Millbrook shuts out Wake Forest in girls’ soccer for second straight time
Millbrook’s No. 3-ranked girls’ soccer team nearly doubled its goals with a second straight shutout of Wake Forest, but there was more to tell about the Wildcats’ one-sided 7-0 win Monday night on their home field.
Millbrook is dominating without a senior.
“Our juniors that have stepped up and are playing like seniors and sophomores that played as freshman are like juniors,” said Maya Celetti, a junior forward. “I think since we don’t have a senior, we give each other a lot of support. We’re all in it together.”
Millbrook (11-1-2, 7-0-2 Cap 8) won 4-0 a month ago over Wake Forest (6-8, 2-7 Cap 8), but Monday’s game was scoreless until Celetti broke the ice 15 minutes into the first half. With no defenders closing on Celetti, she slowed her pace, got the goalie leaning to the left side of the net and then she punched the ball easily into the right corner.
TURNING POINT
Wake Forest kept the game close, trailing only 2-0 through the first 15 minutes of the second half. But Millbrook tallied three goals in four minutes. Junior Brianna Morris scored with 24:12 left, freshman Alexis Strickland with 23:28 and sophomore Natasha Fisk with 20:10.
THREE TO KNOW
▪ Alexis Strickland, Millbrook: The freshman was the only multiple-goal scorer on a night six Wildcats found the back of the net. Strickland scored in the first half for a 2-0 lead and second half for a 4-0 advantage.
▪ Claire Griffiths, Millbrook: The junior midfielder that is committed to Florida State was among the midfielders Wildcats Coach Matt Edwards praised for their smart decisions that kept the ball moving.
▪ Maddison McNally, Wake Forest: Millbrook would have scored double figures without spectacular saves by the Cougars’ junior goalie.
WHAT’S NEXT
Millbrook and No. 1 Leesville Road are tied for first in the Cap 8 with a three-game lead over the third place team. The teams played to a 0-0 tie the first time and meet May 2 at Leesville Road.
THEY SAID IT
“(Millbrook) played really well and moved the ball. We’re going through some heavy legs and a couple injuries right now, but that had nothing to to do with it. Millbrook earned it. Maddie has been our savior this season. She’s an amazing player and a great kid. – Wake Forest coach Jeremiah Mattingly
This story was originally published April 18, 2016 at 9:08 PM with the headline "Millbrook shuts out Wake Forest in girls’ soccer for second straight time."