The Milan News-Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
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Big Reds ready for top-10 showdown
Milan runs record to 7-0 before battle with nemesis Grosse Ile
By Brian Cox, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: May 3, 2007
This isn't the story.
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The story is history.
The story happened on Wednesday, hours after press time when the Milan girls' varsity soccer team traveled to Grosse Ile for arguably the biggest game to date in the program's history.
"All the marbles are on the table," said coach Phil Zuber the morning of the game.The Big Reds were undefeated heading into the game. So were the Red Devils. Milan was ranked ninth in the state. Grosse Ile was ranked tenth. On the line was sole possessiion of first place in the Huron League standings.
A win would be historic for Milan, who has never owned first place outright. Who is 1-10-1 against Grosse Ile, getting that first win in the final game of last season.
The Big Reds were "eerily calm" Wednesday morning, according to Zuber.
"Usually when they play Grosse Ile, they're nervous," he said. "You can see it. But now they're surprisingly calm."
In the days leading up to The Day, the Big Reds defeated league rival St. Mary Catholic Central 3-1, maintained their perfect record against Clinton with a 5-0 win, and took down New Boston in a come-from-behind 4-2 win.
Jessica Young, who is knocking on the door oof becoming Milan's leader in career points and goals, scored in the first three minutes against SMCC. A 35-yard free kick by Sarah Towler put the Big Reds up 2-1 at halftime and Young sealed the deal in the second half with a goal off an assist by Meredith Rizor.
Milan shutout Clinton 5-0 with two goals from Stephanie Sell and Towler and a goal from Kaitlin Eisen. Assists went to Jennnifer Dennison, Amanda Lopez, Tiffany Stacy,a nd Meghan Donahue.
"We had the opportunityy to play the bench," said Zuber. "It was a good chance for everyone to get some playing time."
Against New Boston, the Big Reds fell behind for the first time this season before Young tied the game at 1-1 and Towler gave Milan a 2-1 lead at halftme. In the second half, Young and Towler each scored again to put the game away. New Boston scored their second goal on a penalty kick.
The New Boston game took a devastating toll on the Big Reds, though, with premier defender Stephanie Roe tearing a ligament with only three minutes remaining. The injury will certainly keep Roe out of the Grosse Ile game and could take her out all season.
"To lose her is gigantic," said Zuber. "She is such a leader on the defense and has really stabilized it back there. I'm at a loss for words about how we're going to adjust."
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