The Milan News-Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
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Milan off to 2-0 start in Huron after wins
Big Reds flatten Airport, edge Pirates 3-1; SMCC Friday
By Brian Cox, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: April 17, 2008
The Milan varsity girls' soccer team's hunt for a league championship is on.
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The Big Reds (2-0-1) opened the hunting season by dispatching Huron League rival Riverview 3-1 on the road and following up with a 9-0 shutout over Airport at home.
"I'm happy with the wins," said coach Russ Billau, "but our first real league test to see what we can do will be Friday against St. Mary Catholic Central."
Against Riverview, Sarah Towler, who had an impressive opening game, broke a scoreless tie late in the first half. She got a steal and let loose a kick from outside penalty area that beat the Riverview goalkeeper.
Milan went up 2-0 in the second half when Lauren Eisen and Towler combined to put a through pass to Jessica Young, who scored her first goal of the season.
The Pirates scored their lone goal a few minutes later in a mad scramble around the net, but Towler put the game away with an unassisted goal from the corner.
The defense, which Billau characterized as stellar, limited Riverview to only four shots on goal. Stephanie Roe and Brittney Auten, who is among the team leaders in tackles, anchored the defensive stand.
Keeper Meghan Donahue recorded two saves.
In the shutout over Airport, Young exploded for four goals and an assist, while Towler, Roe, Shelby Morley-Janni, Tiffany Stacy and Allison Sell each had a goal. Towler also had an assist and Stacy had two.
After notching two league victories, the Big Reds were frustrated Tuesday with a 1-1 tie against Stockbridge.
"We controlled the play," said Billau, "and we should have been able to buzz right by them, but when you can't put the ball in the net, it doesn't matter how much you control the ball."
Young scored at the eight-minute mark, but injured her ankle on the play. Stockbridge's defense was able to key on Towler and fended off 15 shots on goal.
Stockbridge scored late in the second half to tie the game.
Billau said he was pleased with how the defense played, allowing Stockbridge little time in Milan's side of the field.
The Big Reds faced Flat Rock Wednesday before hosting SMCC 4:30 p.m. Friday.
The Milan junior varsity team won their opening game 1-0 against Riverview. Emily Harris scored the lone goal in the first half with a shot off the corner kick that curled over the Riverview keeper's head. The defense was led by Jill Wessel and Erin Ervin. Katie Hill made five saves in net.
Staff Writer Brian Cox can be reached at 429-7380 or bcox@heritage.com.
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