RallyNorth.net

Youthful Knights get surprising tie

This certainly wasn't the result that Courtney Breen expected.

She knew her North Andover squad was on the young side and would be challenged on opening day by a talented, experienced Manchester-Essex team.

But the Knights battled hard on defense, took a first half lead, and held on to finish with a 1-1 deadlock against the Hornets.

"We did a really great job," Breen said. "We weren't expected to tie this game."

Some last-minute work on its penalty corners paid immediate dividends. Caroline Whalen passed the ball out to Meg Daley, and she whipped a perfect cross to an open Michelle Martin who popped the ball into the net.

"Our late-night practice on corners really paid off," Breen said.

Manchester-Essex broke through behind Britney Smith to tie the contest in the second half, but strong team defense led by Julie Boshar helped keep the score tied.

Offensively, the Knights kept solid pressure on the Hornets net sparked by midfielder Angie Minott.

"In the first half, we dominated offensively but the Manchester-Essex goalie was moving around pretty well," Breen said. "We had great opportunities in the second half, too. Everyone on the forward line did a great job forcing the ball up front."