Charlottesville’s girls soccer team may have controlled the play until that point, but Western Albemarle controlled the score. With just under six minutes left in the first half though, an own goal by Western evened the score and changed the game’s complexion.
From there, Charlottesville continued to control possession but stepped up its urgency and closed out Western in a 3-1 win to remain unbeaten in Jefferson District play.
“I really feel like we were dominating on just about every part of the field but they got that (early) goal,” said Charlottesville assistant coach Liz Edrington. “It was just a matter of our forwards getting those last couple of touches in to take good shots. We needed better shot production.”
The Black Knights took the lead early in the second half when Kelli Wisbauer unleashed a flawless cross to striker Abigail Intolubbe-Chmil at the center of the box. Intolubbe-Chmil collected the pinpoint pass, reset and blasted the ball into the right side of the net.
Chmil attacked all night barely missing at least two other excellent scoring chances.
“She’s such a natural forward, it’s a delight to watch her play,” Edrignton said. “She gives it 100 percent the whole time, she’s super speedy — she’s just a natural forward.”
An insurance goal from Ellie Von Storch later in the half put the contest out of reach for the Warriors. Charlottesville goalie Emily Thomas was rarely tested and was forced to make just a single save to preserve the Black Knights’ advantage.
The own-goal was a clear momentum shift, as the Warriors’ started to come apart a little after the score.
“It seems like every time that happens they think it’s the end of the world,” said Western coach Lesley Gourdet. “But I tell them it’s never over till its over, keep playing your game and keep having fun. It’s something we have to address.”
Despite the tough second half, Western got a terrific performance out of former reserve keeper Josie Rappold, who’s been thrust in the starting role with keeper Emily Marbury’s injury. Rappold stepped in and made 10 saves for the Warriors.
“She did a wonderful job, I’m very proud of her,” Gourdet said. “I think we’re going to continue to do well, we just need to take some more shots.”
The Warriors lone goal came on a perfect strike by sophomore Elsa Strickland streaking down the left side in the middle of the first half.
Western will next clash with Monticello, a battle that could help determine second place in the Jefferson District with the Mustangs Monday while the Black Knights take on Louisa at home and attempt to defend their unbeaten record in the JD.
