternoon, losing its final regular season game to Mid-Illini Conference foe Dunlap 6-0 at Coal Miners Park. Abby Barra's goal just four minutes into the game was all the visitors would need as they outshot the Dragons 14-2.

"We're really struggling right now," Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval said. "Maybe we peaked too early. This is not the same team that held Washington scoreless for 75 minutes or beat East Peoria. We've got to get back whatever it was that was driving us for that stretch."

Lindsay Coffey had six saves for Pekin, which plays Washington in an opening regional playoff game at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Morton.

Peoria Christian 1, Pekin 0

2007-05-08T22:25:00.002-05:00

EAST PEORIA - Pekin scored the only goal of the game, but it was inadvertently in its own goal and the Lady Dragons lost for the first time to Peoria Christian 1-0 at EastSide Centre.

"A cross by Jordan Triphan hit off a Pekin defender and into our goal eight minutes into the second half," Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval said. "We had four strong chances toward the end of the game, but just couldn't put the ball in the net. They just wanted it more. We had more chances and better chances but just didn't take good shots."

Pekin (6-9-2) had six shots on goal and five corner kicks.

Pekin 5, Macomb 0

2007-05-07T22:13:00.000-05:00

PEKIN - Pekin celebrated Senior NIght Monday with a 5-0 girls' non-conference soccer victory over Macomb at Coal Miners Park.

Senior Amber Frazell, one of five different Lady Dragons to score in the game, scored her first career goal in the second half. "I really like putting seniors, especially senior defenders, in a position to score on Senior Night, and I'm glad Amber was able to get one," said Pekin head coach Edgar Sandoval.

Freshman Emily LaBanca put Pekin on the board at 5:08 of the first half by beating two Bomber defenders down the right side of he field to create an open shot. Teammates Jakki Johnson and (13:23) and Jeleighsa Hamilton (16:45) also scored in the first half. Sophomore Allie Zuercher scored the final goal of the game at 79:04 with a half volley off a corner from Johnson.

Pekin (6-8-2), which tied its season win totals from 2004 and 2006 for second most wins in a season, takes on Peoria Christian at 4:30 p.m. today in a non-conference match at Eastside Centre in East Peoria.

Pekin 2, East Peoria 1

2007-05-03T22:15:00.000-05:00

PEKIN - Host Pekin engaged in a defensive battle with visiting East Peoria Thursday, with the Dragons able to eke out a 2-1 Mid-Illini Conference girls' soccer victory at Coal Miners Park.What looked to be a scoreless first half turned into a Pekin lead when Shelly Morris' shot from the right side tipped off East Peoria goalie Autumn Barrage's hand and got over the line for a Dragon goal. Morris' score was the only shot on goal of the first half for either team.“Shelly was really tough tonight,” said Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval. “She's been battling injuries and learning a new position (outside midfielder), but I think she's really starting to get the hang of it.”
The Raiders didn't go quietly though, tying the game just two minutes into the second half on Maria Pummill's tally.But freshman Emily LaBanca scored off an assist from fellow freshman Marissa McGurr to break the tie and give the Dragons (5-8-2, 2-7-2) the victory.“Those two played intercommunity soccer together before high school, so they know each other well,” Sandoval said. “There's good chemistry there.”

Washington 1, Pekin 0

2007-05-01T22:29:00.000-05:00

PEKIN - Pekin battled Washington tough, but lost to Washington 1-0 on a late penalty kick Tuesday in a Mid-Illini Conference girls' soccer match.
With five minutes left in the match, Pekin (4-8-2, 1-7-2) was called for a touching the ball with a hand in the box. Washington (7-6-1, 4-4-1) senior Michelle Rhodes scored on the penalty kick for the only goal of the game.“I strongly disagree with the call,” Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval said. “I felt our player was protecting herself and had her arms across her chest - it shouldn't have been called.“But, I told the girls after the game that if we don't want a referee's call to decide the game, we have to finish our chances. It's a tough way to lose, especially considering they had beaten us 6-0 the first time. We're clearly making progress.”
The Dragons' best scoring opportunity was five minutes into the second half when Amanda Miller took a Jakki Johnson corner kick and sent the ball towards the right corner. It caromed off the post.Pekin goalkeeper Lindsay Coffey, who had one diving save, stopped 12 Washington shots

Dunlap 3, Pekin 1

2007-04-28T22:22:00.002-05:00

DUNLAP - Host Dunlap tallied three goals in an eight-minute span to knock off Pekin 3-1 Saturday in a Mid-Illini Conference girls' soccer match.

A Pekin foul in the penalty box and subsequent penalty kick by junior defender Abby Barra in the 56th minute got the Eagles (8-2-4, 4-1-3) started.

“That really took the wind out of our sails,'' Pekin head coach Edgar Sandoval said. “From my view it looks like our player was trying to not push a Dunlap player that was falling. The ref felt like our girl pushed theirs. It was a judgment call, but it hurt.''

Dunlap scored twice more before Amanda Miller connected in the 70th minute for Pekin (4-7-2, 1-6-2) on a crossing pass by freshman Shawna Swisher after Darsie Hacker's pass initiated the play.

“Darsie's been hurt, but really came through,'' added Sandoval, whose team was outshot 12-2 by the hosts. “And I can't say enough about Allie Zuercher, who we just moved to midfield for the first time this season. She helped us maintain possession against a very strong team.''

Metamora 3, Pekin 0

2007-04-26T22:29:00.000-05:00

PEKIN - Pekin hung tough with Mid-Illini Conference girls' soccer rival Metamora Thursday but it wasn't enough for the Dragons to pick up a victory as the Redbirds came away with a 3-0 decision at Coal Miners Park.Metamora sophomore Kathy Marchal scored a goal and assisted on the Redbirds' other two, all off first-half corner kicks.“Kathy serves a great ball, no doubt about it, but we can't defer to them in the box,” said Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval. “You have to fight for position and you have to do everything you can to keep it out. We watched.”
Pekin was able to shut out the Redbirds in the second half, but the Dragons' offense couldn't get anything going for a rally.“We possessed the ball well, much better than we did on Tuesday night (against Morton),” Sandoval said. “It was definitely a better effort and this game could easily have been 1-0 or 1-1 had we stayed focused the entire 80 minutes.”Pekin next travels to Dunlap Saturday for a 10 a.m. Mid-Illini match.

Morton 7, Pekin 0

2007-04-24T22:30:00.000-05:00

MORTON - Pekin saw its four-game girls' soccer winning streak come to an end as Mid-Illini leader Morton scored early and often in sending the Dragons to a 7-0 setback.Brittany Smith scored just two minutes into the game and Pekin could never recover. The Lady Dragons (4-5-2, 1-3-2) managed only one shot on goal in the contest.Amy Unzicker, Kristin Dierker, Meagan Reitz, Rachel Payne, Darcy King and Maci Hatch also scored for Morton (8-1-1, 7-0-1).

Pekin 1, Lincoln 0; Pekin 3, Sterling 0

2007-04-21T22:34:00.000-05:00

PEKIN - Host Pekin saved its best for last in its inaugural girls' soccer invitational tournament, winning 1-0 over Lincoln Saturday on a late goal from reserve forward Michelle Feicke.The Lady Dragons blanked Sterling 3-0 earlier in the day and now have won four straight games without giving up a goal to improve to 4-5-2 on the season.Lincoln took second place in the tournament, winning the goals allowed tiebreaker with Sterling. Woodruff finished fourth.
Lincoln's best chance to score came just two minutes into the second half. After a Pekin foul, Lincoln forward Beth Rayman bent a ball from the right side towards the upper left corner, but Pekin goal keeper Lindsay Coffey was able to reach up and knock it over the goal.“Lindsay and our defenders - Marissa McGurr, Jessica Allen and Karis Parkin - were superb,'' Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval said. “Lincoln can score in bunches so the fact that we were able to shut them down was a positive.”Against Sterling, Shawna Swisher, Emily LaBanca and Kayla Milam accounted for the Pekin scoring.

Pekin 8, Woodruff 0

2007-04-20T22:56:00.000-05:00

PEKIN - Edgar Sandoval organized the Pekin girls' soccer invitational tournament to give the sport some exposure in the community.On a sunny, warm, cloudless Friday afternoon at Coal Miners Park, Sandoval's Lady Dragons exposed every Peoria Woodruff weakness en route to an 8-0 victory in the inaugural tournament's first game.
“Girls soccer is still in its infancy in many ways in Pekin, so I started the tournament to put on a nice event, especially for the younger girls to see,” said Sandoval, Pekin's fourth-year coach.Pekin star Jeleighsa Hamilton likes the tournament. At least for the most part.“It's different and new, so it's cool,” the senior midfielder said. “We have to play a lot of soccer in two days, though.”
Pekin (2-4-2) and Woodruff (1-8) are joined by Lincoln and Sterling in the four-team field. Each team will play three games with 30-minute halves instead of the usual 40-minute halves.Lincoln, missing five starters because of a band competition, played to a scoreless tie Friday with Sterling after the Pekin-Woodruff game. The Lincoln starters are expected to be back in action today.After Pekin faces Sterling at 9 a.m. today, it'll wait while Woodruff meets Lincoln and Sterling in back-to-back games. The Lady Dragons and Lincoln will collide in the tournament's final game at about 3:30 p.m. All the games will be played at Coal Miners Park.
“I'm really looking forward to the Lincoln game,” Sandoval said. “Limestone has a good defense, and Lincoln scored four times against them (in a 5-4 loss).”Pekin has tested Limestone's defense twice this season. The Lady Dragons tied Limestone 1-1 in their opener, then beat the Rockets 3-0 Thursday for their first victory of the season.“The teams in our tournament won't remind you of (Peoria) Notre Dame, (Peoria) Richwoods or Morton, but they're young teams that are improving,” Sandoval said. “This is a good beginning for the tournament. I hope to expand it down the road and bring in teams that are more familiar to soccer people.”
The tournament champion and runner-up will each receive a team trophy, and the players on both of those teams will each get a medal. Each win is worth three points in the tournament standings, and teams get one point for a tie. Standings tiebreakers are head-to-head competition, goals allowed and goals scored.Playing three games - albeit shorter games - in about 24 hours is going to test Pekin's endurance and depth, but Sandoval feels the Lady Dragons are ready for the challenge.“We're been doing extra conditioning, and I think it's paying off,” Sandoval said. “Our starters are playing more minutes than they did in the past, and they're not running out of gas. The starters and reserves are all realizing that it's critical for them to be in their best shape.”
Seven Pekin players scored against Woodruff. Amanda Miller tallied a pair of goals, and Michelle Feicke, Emily LaBanca, Marissa McGurr, Shawna Swisher, Allie Zuercher and Hamilton also put the ball in the back of the net. Jakki Johnson contributed two assists, and Beth Steger and LaBanca each had one helper.Pekin goalie Lindsay Coffey made two saves, both in the first half. The Lady Dragons were so dominant in the second half that Coffey could have bought a hot dog and Coke at the refreshment stand and watched the entire half from the bleachers.LaBanca, a freshman, showed off her speed several times during the game. She scored her first career goal Thursday against Limestone.
“Emily is really coming along,” Sandoval said. “When she gets some ball skills, she'll be a special player.”Pekin is 2-0-1 in its last three games after getting off to a 0-4-1 start.

Pekin 3, Limestone 0

2007-04-19T22:57:00.000-05:00

PEKIN - Pekin finally found its offense and broke through for three goals in a 3-0 Mid-Illini Conference girls' soccer win over Limestone Thursday at Coal Miners Park.Pekin (1-4-2, 1-3-2) got on the scoreboard 10 minutes into the game when senior Amanda Miller, who recently moved up from defense, found the back of the net after a scramble in front of the goal.Then about seven minutes later, Jakki Johnson got the ball in the right corner and sent a perfect cross to freshman midfielder Emily LaBanca who headed the ball in for her first career goal.
“That was one of the best executed plays we've had since I've started coaching,” Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval said. “Jakki's pass was great, and Emily was in exactly the right spot. And the velocity on both the pass and the shot was superb.”With three minutes left, Beth Steger made a run to the end line and found another freshman, Marissa McGurr, in front of the goal. McGurr tallied her first career goal to end the scoring.“I thought our effort was terrific,” Sandoval said. “I think our girls really felt like our first match with them should have been a win instead of a tie and their play was inspired. I think we're building some momentum and hopefully it'll carry us in our tournament (see related info box) this weekend.”

Pekin 1, East Peoria 1

2007-04-13T22:16:00.000-05:00

EAST PEORIA - The Pekin girls' soccer team broke its scoreless streak in dramatic fashion Friday, finishing in a 1-1 tie in Mid-Illini Conference action at East Peoria.The Dragons were reeling from four straight shutout loses. And after a scoreless first half, the Raiders' Carmon Alvaraz crashed the box to put hosts ahead in the 53rd minute.The score remained 1-0 until the final minute.
“I sent Marissa (McGurr) and Jeleighsa (Hamiltion) up from the back leaving us with just two defenders,” Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval said. “But, at that point giving up another goal wasn't going to change anything. When Jeleighsa got the ball, I screamed take it all the way - and that's what she did.”

Off a Pekin throw-in, the senior defender dribbled past four East Peoria defenders, turned the corner and found Jakki Johnson open in front of the goal. Johnson's second goal of the season was the equalizer with 43 seconds left.“

This effort was what we missed on Tuesday against Washington,” Sandoval said. “The girls played a heck of a game and didn't give up. It was a tremendous effort.”

Pekin goalkeeper Lindsay Coffey registered 11 saves.

Washington 6, Pekin 0

2007-04-10T22:00:00.000-05:00

WASHINGTON - Pekin failed to score for a fourth consecutive straight game Tuesday in a 6-0 Mid-Illini Conference girls' soccer loss to host Washington.Washington started its scoring onslaught early in the first half when midfielder Lauren Dinkheller lofted a shot in the goal 1:13 into the game.
“That pretty much set the tone for us for the game,” said Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval. “Our effort was very disappointing.”Junior Carrie Bunting scored three goals in the game for the Panthers.

Metamora 2, Pekin 0

2007-04-03T22:57:00.000-05:00

METAMORA - Host Metamora picked up a goal in each half and defeated shorthanded Pekin 2-0 in a Mid-Illini Conference girls' soccer match Tuesday. Mel Young scored for the Redbirds in the 11th minute of the opening half for the Redbirds (2-1, 2-1) before Ashley Rainville added an insurance tally in the second half.Pekin, short several players because of spring break conflicts, was outshot 21-2.

Princeton 3, Pekin 0

2007-03-31T15:47:00.001-05:00

PRINCETON - Pekin's offensive struggles continued at Princeton on Saturday in a 3-0 non-conference girls' soccer loss. Princeton forward Josie Gustafson scored two goals and assisted on a third, but the Dragons' defense made hem work, shutting the hosts down for the entire first half.

"We made more runs up front than we did against Morton, so that's a positive, "Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval said. "The defense really shined early on. Amanda Miller, Karis Parkin, Jeleighsa Hamilton and Marissa McGurr made sure that we were really challenging anything near the box.”

Missing three starters and three reserves because of spring break and other school activities, Sandoval said the Dragons (0-2-1) ran out of gas early in the second half. Gustafson found a cutting Emily Kauffman on the right side for the first score three minutes in.

“The wheels came off after that," Sandoval said. "All my freshmen and sophomores played the JV game first as they were missing players... and we brought up four JV players for their first varsity experience. We’re losing one more player for Tuesday’s game (vs. Metamora), so it’ll be a challenge.”

Morton 5, Pekin 0

2007-03-29T23:00:00.000-05:00

PEKIN - Defending league champion Morton wasted no time knocking Pekin down a peg with a 5-0 Mid-Illini Conference girls' soccer win Thursday at Coal Miners Park.The Potters got on the board just three minutes into the game when forward Amy Unzicker scored off a pass from Brittany Smith. Unzicker scored again 10 minutes later, but the Dragons defense would hold strong for the rest of the half.“(Morton coach ) Brian (Deters) has a talented, disciplined team with lots of experienced players,” Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval said. “I think we gave a good effort to keep them out of the goal the rest of the first half.”
The score remained 2-0 until a four-minute barrage midway through the second half. Two goals from Maci Hatch and one more from Unzicker made up the final score. Pekin's Lindsay Coffey saved 17 of the 24 Morton shots on goal.“Despite giving up more goals, I think it was a much better second half,” Sandoval said. “We had three or four runs up the side and a corner kick. But, the fact is we're a young team and with youth comes inconsistency. We'll have our share of games like this.”

Pekin 1, Limestone 1

2007-03-28T19:00:00.001-05:00

BARTONVILLE - Pekin was two minutes away from its first opening-day girls' soccer victory in program history, but had to settle for a 1-1 tie in its Mid-Illini Conference debut Tuesday against Limestone.The Dragons got on board first a corner kick landed short. Shelly Morris sent the ball back to Jakki Johnson, and Johnson lofted a shot that Limestone keeper Anne Heien got a hand on, but tipped into the goal about 16 minutes into the game.“Jakki had several good runs tonight and it's great to see her starting off the season on a positive,” Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval said.
The Dragons' defense held strong and the offense generated twice as man shots as the Rockets, but a defensive breakdown with about two minutes left cost Pekin the victory.Limestone forward Rachel Kyle launched a free kick that Pekin keeper Lindsay Coffey saved but couldn't hold on to. The Rockets' Kelsie Weynand marched in unmarked for the easy follow up score.“It's tough because I felt we dominated much of the game, and at half-time I even warned our girls about something like this happening,” Sandoval said. “But you learn from these situations and hopefully we'll have more to show for it when we play them again.”
Pekin hosts Morton on at 4:15 p.m. Thursday at Coal Miners Park.

Geneseo 5, Pekin 1

2006-05-16T23:00:00.001-05:00

Pekin's girls' soccer team’s season came to an end Wednesday with a loss to Geneseo in the Class AA Richwoods Regional.

The Dragons fell 5-1 to the seventh seeded Maple Leafs, with Breanna Zimmerman scoring Pekin's lone goal.

Pekin trailed 3-0 when Zimmerman scored at the 21:30 mark of the first half. It looked like the Dragons would be down only two going into the break, but in the final minute of the first half, Geneseo struck twice to double its advantage.

"That was a crushing blow," said Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval. "We were down two. We were about to get the wind and go downhill which is a huge advantage there."

The game was called after a few minutes of play in the second half due to lightning and a tornado warning.

All-sectional forward Jordan Wagner and Justine Boone each had a pair of goals for Geneseo (10-1-3) which advances to Saturday's 11 a.m. championship against host Richwoods (15-2-1).

Pekin finished the 2006 season with a 6-10-1 mark and its their third straight third place finish in its final year as members of the Mid-State 6 conference.

“Moving to the Mid Illini is going to be tough, but as a program, we’re making progress," noted Sandoval of a PCHS program that has gone 23-25-6 the past three years after going 23-83-6 in the first seven years.

Pekin 7, Woodruff 1

2006-05-11T23:00:00.000-05:00

Pekin celebrated senior night and the 10th year of girls' varsity soccer in style Thursday night, routing Woodruff 7-1 in a Mid-State 6 regular season finale at Coal Miners Park.

New ICC recruit and senior Breanna Zimmerman (see college roundup on B4) scored a hat trick while classmante Brittany Wright tallied twice.

“A couple of things we’ve been really inconsistent about this year are following our shots and making hard cuts towards the goal," said Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval. "We did a lot of that today and it meant scoring a lot more than we’ve been scoring.”

Chelsea Leaver picked up three assists in the game, while Kayla Milam and Amanda Miller scored single goals.

“I know third place doesn’t sound like anything special, but when you take into account that we’re behind two teams that have a legitimate shot at going to state, I’ll take it.”

Pekin opens play in the Richwoods regional on Wednesday against Geneseo.

Pekin’s junior varsity team won its first game of the year 3-1. Darsie Hacker led the hosts with the hat trick.

Pekin 2, Peoria Christian 2

2006-05-08T23:00:00.000-05:00

Pekin scored first and last to net a 2-2 tie with Peoria Christian in a non-conference girls' soccer match Monday at Coal Miners Park.

The Dragons struck first when freshman Jakki Johnson rebounded her own shot and set up a Breanna Zimmerman goal that put the hosts ahead 1-0 10:09 into the game.

“Jakki really came through for us and really stepped up in (injured all-conference midfielder) Sam’s (Grimes) absence," said Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval. "We lost the East Peoria game because we didn’t follow up and what Jakki did was textbook… exactly the way I want all my players to go after 50/50 balls.”

Peoria Christian managed three first half shots, but eventually went 2-1 midway through the second half on unassisted goals by Rosie Waibel and Rachel Frazelle.

After a couple of good runs that came up short, Pekin got the equalizer forcing a corner kick with less than eight minutes to go. Zimmerman served up a solid cross that freshman Shelly Morris knocked home with a nudge of her stomach to tie the game at 2-2.

“Bre sent a perfect ball into the box," Sandoval said. "and since the Central game, Coach (Michelle) Bodily has been working with Shelly on positioning her body to receive a cross so that even if you don’t get a good touch, you’ll still be able to redirect the ball with some success. In fact a few minutes before she scored, Shelly actually hit a better shot, a half volley that just missed to the right. So of course I was thrilled to see her finish one off.”

Pekin (5-9-1) next hosts Woodruff at 4:30 p.m. at Coal Miner‘s Park.

After failing to finishing fourth or fifth for the first seven years of the program, a win will give Pekin third place in the Mid State Six for a third consecutive year.

Thursday is Senior Night and in celebration of ten years of girls varsity soccer at PCHS, the team would like to send out a special invitation for all former players to attend.

East Peoria 1, Pekin 0

2006-05-06T23:00:00.000-05:00

Despite taking twice as many shots on goal, Pekin dropped a 1-0 non-conference girls' soccer decision to East Peoria Saturday at Coal Miners Park.

Twenty-five minutes into the first half, sophomore forward Carmen Alvarez stole the ball inside Pekin’s penalty box and sent it in for the game’s only score.

“We came out strong early, but we can’t play around with the ball inside the box," Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval said. "I don’t expect our keeper to stop a point blank shot and we can’t let our opponents get that close.”

It was the Dragons’ first game without senior captain and all-conference midfielder Sam Grimes. Grimes suffered a season ending ankle injury Thursday against Richwoods.

Pekin had several chances in the second half. Midway through, Breanna Zimmerman sent a cross into the middle, but Brittany Wright’s header went just over the goal. Later Zimmerman nailed two free kicks, each from about 25 yards out that forced diving saves from Red Raiders keeper Autumn Burrage, but the Dragons were unable to finish a the rebounds after either shot.

Pekin hosts Peoria Christian in a non-conference matchup today.

Richwoods 5, Pekin 0

2006-05-04T23:00:00.000-05:00

Despite 21 saves from freshman goalie Lindsay Coffey, Pekin couldn't generate any offense in a 5-0 Mid-State 6 conference loss to Richwoods Thursday at Coal Miners Park.

The Knights were led by Elizabeth Sinclair, who scored two goals, and Courtney Holtz with a goal and two assists. The Dragons (5-8, 3-4) played tough defense early, keeping the No. 2 seed in the Peoria Notre Dame Sectonal off the board for almost 20 minutes.

Cofey had 10 saves in the first half alone.

"Lindsay made some incredible plays including a diving one hander at the left corner," Pekin coach edgar Sandoval said. "The two goals she gave up were on a great play from an all-state forward and another off a bad clear. She did everything she could to keep us in it. It was a phenomenal effort."

Coffey came up five saves short of tying the school record of 26, set by Jen Adkison in 2004.

Pekin next hosts East Peoria in a 10 a.m non-conference match Saturday at Coal Miners Park.

Pekin 3, Central 0

2006-05-02T23:00:00.000-05:00

Pekin won its second straight soccer match Tuedsay, a 3-0 Mid-State 6 decision over host Peoria Central. The Dragons (5-7, 3-3) struck quickly after a Lions defender knocked the ball out of bounds on the right sideline. A few minutes into the game, Sam Grimes threw the ball in to Breanna Zimmerman who played a perfect one touch pass back to Grimes just up the line. Grimes launched a beautiful cross high where Brittany Wright headed it into the left corner.

Jeleighsa Hamilton made the score 2-0 with about 10 minutes left in the half. She took a pass from Bryn Golden and scored.

“Jeleighsa isn’t usually on the finishing end of our goals, but she saw the opening and took full advantage," Pekin coach Edgar sandoval said. "She makes great runs out of the back and because she is primarily a defender, I think she often goes unaccounted for up front.”

Freshman Kayla Milam finished off the scoring, with a hard fought, unassisted goal in the 65th minute. Goalkeeper Lindsay Coffey recorded her second consecutive shutout for the Pekin.

Pekin 1, Limestone 0

2006-04-28T23:00:00.001-05:00

BARTONVILLE - Pekin's soccer team broke a two-match losing streak and beat Limestone 1-0 on Friday in Bartonville In the process, freshman goalkeeper Lindsay Cofey earned her first career shutout.

The only goal of the game came 10 minutes in. Senior Jeleighsa Hamilton beat two Rocket defenders down the right side and crossed the ball into the goal box. In the melee that followed, Shelly Morris kicked the ball toward the right corner and Chelsea Leaver finished it off for her first goal of the season.

"Chelsea has had quite a week," Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval said. "She played a great game at Notre Dame and she got the only goal against Limestone. I think the team feeds off of her intensity and she set the tone right away."

Sandoval also credited his defenders - Karis Parkin, Amanda Miller, Jessica Allen and Bryn Golden.

"This was probably our best defensive effort of the season," he said. "We held them to one shot on goal on a free kick."

Pekin is now 4-7 on the season.

Notre Dame 7, Pekin 0

2006-04-25T23:00:00.000-05:00

League leading Notre Dame scored three times in the first half and four in the second to overwhelm Pekin 7-0 in a Mid-State 6 Conference girls' soccer match Tuesday night.

Katie Pitstick had two goals and Rchel Blakesly and Jenna LaHood added two more goals and four assists for the Irish (13-1, 5-0), who outshot Pekin 25-2 for te contest.

The Dragons next visit Limestone Friday in a non-conference match.

Princeton 4, Pekin 0

2006-04-22T23:00:00.000-05:00

PEKIN - Pekin's offense stalled in a 4-0 non-conferenec girls' soccer loss to Princeton Saturday at Coal Miners Park.

Princeton (8-3) had two goals in each half and has now won four matches in a row - outscoring its opponents 15-2 during that stretch.

"Even though the scoreboard didn't really show it, I was really pleased with the defensive effort," Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval said. "They challenged every shot and made it difficult for Princeton to get clean looks at the goal. Yes, we made some mistakes which led to scores, but this was a vast improvement over the Bloomington game."

Pekin did not have an official shot on goal. Freshman Lindsay Coffey had 11 saves for the hosts, who travel to Mid-State 6 Conference leader Notre Dame Tuesday night.

Pekin 7, Woodruff 1

2006-04-20T23:00:00.000-05:00

PEORIA - Pekin got back on the winning track Thursday, scoring three times in the first 14 minutes en route to a a Mid-State 6 Conference girls soccer victory over host Woodruff.

Breanna Zimmerman had a pair of early goals on assists from Sam Grimes and Jeleighsa Hamilton, with Grimes also connecting on a penalty kick.

"Bree has an incredibly strong shot and we’ve struggled the past few games to find her in good position, " Pekin coach Edgar Snadoval said. "But our midfielders found all the holes in the defense today.”

Senior defender Nicole Richards scored her first goal of the season off a cross from freshman Shelly Morris to give the Dragons a 4-0 halftime lead, and Grimes then found Brittany Wright for her second goal of the year.

Megan Maxwell scored for Woodruff ona free kick before freshman Kayla Milam and Zimmerman netted Pekin's final two goals.

Pekin (3-5, 2-2), which outshot Woodruff 25-3 hots Princeton at 11 a.m Saturday in a non-conference match at Coal Miners Park.

Bloomington 6, Pekin 0

2006-04-19T23:00:00.000-05:00

After a two game winning streak, the Pekin Girls Soccer team has now dropped three in a row following Wednesday's 6-0 non-conference loss to Bloomington at Coal Miners Park.

The Purple Raiders dominated the action, scoring all six of thier goals before intermission, two on uncontested corner kicks.

“I can understand losses. What I can’t understand is the way it’s happening, " Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval said. " We ignored all the basics… even what should have been simple passes were way off the mark. We got caught offsides three times just as we were starting to mount some offense. And we watched while they set up for shots inside the box. You just can’t do that and expect to succeed.”

Bloomington outshot Pekin 24 to 6 with Dragons’ goalkeeper Lindsay Coffey registering 14 saves.

Galesburg 9, Pekin 0

2006-04-13T23:00:00.000-05:00

Down five players because of spring break, injury and illness, Pekin lost two more by halftime of Thursday’s 9-0 girls soccer loss at Galesburg.

“To be honest, the first ten minutes of the game were our worst of the year," Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval said. "We settled down after that and played fairly well. But by the second half, our girls were just exhausted both physically and mentally. They gave all they had, but in the end, we just didn’t have the bodies to stay competitive."

Pekin managed just four shots on goal to Galesburgs 17. Freshmen goalkeepers Lindsay Coffey and Caitlin Hyatt combined for 10 saves for the Dragons (2-4), who host Bloomington in a non-conference match Wednesday at Coal Miners Park.

Richwoods 4, Pekin 0

2006-04-11T23:00:00.000-05:00

PEORIA - Pekin faced strong winds and an even stronger opponent Tuesday as Peoria Richwoods posted a 4-0 Mid-State 6 Conference girls' soccer victory.

Becca Smith led the Knights with two goals, while Rachel Waldschmidt had two assists. While the Dragons offense stalled, it’s defense showed signs of improvement, keeping Richwoods out of the goal for almost the first 20 minutes.

“Having the wind helped in the first half, but our defenders did a really good job of containing several runs, switching and covering when they had to," Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval said. "That comes with better communication and I hope we can build on this.”

Freshman goalkeeper Lindsay Coffey stopped nine of Richwoods 13 shots.

Pekin resumes action Thursday with a non-conference matchup at Galesburg.

Pekin 2, Macomb 1

2006-04-10T23:00:00.000-05:00

The Pekin Girls Soccer team took to the road for the first time this season and returned home with a 2-1 non-conference girls' soccer victory over Macomb.

The Dragons established themselves right away with several early chances. Freshman midfielder Jakki Johnson broke free at the top of the box at about 13 minutes in and was tripped from behind. Senior captain Sam Grimes converted the penalty kick to put the Dragons up 1-0.

Two minutes later it was Johnson again with a solid cross from the right side. Freshman Shelly Morris leaped high into the air and headed the ball down and hard towards the Bombers goal and off a Macomb defender for the 2-0 lead.

“Jakki played really well tonight. She had several great passes and really forced Macomb to defend her close in their third. Her ability to pass and shoot so well makes her someone that other teams really have to pay attention to. And it‘s great to see Shelly back out there after missing the first two games with an injury. The two of them have played together for a long time and their chemistry is evident.”

Pekin outshot Macomb 15-3 witht he bombers finally getting on board on Andie Cumbie's unassisted goal late in the second half.

Pekin returns to Mid-State 6 conference action today at Peoria Richwoods.

Pekin 6, Central 0

2006-04-04T23:00:00.000-05:00

PEKIN - Pekin picked up its first victory of the season with a 6-0 triumph over Peoria Central at Coal Miners Park. The Dragons ended a two game scoreless streak when senior Breanna Zimmerman intercepted an errant Lions pass and stuck a left footed shot in the back of the net just six minutes into the game.
“Since transferring to Pekin, Bre has missed most of her first two seasons with injuries, so to see her do well out there is a thrill for me," Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval said.

The score remained 1-0 despite 11 more Pekin shots on goal, until the Dragons exploded for five second half goals in a fifteen minute span. The run started when freshman midfielder Jakki Johnson got free on the left side and snuck a pass to freshman forward Allie Zuercher. Zuercher tapped it home to make it 2-0.

Zimmerman then took a perfect, one touch pass from senior Sam Grimes and converted to make it 3-0. The hosts got goals from senior Brittany Wright and junior Amanda Miller before freshman Kayla Milam found freshman Shelly Morris flying in for the final score.

“It was a great team effort today. Offense, midfield, defense all came together and our freshmen really stepped up and played with great patience up front," Sandoval said. "I think after being picked to finish in last place in conference, the girls wanted to prove something and I think they did.”

Pekin hosts Bloomington in a 4:30 p.m. non-conference match Thursday.

Washington 2, Pekin 0

2006-04-01T23:00:00.000-06:00

PEKIN - Pekin managed just five shots on goal ina 2-0 non-conference soccer loss to visiting Washington at Coal Miners Park.

Sophomore midfielder Carrie Bunting scored both goals. She hit the first goal on a pass from senior Ashley Weston just 4 1/2 minutes into the game. The other goal came with about seven minutes left as Bunting dribbled through three Pekin defenders and scored on a point blank shot.

"We're haivng trouble with slow starts, especially on defense" Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval said. "We have to be ready to play as soon as that first whistle is blown."

Washington took 15 shots on goal and Pekin freshman Lindsay Coffey stopped 12 of them.

2006 PCHS GIrls Soccer Oreview

2006-03-29T22:01:00.000-06:00

PEKIN - After struggling for seasons, Pekin High School's girls' soccer program starts the 2006 campaign with a firm foundation to build upon.

After averaging three wins a year for its first eight varsity seasons, the Lady Dragons posted a school record 11-7-1 campaign last spring, highlighted by their first ever post-season victory, a 5-4 come-from-behind first round regional triumph over Rock Island.

Pekin set program highs for wins, conference wins (6), shutouts (5) and goals scored (47) en route to its second straight third-place finish in the Mid-State 6.

Yet despite losing 12 seniors and nine starters from last season's team, third-year Pekin head coach Edgar Sandoval hopes to keep the Lady Dragons playing at a respectable level as he crafts a young and inexperienced squad.

“Even though we will feature eight seniors, six of whom saw significant field time last year, as well as three juniors, the team as a whole will be young and inexperienced with nine new starters,” Sandoval said.

Top two career scoring leaders Aimee St. Andre and Tory Udry both graduated along with two-time all-M-S-6 goalkeeper Jen Adkison as well as three-year starting defenders Susan Howard and Stephanie Sheffler.

Other departing starters include defender Marissa Fandel, a sophomore who transferred after getting accepted into the Illinois Math and Science in Aurora, and senior forward Sam Berry who decided not to join the team.

Senior midfielder Sam Grimes, a 2005 co-captain, and junior defender Jeleighsa Hamilton, both returning all-conference and honorable mention all-sectional players, are the only returning starters from last spring's squad.

“I have known few players that have a passion for soccer as much as Sam Grimes,” said Sandoval. “Her (Grimes) dedication and ability are big reasons why we've had much more success record wise in the past two years.”

Sandoval hopes to utilize the athletic ability of Hamilton, who started as a varsity defender her freshman and sophomore seasons, by playing her on offense as well as defense in 2006.

Senior forward Breanna Zimmerman is expected to be a key contributor on offense after recovering from off-season knee surgery. Zimmerman played only one game last season due to a season-ending knee injury after leading the team in scoring in 2004.

The rest of the roster includes seniors Chelsea Leaver, Brittany Wright, Bryn Golden, Katy McCarty and sisters Nicole and Megan Richards, and juniors Karis Parkin and Amanda Miller. Freshmen include Kayla Milam, Diane Jess, Jessica Allen, Shelly Morris, Allie Zuercher, Lindsay Coffey and Jakki Johnson.

Sandoval is optimistic of the talents of his seven freshmen, who possess club soccer experience.

“Before they've (freshmen) even put on Pekin uniforms, many of the freshmen have a lot more playing experience than any of the seniors who graduated,” said Sandoval. “I think it's going to take them a little time to get used to the speed and physical nature of the high school game, but once they do I'll expect good things.”

In comparison to last year's squad, the Lady Dragons will operate a possession-oriented offense instead of a speed-oriented offense, which it used en route to scoring a team record 47 goals in 2005.

“This year, we're going to focus a lot more on maintaining possession and shorter runs and passes,” Sandoval said. “Aimee St. Andre and Sam Berry were blessed with a lot of speed up front, so without them we're going to need to focus more on controlling the pace of the game and less on the ‘long ball' over the top.”

Assistant coaches new to the program include Theresa Wike, who played defense and goalkeeper for Limestone, and volunteer coach Michelle Bodily, who played two years at Salt Lake Community College and graduated from Utah State.

Notre Dame 7, Pekin 0

2006-03-28T23:00:00.000-06:00

PEKIN - Notre Dame forward Lucy Hedges scored a hat trick as the Irish beat Pekin 7-0 Tuesday in a Mid-State 6 Conference girls' soccer opener at Coal Miner's Park.

Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval said his team "showd signs of life toward the end of the first half and at times during the second" against the area's top team that made teh state quarterfinals last season.

"We saw terrific midfield pay from captaions Sam Grimes and Jeleighsa Hamilton as well as freshmen Jaki Johnson and Diane Jess," he said, adding that his team (0-1, 0-1) had several lasting posessions that included six or seven successful passes.

Freshman goal keeper Lindsay Coffey stopped five of 12 shot attempts.

Pekin plays at home Saturday against Washington.

7th annual 4KICKS/Sport Verein Senior Girls Soccer Game

2005-06-06T23:38:00.000-05:00

Fun game tonight at Dunlap. Mid State 6 and Mid Illini Senior All Star teams tied 2-2. Great experience for all the girls involved as they got to know some of their opponents in a more relaxed atmosphere.

2005-06-06T23:37:00.000-05:00

Steph looks to contain the oncoming run.

2005-06-06T23:35:00.001-05:00

Jen gets ready to defend her goal.

2005-06-06T23:35:00.000-05:00

Aimee carries the ball down the sideline.

2005-06-06T23:31:00.000-05:00

Me with the five seniors who played in the game.

2005-06-06T23:29:00.000-05:00

The goal that wasn't...

Normal West 8, Pekin 0

2005-05-25T01:20:00.000-05:00

The Pekin girls soccer team’s dream season came to an end Tuesday losing 8-0 to undefeated Normal West at the Moline regional. The loss also ended Pekin’s first ever five game winning streak and was the second straight year the Wildcats defeated the Dragon’s in the postseason.

After scoring 37 goals in the regular season, Wildcats freshman Kayla Braffett scored two first half goals, the first one coming on a follow when a teammate’s shot hit the left goal post.

Pekin’s best chance came midway through the first half when a Tori Udry free kick from 30 yards out hit the bottom of the crossbar and Aimee St. Andre was nearly able to score on a follow up of her own.

“We had our chances. Tory had a great left foot shot that curved hard to the right and forced their keeper to make a diving save," said Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval. And Aimee had several deep runs into their defensive third. We just couldn’t finish one off.”

The Wildcats outshot the Dragons 30 to 3. Pekin senior goalkeepers Jen Adkison and Bethany Smith combined for 20 saves.

“My girls can hold their heads up high knowing that they finished with the first ever winning record in program history and they lost to a team that could make a deep run into the playoffs,” Sandoval added.

Normal West improves to 20-0. Pekin ended the season at 11-7-1. The Dragons lose 12 seniors including the school’s all-time leading scorer, St. Andre as well as star freshman defender Marissa Fandel, who was recently accepted into the Illinois Math and Science Academy in Aurora.
“Losing eight starters and all those seniors is going to be a challenge for us. But there were some solid JV players and there is a strong group of in coming freshmen that play club soccer and attend the Bradley University camp each summer," Sandoval said. "I expect many of them to compete for varsity spots and help continue what this great group of seniors helped start.”

Pekin 5, Rock Island 4

2005-05-22T01:45:00.000-05:00

Another first for Dragons
By Times staff
MOLINE -- Pekin's soccer team added another happy chapter to its storybook season Saturday with its first-ever post-season win -- a 5-4 dramatic come-from-behind victory over Rock Island at the Moline Regional. Trailing 4-3, the Dragons scored two goals in the final five minutes to take the win. After a Rock Island foul, Tory Udry pushed the ball to the top of the box where Aimee St. Andre flicked it to a cutting Sam Berry, who faked out Rock Island's goalkeeper, Anne Ledford. Penalty Instead of allowing a sure goal, Ledford tackled Berry from behind. Still, Pekin's Sam Grimes converted the penalty kick to tie the game 4-4 with 1:14 left to play. "Sam had missed a couple of PKs earlier in the season, and she was kind of down about it," Pekin coach Edgar Sandoval said. "Since then, I've been telling her that I have confidence in her to be the one to take them. As a captain, she can choose another shooter, but when the foul was called, she looked over and I yelled to her 'It's your call.' She really stepped up." The game-winning goal was set up with a minute left. Amber Poston got a breakaway chance, but a Rock Island defender deflected the ball over the end line. Grimes quickly got a corner kick into the heart of the box and a weaving St. Andre headed it into the left corner of the goal with 31 seconds left. "This was an amazing finish," Sandoval said. "In my first two years here, we've had several letdowns late in games that cost us, so for my girls to come back like this is terrific. After giving up a PK with five minutes to go (which made it 4-3), they could have given up, but they showed an incredible amount of heart today." St. Andre and Grimes each had two goals. St. Andre assisted Udry on the other. Pekin (11-6-1) has now won five matches in a row. The Dragons play undefeated, No. 1-seeded Normal West at 5 p.m. Tuesday in Moline.

and this team will have a memory that'll last a lifetime.

2005-05-22T01:35:00.000-05:00

ending 8

This was our program's first "AA" playoff victory...

2005-05-22T01:27:00.000-05:00

ending 7

as our team enjoys a tremendous come from behind win.

2005-05-22T01:26:00.000-05:00

ending 6

rushes on to the field...

2005-05-22T01:25:00.000-05:00

ending 5

Everyone on the sidelines...

2005-05-22T01:24:00.000-05:00

ending 4

our girls celebrate a dramatic 5-4 win.

2005-05-22T01:22:00.000-05:00

ending 3

and when the ref blows his whistle for a final time...

2005-05-22T01:21:00.000-05:00

ending 2

Our defense clears away Rock Island's last chance...

2005-05-22T01:20:00.000-05:00

ending 1

for the go ahead goal that has Sam pumping a fist into the air.

2005-05-22T01:16:00.000-05:00

game winner 11

and the goalie...

2005-05-22T01:15:00.000-05:00

game winner 10

to get it past the far post defender...

2005-05-22T01:14:00.000-05:00

game winner 9