The host Kenai Central girls soccer team scored in the final minute to defeat Wasilla 1-0 on Saturday in Northern Lights Conference play.
The match featured two of the top teams in the NLC, as Kenai improved to 5-2 overall and Wasilla dropped to 9-3 overall.
The game-winner was a header by Lara Creighton off a cross from Heidi Perkins.
Kenai coach Dan Verkuilen said he felt the Kards controlled most the game, but that Wasilla did a great job on defense of limiting the opportunities.
“They had a couple shots on goal, and they did a good job keeping ours down too,” Verkuilen said.
He said Allie Ostrander did a nice job in the midfield, playing all 80 minutes despite having a track meet later in the day.
Kylie Morse was the sweeper, while Alli Steinbeck got the shutout in goal. Verkuilen said defender Caitlin Steinbeck also stood out.
On offense, Verkuilen said Creighton and Abi Tuttle kept the pressure on all game, and it finally paid off.
Kenai travels to Nikiski for a 4 p.m. game Tuesday.
Wasilla boys 4, Kenai 0
The host Kardinals dropped to 4-2-1 with an NLC loss to the Warriors.
“Our attitude was the difference,” Kenai coach John Morton said. “We didn’t seem to want it as bad.
“Skillwise, we can match up pretty well against Wasilla, but they definitely took it to us today.”
Morton said Wasilla had more opportunities on net. He said Nathan Narlock had a good game at center defense for his team.
“I told the guys the bad feeling at the end could turn the way you play into how we played today, or we could look at it like here’s the things we need to work on,” Morton said. “If we fix those things, we can have a strong showing the rest of the season, and that is what I think is going to happen.”
The Kenai boys are at Nikiski at 6 p.m. Tuesday.
Kenai girls 20, Seward 0
Alli Steinbeck recorded the shutout in net as the Kards moved to 4-2 overall and 2-0 in the NLC Southern Division.
“It was a good opportunity for our girls to get a lot of touches and shot opportunities,” Verkuilen said.
The coach also credited Seward with playing hard throughout the game.
Kenai boys 11, Seward 0
Wren Norwood and Jake Meyer combined for a shutout as the Kards moved to 4-1-1 overall and 2-0 in the Southern Division.
Grace boys 3, Skyview 0
The host Grizzlies dropped the Panthers to 1-6 overall with an NLC victory Saturday.
“We rested some of the guys getting ready for all our south opponents this week,” Skyview coach Jake Eveland said.
Starting with hosting Seward on Tuesday at 5 p.m., Skyview plays four Southern Division opponents in five days.
Eveland did say he liked the play out of Austin Craig and Seth Hutchison, as well as Bailey Jones in goal.
The Skyview girls also lost to Grace, but a score was not available as the Clarion went to press. That dropped the Panthers to 0-7.
Palmer girls 9, Skyview 0
The Panthers dropped to 0-6 on the season with an NLC loss on the road.
Skyview coach David Carpenter said the highlight of the game for his team was the hard work by Carissa Lingle.
Palmer boys 6, Skyview 0
The Panthers fell to 1-5 with an NLC loss on the road.
“It was a typical Valley game,” Skyview coach Jake Eveland said. “It was physical and they let a lot of things play.
“I was impressed with the kids keeping their heads cool.”
Eveland said Ryan Winter played well and did a good job, while Bailey Blumentritt was steady in the midfield. He also said Bailey Jones had a solid game in goal.
Homer boys 1, Palmer 0
The visiting Mariners finished up a perfect week by topping the Moose in NLC play Saturday.
Homer moved to 7-1 overall by beating Nikiski, Soldotna, Grace and Palmer this week.
“I’m really proud of the kids,” Homer coach Warren Waldorf said. “That’s four games this week against four pretty strong opponents.
“It was 73 degrees up here. There wasn’t much wind. It was pretty hot. It’s nice to have the week over with.”
Homer girls 1, Palmer 0
The visiting Mariners notched an NLC win over the Moose on Saturday.
Homer boys 2, Grace 1
The Mariners received goals from Kenneth Schneider and Drew Brown in picking up an NLC victory on the road.
The Homer girls lost to Grace on Friday, but a score was not available as the Clarion went to press.
