District 6-5A

Tues, March 23 Marcus 0-1 Heritage

Marcus traveled to Justin Northwest for a Bi-district game v old foe Colleyville Heritage. We had beaten them 4 times in a row 2003-06 but this time they were favored having a 17-2-2 overall and 13-0-1 district record .The wind started to die down as we kicked off at 8pm after a SLC v Trinity boys game. The game got more difficult in the first five minutes when from a corner their #2 powerfully heading home. We were a little nervous but started to get some momentum. Mitchell earned a corner and then Mountjoy had a great chance as she went to control Mitchell's header but the defender cleared at the last second.

Whitehead hammered a free kick that looked destined for the top corner but the goalie pushed it over. Whitehead had another chance as Mountjoy's corner bobbled around the box but she could not get much power on the shot. Lambert retrieved the ball but her looping shot just went over the bar. Their speed up front was a constant threat and our defence manged to contain them They were very dangerous at set pieces, especially a long throw and Fetzko had to come to the rescue. Kemp looked to be able to score as she ran onto Whitehead's beautiful pass but the goalie smothered her shot.

Second half we had a slight wind. Kemp was causing problems on the right with her runs. Lurvey had a good chance when she shot but the shouts for a foul inside the box went unheard. Heritage played great defensively and limited our opportunities. Kemp had to go off when the ball hit her in the face. As we gambled there were holes in our defence but we managed to scramble the ball away. They had a free kick that went into the goal but the player was called offside. Mountjoy hit a screamer that just grazed over the bar and we frantically sought an equalizer. The game ended and so did our hopes. A really tough season came to an end but Heritage took their chance and had a little too much firepower than us. It is just little things that make the difference between success and failure at this level. Congratulations to our girls who fought to the end.


Sat March 13 Marcus 1-0 Hebron

Well , we finally achieved what had seemed impossible a couple of weeks ago. The Varsity celebrated Senior morning with a victory against Hebron at Goldsmith. The game had been moved to Sat due to wet fields, then moved back to Chinn Chapel when they dried out Friday and then returned to Sat when officials could not be found. Flower Mound had tied Coppell in the final minutes the night before and had moved ahead of us by a point. We needed the minimum of a tie to advance. It had not been a good Friday with boys soccer losing 6-2 and our boys basketball losing in the final second in the state semi-final. Maybe we could put a smile back on their faces

Senior morning was unique !! We celebrated with a ceremony that was delayed due to the Villalobos family tardiness but the sun shone and the tears flowed. Both teams were weakened by absences from the Vegas tournament and SAT conflicts. First half we faced a strong wind. Long almost broke through onto Whiteheads' pass but the defence cleared it. The goalie then saved Lindley's shot and then dealt with Kemp's shot from Whitehead. The game was being played at a slower tempo but the two dangerous attackers for Hebron were always threatening. We were content to play through balls and run onto them but their goalie was comfortable.

At halftime Lambert made her "one for the gipper"speech and we decided not to sit on the tie. We attacked with the wind behind our backs. Fetzko dealt with a long range shot and then Kemp ran around the defence to cross beautifully but no-one got on the end of it. Then at 27 mins came the breakthrough. Whitehead controlled the ball and from 40 yards out unleashed an unstoppable shot that screamed into the top of the goal. It was the security we needed. Long's shot just went over. New goalies Villalobos and Hise made a couple of important saves . We had to play the last 15 mins without Whitehead, off with a concussion, and Long/Reinses with slight injuries. Our defence was magnificent and the clock ticked down on a memorable morning where Marcus returned to the play-offs to face old foe Colleyville Heritage.


Tues March 9th Marcus 2-1 Flower Mound

We traveled the short distance to Flower Mound for a critical game v Lady Jaguars Marcus needed to win to earn the tiebreaker and to get back in the play-off hunt It was the warmest day of the year with 75 degrees during the day Both teams attacked early. Mitchell passed to the back but Morrow's shot went over the bar From a Flower Md corner we counterattacked and Mountjoy went 1 on 1 with a defender but they got back on defence to thwart her. Mitchell ran onto Mounjoy's pass but she could not get a shot off. At 21 mins the Lady Jags went ahead from a corner to the back post we failed to clear and the rebound trickled over the line Marcus attacked more. Long and Forte added pace up front. Forte's left foot shot was deflected to Whitehead but her shot was tipped over by the goalie. Kemp got around their defence but her crosses were not put away Finally with 8 mins remaining the ball is deflected to Mitchell who controlled the ball and just like last year rifled a shot into the corner of the goal. Mountjoy and Whitehead combined a couple of times but we could not add to our tally

Second half started with a bang. Within a minute we went ahead. Mitchell shot deflected to Lindley who controlled and turned the ball past the goalie. The Lady Jags top midfielder was off the field with a hamstring strain and allowed Marcus to control more of the middle of the field. Whitehead's pinpoint cross found Long to attack the defender but her shot hit the post. Whitehead took a quick free kick to Lambert but her shot lacked power. Whitehead played the ball to Kemp who cut in but her shot was saved. The last ten mins was a furious pace as FM sought to get a goal. Our defence held on and cleared the ball but ball girls kept throwing it back .The clock ticked down and a famous victory was claimed. It put us back in the hunt but one more game remains for play-off decisions to be made We have the tiebreaker v FM but with players missing on all teams due to Las Vegas club tournament and Senior night activities there are still more twists that can occur.

Fri March 5th Marcus 0-1 Coppell

It was finally a lovely evening to play soccer. Marcus traveled to Coppell with the knowledge that a win for the Cowgirls would result in a district championship and a win for Marcus would put them back in the playoff hunt. News filtered through just before kick off that our boys basketball team had just won in the Regional semi-final and that gave us a lot of energy against a difficult opponent. In the first 2 mins we could have gone ahead. Whitehead's free kick curled into the six yard box and Lindley just failed to connect. Another free kick by Whitehead almost reached Morrow but was cleared by Coppell. It was a very even game. Marcus found more movement up front and defensively dealt with their speedy attackers. Lambert's through ball had Lurvey just failing to connect. Long came on up front and her pace made it uncomfortable for their defence. Kemp ran onto Tue's through pass but her cross was stopped. Then with 13 mins left a diagonal ball found #13 Guarderian who ran through. Goalie Fetzko came out to save but the ball rebounded off their forward and trickled into the corner of the goal. That lack of fortune summed up our district season. We were proud of the way our players fought and came in at halftime a little frustrated that we had nothing for our efforts

Second half we went for that elusive goal. Whitehead sent Lurvey through but the ball went too far. Coppell were well organized defensively and their fast counterattacks were dangerous. Lurvey had to be helped off with cramp and Morrow was flattened in the box. Our best opportunities were when Mountjoy appeared to be brought down in the box and then Kemp's shot from the edge of the box brought a smothering save from the goalie. A great effort from Marcus but luck was not with us again and no points from 80 mins hard work. We are in 5th place with 2 games remaining, 3pts behind Flower Mound who we play on Tuesday. A win would tie them on points but would give us the tiebreaker head to head. Our basketball boys won on Sat so the emotion of them going to state should help us this week.


Fri Feb 26 SL Carroll 3- 0 Marcus

Light drizzle hit the metroplex which put in doubt our first ever game on the grass at Chinn Chapel. But it passed inspection and both the JVs played at 6pm on fields 3 and 5 . JV White won 2-1 and JV Red 5-0.

It was very cold when the Varsity stepped onto the field and the surface a little slick. Lindley and Anderson were out with injuries but Forte had to step in at the last minute in defence with Harrell going home sick. The Dragons speed was evident early on and Fetzko was the busiest of the two goalies. She had to come out and kick away and then dive and save a shot from #16 who was under pressure from Lurvey. Our defence's achilles heel this season has been effectively to clear our lines and again our clearances were not kicked far away. Carroll's corners and throw ins were all long into the box . From one corner their header hit the bar.

We had a bright spell for 10 mins. Morrow's cross was cleared away; Lurvey sent Weeks through but by the time she controlled the ball the defender was able to clear her attempt. Lurvey then sent the ball into the 6 yard box where their goalie punched it away.

We have talked all season about managing the final minutes of the half but with less than 30 secs remaining they broke through and fired a shot past Fetzko. It was a dagger blow yet again. We regrouped and 2nd half our best effort was Mountjoy's turn and right footer which just went over the bar. We added an extra attacker but found the SLC defence stubborn and organized.

Then , just as in the first game, an attacker went down easily this time just outside the box to earn a kick and their forward buried it into the corner. Carroll's forwards were now attacking at will and ran into each other to prevent a 3rd goal. We were reduced to Whitehead's long range kicks and with 8 mins left Carroll scored a third with a breakaway down the right and pull back for an easy goal into the corner. Results put Marcus into 5th place with 3 games remaining and having to score goals to advance to the play-offs.


Tues Feb 23 Marcus 1-1 Lewisville

Frigid temperatures returned to the metroplex. We avoided snow by 30 miles but the game almost was delayed a day due to the cold, but it was decided to play. Our JV had just won 8-0 but the Varsity encounter was to be much closer. First half they only had one direct shot on goalie Fetzko. We bombarded their goal but again we failed to convert. Morrow ran onto Lambert's chip but hit a right footer over the bar. Lurvey crossed into the box but Whitehead kicked it over the bar. Mountjoy hit a fierce left footer from 30 yards out which swerved but the goalie managed to save at the 2nd attempt. Mountjoy then fed Whitehead from the left side but her right footed shot went wide. We controlled the game but could not score. Lurvey hit the track hard when trying to shield the ball. Moore hit a shot from outside the box but it was save. Whitehead's shot dipped in front of the goalie but Forte could not convert the rebound. Forte had another chance when she ran onto Mountjoys through pass but shot tamely at the goalie. The final shot was Weeks whose shot caused the goalie to fumble but recover under pressure from Morrow.

Second half was same song,different verse. Molen cruised into their area but her crosses were just too far for Morrow. Same with Lambert whose pass to Morrow had her just failing to convert. A mad scramble in the box had Whitehead 's 2 shots saved and Lindley could not get the rebound in. We almost got caught on the counterattack but Wolfendale ran back to cover the shot.Tue appeared to be tripped in the box but it was not called. We finally scored a 15 mins when Mountjoy's cross was controlled on her chest by Whitehead and then steered past their goalie. It appeared that we had three precious points but the lead only lasted 5 mins. Lurvey fouled their player on the edge of the box and she stepped forward to hammer the shot in the top corner. We attacked furiously but Mountjoy's and Whitehead's shots were saved and Whitehead's final attack in the last few seconds sailed over the bar. Anderson was helped off the field with a bad injury and the game ended with 2 points thrown away.


Marcus 1-3 Hebron

We traveled to Hebron to play our final game in the first half of the district season. Goalie Reilly Fetzko and midfielder Shannon Lindley were home ill but others stepped in . We knew Hebron would be a very quick team and that was evident early on. We played defensively early but long balls over our defence were dealt with by goalie Chelsea Hise. Whitehead played a ball through to Morrow but the goalie intercepted. Lambert won a tackle and played a ball over the defence to Farris but the goalie saved her shot. Mountjoy was fouled on Hebron's 35 yd line. Whitehead picked out Molly Weeks who turned and smashed it into the corner of the net with 18 mins remaining. We finally had scored after 3 games . Hise and her defence were under pressure but we seemed to be going into the break one up until 1:19 left when we failed to clear and it went straight to their forward to hammer an unstoppable shot.

Second half we had a chance early on with Kemp crossing but their goalie saved under pressure from Weeks. At 34:16 Hebron went ahead with a run down the right and a cutback to dangerous forward Nottingham to put into the far corner. We switched systems to 3-5-2 and goalie Valerie Villalobos came on. She made several acrobatic stops to push the ball over the bar. She came out and stopped Nottingham on a breakaway. We had difficulties breaking down their defence. Whitehead 's shot was saved and Riley's attempt went wide. With 8 mins remaining Hebron sealed it when a shot deflected off Lambert and over Villalobos. The difference was only 5 attempts on goal for Marcus against 13 shots and fast forwards of Hebron.


Wed Feb 19 Marcus 0-0 Flower Mound

We kicked off at Goldsmith a day late due to Chinn Chapel being called off and it was a lovely evening for soccer. First half became physical early on between two good teams. Whitehead placed the ball through to Mountjoy but she just missed the ball. Flower Mound put pressure on our defence and Fetzko had to make a couple of smart saves. She was late tackled as she made one but their player was only warned. We had our best move when Mitchell and Riley brought the ball the length of the field and then played it through to Weeks to chip into the corner but she was marginally offside. Kemp was fouled on the outside of the box but Montjoy's cross was too high.

Second half Farris had a good opportunity but was shut down as she went to shoot. Whitehead fed Morrow and her cross found Forte's head but it was easily saved. Their goalie made several good saves from Whitehead. Molen came to our rescue as it seemed certain that they were to score and she slid it away for a corner. Lurvey's 40 yard dribble ended in a shot too high. Mountjoy bundled the defender into a corner. She took it and Whitehead came in at the back only to slice it wide of the post. Neither team could muster a real effort on goal and the game ended as it began. Marcus are struggling to score with only one goal in 4 district games.


Mon Feb 15 Marcus 0-1 Coppell

After several days of record 8-12in snow, school closed for 2 days, games scheduled, recheduled and cancelled, we finally got to play Coppell at 6pm on Presidents Day at Goldsmith stadium. It was a cold evening but Marcus quickly settled in. Lindley played a low cross for Moore but her shot was easily saved. Lambert switched the ball to Lindley whose cross was deflected. Our defence was having to deal with quick passes and through balls. Fetzko easily dealt with balls into the box and long range efforts. Mitchell's cross did not find a Marcus player then she found Lurvey but her cross was deflected wide. Our best chance came with 15 mins remaining. Lurvey's great cross found Weeks running in and her powerful header hit the post and rebounded to Tue but the goalie claimed her shot. The first half ended tied 0-0 and it was very close between the two teams.

However it took 3 mins for Coppell to go ahead. We failed to clear a throw in and the ball dropped in front of #10 Chi to easily stroke home. This was a dagger so early on to our plans and we abandoned our 4-4-2 to attack more out of a 3-5-2 system. A contraversial incident happened a few mins later. Their goalie handled the ball outside the box. She was not given a yellow card and Whitehead ran up to take a quick kick but as she kicked it towards an open goal their defender 2 yards away cleared it away. We were living dangerously at the back but creating opportunities going forward. Mountjoy ran through and her pass to Whitehead resulted in a shot that the goalie pushed around the post. Morrow got more involved in the game on the left . Her cross into the box was not met by a Marcus player. We threw more players forward but Coppell controlled the tempo and earned a 1-0 victory to stay undefeated in district. Marcus fell to 1-2.


Tues Feb 9 Marcus 0-1 SL Carroll

It was a cold evening but the wind died prior to kick off at Dragon Stadium. Marcus started fast early. Lurvey played the ball through to Whitehead but her shot was saved. Lurvey's long range shot was easily covered. Carroll counterattacked but Fetzko made an acrobatic save that hit the post and rebounded to her. We subbed every few mins to keep the pressure on and players fresh. Mitchell chased after the defender who played it back to the goalie. Her clearance rebounded off the defender and almost rolled into the goal. Whitehead was finding space on the left and her crosses and shots were creating problems. One cross had Long chase down the ball but 2 defenders stopped her. We went into the halftime locker room feeling good about our performance and had outshot them 4 to 2.

Second half continued in the same performance. Whitehead's diagonal ball just missed Lindley's run . Lambert chased it down and crossed but players collided and the ball rolled past the post. Harrell found Maberry whose great turn on the edge of the box resulted in a screaming shot that just cleared the bar. Whitehead was doing her tricks on the left but her shot just went wide. The shots at the goalie needed to be more forceful and Whitehead brought the goalie to her knees. Our defence was performing heroics and had to deal with speed down the left. Fetzko had some great saves. She saved a point blank shot at her from 5 yards and scrambled the ball away. Then Lurvey cleared it off the line. We countered with Whitehead's cross to Lindley whose shot just went wide.

The game was stopped for a couple of injuries to SLC players. Whitehead went off with cramp in the last minute. SLC kicked the ball over the bar and it appeared that a well deserved draw and a vital point was to be claimed. However in the last 30 secs we gave away a penalty kick. Fetzko's clearance went straight to an SLC midfielder . She knocked it back and Lexi Jordan appeared to be fouled as she cleared. It was chipped over our defence. Lonsberry and Molen went for the ball just inside the penalty area. Their player tumbled over, though replays showed she dropped rather easily and that Molen had the first touch on the ball. Schneider stepped forward to coolly place past Fetzko and in 25 secs it was over. A great performance marred by 30 secs of inexperience.


Game 1 Marcus 1-0 Lewisville

All the drama happened in the last 30 secs at Goldsmith stadium. A Farmer defender sliced the ball away for a corner. Mountjoy ran to get it. A kind Lewisville supporter stopped it and gave the ball back. This enabled Mountjoy to settle and curl a wicked inswinger that the goalie deflected into her goal under pressure with 8 seconds remaining.

The game at Chinn Chapel was called off Fri night due to a wet field and rescheduled for Sat at Goldsmith. The JV Red trounced them 5-0. The duel at High Noon was under a cloudy cold day. The Farmers went with three forwards with the wind at their backs but did not muster a single shot on goal. Marcus had problems in the final third and shots were plenty but not on target. Whitehead's cross was on goal but we could not get it in. Their goalie was saving everything . We hit the crossbar with Whitehead's header. Lurvey came close. Whitehead's free kick looked to have Tue scoring but it was called back. It was obvious that Lewisville was slowing down the pace of the game and we lost composure as shots went wide. Second half we were in their half the entire time. Mountjoy's corners were causing problems and from two, Whitehead's header went wide. Tue had the best chance but her header hit the post and was cleared. Shots rained in on goal..the game got more tense and physical as the Farmers time-wasted but in the last few seconds Marcus earned 2 priceless points for the win

Record
7 wins 1 loss 4 ties
District scores: SLC 1-2 Coppell Hebron 2-0 FM Marcus 1-0 lewisville


Tues Feb 2 Varsity 1-1 Nolan

The final tune-up before district starts. We traveled to Ft Worth and it was a pleasant evening for soccer. We decided to play every fit player 25-40 mins . We started 3-5-2 and came out playing attractive soccer. They played 4-3-3 but our defence handled their attackers. Early on Weeks ran through but the goalie saved her shot. Whitehead's corner deflected to Forte but her shot was saved. No-one got on the end of Mountjoy's cross. Weeks and Forte combined for Weeks to shoot wide and then Whitehead's shot was close. With 15 mins remaining Mitchell came on and within minutes controlled Whitehead's chip, held off a defender to place the ball in the far corner. Whitehead's shot went over. It was mostly Marcus for the first half and it was only towards the end of the half that 2nd goalie Villalobos had to make a save.

Second half we changed to 4-4-2 and new personnel. Tue dribbled though but tamely shot at the goalie. Nolan had 4 corners within 2 mins and Villalobos had to climb high to save. She made a diving save to prevent a goal. Mickle set up Mitchell but the goalie saved. Kemp rounded the defender and a superb cross just missed Morrow. Nolan equalized with a long range shot into the top corner over Hise with 15 mins remaining. We counterattacked and in the last few mins almost won it. Kemp found Morrow unmarked in the box but she panicked and miskicked and then the defender knocked it away for a corner. Maberry's corners caused problems and from a melee it resulted in the ball hitting the post and then Reinsnes header cleared off the line. So close from the victory but a good evening's work.


Fri Jan 29 Varsity 1-0 Plano East

Conditions during the day deteriorated north of the metroplex with snow, ice and freezing rain. It was touch and go whether the game at Kimborough stadium in Murphy would go ahead. We moved the JV game to 4;30pm (0-0 score) and the Varsity at 6pm. We went via Southfork Ranch which put Dallas on the world map but it seems not in Norway as Julie , our foreign exchange player, had never heard of it !!

It was chilly and flakes of snow blew in from the north as we kicked off. All our goalies rotated in due to the cold. Hise was up first and did not have to make a real save in her 25 min stint. The defence shut down their attacking options. We looked to have given away a penalty when Wolfendale tripped their forward in the box but the ref was kind to us and let it go. Moore was given offside by the other official when clearly behind him was a defender keeping her onsides. Our best opportunity was with Tue's cross from the left which the goalie dropped under pressure from Lurvey to Lambert's right foot but she scooped it back into the goalie's hands as she tried to lob her. We started to resemble the walking wounded. Mountjoy had to be helped off when knees collided but came back 2nd half. Weeks was in obvious stomach pain and Lurvey crunched into the goalie. Forte appeared to be brought down on the edge of the box but it was waved off. Weeks set up Whitehead but her shot tamely went past the post. A bizarre moment happened on a Lurvey throw in. She threw it and it hit the ref and went out of bounds for East's throw in !!! T he half ended with Tue's curling shot beating everyone and touched out by the goalie's foot at the base of the post.

We faced the wind 2nd half but seemed to get better as the ball held up. Goalie Fetzko had to be strong as shots rained in on her. She controlled a corner kick off her knee and watched as Molen tackled an onrushing forward and the ball trickled past the post. We had the funniest and saddest incidents within a couple of minutes. Forte went to jump for the ball and as the defender came down her cleats caught in her shorts and down they dropped !! Then an East forward ran into Lambert's head and crumpled listless for minutes on the ground.

We went ahead when Edwards cross from the right found Whitehead to control and smash home. Our defence was superb as they dealt with crosses into our area and we worked on counterattacks. Long outran the defence but could not turn her player. The game became more physical with tired bodies falling to the ground. Molen looked to have given an own goal when her deflection was tricking into the corner but 3rd goalie Villalobos ran back and kicked it clear. Harrell's cross was mishandled by the goalie but Lindley could not kick it in. Then our best opportunity was Lindley's cross to an unmarked Whitehead but her shot cleared the football posts !! We held on for a great victory that strengthened this team and helped us mature into solid team ready for a tough district in less than a week.


Tues Jan 26 Varsity 4-0 North Mesquite

It was a lovely evening to play soccer as we made the 53 mile trek to far Balch Springs for a rematch of the 2005 State championship against North Mesquite. I am sure the motorists were frustrated behind a school bus doing 50mph the entire 25 miles of the HOV lane from Carrollton to far Mesquite!!. We arrived to find a heavy grass surface that did not seem to be conducive to good soccer. However the JV Red prior to the game had no problem as they marched to a 13-0 win.

We dominated the first half with three unanswered goals. Lindley 's through ball found Tue who crossed to Moore but her shot was wide. Harrell's shot was deflected by the goalie but they cleared under pressure. At 32 mins we took the lead. Weeks ran onto Moore's pass, tricked the goalie , then passed back to Moore to slam it into the roof of the goal. A few minutes later Morrow's shot just went over the bar. Lindley's fierce shot was well saved. Their long throws caused problems and from one of them a shot from 6 yards out was well saved by Fetzko.

At 21 mins we went further ahead. Harrell's drive into the box was deflected into the air by Tue and it fell to Lindley to smash home. Moore's shot went wide then at 15 mins we went 3-0 up. Morrow was fouled on the left but the ref allowed play to progress. Forte worked a give and go with Mountjoy and then cracked the ball at the goal. It hit the underside of the bar but dropped into the back side netting. We came under pressure the last few mins as we relaxed and Reinsnes had to head the ball off the line to preserve the shutout.

Villalobos replaced Fetzko in goal. She was barely in the goal when Marcus went 4-0 in the first minute of the second half. Maberry lifted the ball into the middle of the field. It bounced over the defender and Forte ran on to tap it past the onrushing goalie and the ball trickled into the goal. Forte almost completed her hat-trick a few mins later but the ball did not lift high enough over the goalie. Mountjoy ran down the ball but the goalie was a step quicker and cleared. Mountjoy set up Mickle whose pass to Farris resulted in a shot that went inches past the post. Molen had a chance from a corner but her shot was deflected to the goalie. N. Mesquite came close a couple of times and our defence had to be on alert for breakaways. Lambert sent a great ball over the top and Edwards ran onto but was brought down by the goalie on the edge of the box. She was yellow carded and a new goalie faced Farris's free kick but did not have to move as she shanked it wide. Villalobos looked up as a free kick hit the football bar, and then had to dive to her right to prevent a goal. A free kick just outside the box smacked against our bar . Mickle and Tue got in each others way as each tried to shoot into an empty goal. The game ended as Edwards ran onto to a perfect cross and was about to shoot. A couple of injuries to Tobias and Wolfendale with ankle sprains due to the muddy conditions


Sat Jan 23 Varsity 1-1 Mansfield Heritage Tournament

A drizzly day as we stepped out at Mustang-Panther stadium Sat morning. We knew we could not advance to the championships as 2 other teams had maxed out on points. We started off in a 3-5-2 system but after 15 mins changed to 4-4-2 to deal better with their best player #9. Ashley Moore crossed from the left but no-one got on the end of it. A few minutes later she passed to Whitehead whose shot rose over the bar. Our best chance was Farris's chip to put Mountjoy through but the goalie smothered her shot eight yards out. From the corner Whitehead's cross found Molen's head but her header was straight at the goalie. Whitehead chipped over the defence to Weeks and Mountjoy to run through on the goalie but Weeks elected to shoot and it went just wide. Our defence was comfortable but the two free kicks they took had Villalobos stretch to make fine saves. Forte made a 60 yard run but her cross was easily saved. The half ended with Villalobos sliding out to thwart an attacker.

Rain increased 2nd half. Mountjoy found Maberry alone at the back post but she lifted her shot over the bar. From Mountjoy's corner they headed it off the line under pressure from Long and Whitehead and then Tue and Edwards collided as the both tried to hook it in. Mansfield almost scored from a free kick but Molen pressured the forward to head it into Hise's arms. Kailey Tue hammered a shot from 25 yards that rattled the crossbar. At 19 mins we finally scored. Moore crossed into the middle, Weeks pressured the goalie and the ball deflected to Lambert. She laid it off to Mountjoy to turn and shoot into the top of the goal . Lambert almost added to the scoreline 5 mins later but her shot was inches over . A minute later they equalized, down the right wing and cross to the back post as the midfielder just beat Weeks to the ball. We could have won it in the dying minutes when Whitehead hit a 30 yarder that the goalie pushed past the post and then her free kick sailed over the goal.

Tournament time ended and now we have three non district games v N. Mesquite, Plano east and Nolan to prepare for the start of district in 2 weeks time.


Fri Jan 22 Varsity 0-0 Plano Heritage Tournament

The nice weather prevailed but the wind picked up as Marcus visited Heritage HS to play Plano. Against the wind we experimented with a 4-4-2 system and looked comfortable. Kemp was fouled just outside the box but Lurvey's free kick sailed high over the bar. Ashley Moore played a great ball to Megan Edwards who ran through but her shot was well saved. Kemp could have put us ahead when she positioned herself in front of the goal but her shot hit the post. Lurvey had to limp off the field with a knee problem and then Julie Reinsnes too crawled off with an ankle twist.

The defence had to deal with fast #4 but her shots were limited to long range and dealt by Hise. Weeks had a shot bounce off the keeper to Lauren Long but her shot was blocked. Tue then played an exquisite pass to Long but she was tackled as she went to shoot. Lindley and then Long were given marginally offside as they threatened to break away. Weeks ran powerfully down the right and her cross found Tue but her tap was just wide.

Second half we continued with 4-4-2 but had a slight wind behind us. Moore found Weeks but her shot missed the target. Long too beat the defence but her left footer went wide. With 27 mins remaining we sent on 9 subs and changed the formation to 3-5-2. Morrow was getting free on the left and combined with Mountjoy to attack their defence. Mitchell was denied as she went through and then Mountjoy was inches wide of the post. Plano's speed up front was troubling and several times Fetzko had to quickly come out to scoop up the ball. In the dying minutes we had great chances to win. Mountjoy's powerful shot was pushed away by the goalie's dive and Whitehead 's long range effort was easily controlled. Another disappointing result. We have only scored twice in the past 4 games and with all the attempts made soon , we hope, the ball will go into the net. Pleasing is another shutout, the fourth in a row.


Thurs Jan 21 Varsity 0-0 Rockwall Heritage Tournament

Lovely 60 degree weather greeted us as we traveled to Mustang-Panther stadium for our first round match. We were surprised to learn it was Rockwall instead of Tyler Lee but it was another game to develop and learn. We had a poor couple of days of practice, with a humiliating 3-0 loss to our JV in a scrimmage at Goldsmith the previous day but we hoped that we had learned not to take an opponent lightly and to take chances when they arise....seems we did not listen.

It was obvious early on that Rockwall was playing defensively and we attacked non-stop in their half. Lurvey had a mazy dribble and then Mountjoy crossed to Weeks whose shot was blocked. We had several corners but could not get a good shot on target. Lambert received the ball from a corner, passed it to Weeks whose deflected shot falls to Whitehead but the goalie saves. When Weeks ran onto a Lindley pass defenders converged on her to smother her shot. We took off a defender and played 70 mins with only two defenders and an extra attacker. Weeks ran onto an awesome through pass by Lurvey but the goalie saved. Whitehead hit a 30 yarder at the goalie . Whitehead again crossed the ball but Mountjoy and Weeks missed it. At the end of the first half Farris played Kemp in and she crossed a little high and missed Morrow at the back

We came out at halftime determined to get ahead. Clayton fed the ball to Morrow but her shot was wide. Clayton took on 3 defenders but her pass to Weeks was offside. Whitehead went through onto Lamberts pass but her shot was at the goalie. Lindley and Lurvey both hit the side netting. Whitehead's free kick was saved; Forte's shot was pushed away. Whitehead came close twice in the last few minutes with free kicks but one went inches wide and the other was pushed around the post by the goalie. A very disappointing display and result for Marcus who now face Plano 6pm Fri at Heritage HS.


Sat Jan 16 Varsity 1-0 Berkner Ice bowl 3rd/4th Place final

Marcus traveled back to Berkner after a short Quiznos break to play Berkner in an Ice Bowl final.We started most of the players that had sat out of the 1pm game v Allen and we had energy early on Harrell put Tue through on the right but she could not get off her cross. Lurvey sent a free kick into the box and the goalie's knock down was blasted over by Lambert. Another quick free kick by Lurvey to Harrell resulted in a great cross to the back. A mad scramble ensued with their player getting injured under Morrow's pressure. The game began to get physical with tough tackles on Reinsnes and Lurvey. Their #10 and Lambert/Anderson got into fierce duels in the center of the field.

No score by halftime but the pressure increased 2nd half. Lindley's shot was tame; Forte went on a 50 yard run down the left but her cross to Weeks was bundled away for a corner. Villalobos was called into making strong saves from free kicks, her best being a push over the bar . Maberry beat her player down the right but no-one was on the end of the cross.

The field was beginning to get dangerous with aggressive tackles and body checking going on, as if a hockey game had broken out. It was from one of these checks on Lurvey that Marcus went ahead with a minute left and shootouts appearing to be the decider. Whitehead's carefully measured free kick dropped to the onrushing Farris to square pass to Mountjoy on the goalline to tap in and start the celebrations. "We are the Champions..of 3d place" was the song as we received our small trophy as it was announced that Lainie Lambert, Madison Whitehead, Lexi Jordan and Katelyn Mountjoy were named to the all-tournament team


Sat Jan 16 Varsity 1-0 Allen

Marcus traveled to Berkner knowing they had to beat Allen to get to a final. Lake Highlands had just beaten Garland and had 17 pts. Allen ,with 2 wins had 16pts with Marcus 9pts. The first half was all Marcus. Mountjoy hammered a shot, the goalie parried the ball but Weeks could not get her shot on target. Whitehead dribbled from the halfway line and her 30 yarder again was well saved.

With 15 mins remaining Lindley forced a defender to mishit her clearance and Whitehead coolly controlled and her left footed shot from 30 yards easily found the corner of the net. Allen only had one shot in the first half but Fetzko easily saved.

In the 2nd half Marcus did not mount many attacks but defended heroically. When they broke through Fetzko and Jordan forced the shot wide. In the last few minutes Molen's clearance went straight to their forward, but our defence caused her to hurry her shot. We held firm for a well deserved victory.

Final standings: 1. Lake Highlands 17pts 2. Marcus 16pts 3. Allen 16pts 4. Garland 2pts


Fri Jan 15 Varsity 0-1 Lake Highlands

Drizzle turned to heavier rain as Marcus traveled to Wildcat-Ram stadium to play hosts Lake Highlands. We were dealt a blow prior to kick off with Nicole Lurvey having an x-ray to make sure she had no broken bone in her lower leg. Thankfully it was a bruise and she should be back for the next game. We started slowly again and Lake Highlands pressed our defence. Several times goalie Villalobos and the defenders were unsure who was to clear the ball and it was from one of these occasions that they went ahead with miscommunication and their forward nipping in to score in the first 10 mins. Reinsnes and Mitchell tried to pressure their defence but they were too strong and their #14 sweeper controlled the game , sending long balls over midfield to their forwards to run onto. We had no clear shots on goal first half, with Mitchell getting around their defender but Reinsnes' shot was tame.

At halftime we sent on a new crew and the pace of the game increased. However their defence again dealt with any attacks. Riley was put through on the right side but shot at the goalie. Farris had a one on one but chose to pass and the ball rolled out of bounds. It was not clicking for us and we seemed to be chasing the game. Goalie Reilly Fetzko was the busier of the two goalies and had to deal with tough crosses into the box . Lake Highlands looked the more likely to score and ran out worthy winners.Kelly Riley had to limp off in the last 30 secs with a twisted knee. It now means we have to beat Allen on Sat to move into the final championships or go home after 3 games.


Thurs Jan 14 Ice Bowl Varsity 2-0 Garland

Heavy rain was forecast all day but it was drizzle that met us at Berkner in our first game v Garland. We took just 23 players as we played 11 one half and 11 the next with Castillo a willing sub. Eight players stayed home in the warm , ready to play the next 2 games. Each half was only 25 mins. Prior to the game the girls enjoyed the vast Gymnasium, lockers rooms and training room.

In the first 25 mins we dominated most of the play but could not seem to have confidence around the box. Forte held off a defender but the shot went just wide. Lindley went through but ran a little wide . A corner fell to Kemp but her shot was easily saved. Garland came into the game towards the end of the half and the back three of Wolfendale, Tobias and Reinsnes held firm. A couple of scrambles in the box and a cross that whistled wide meant a 0-0 tie at the half.

The "A" team as they called themselves came into the action. Whitehead's cross hit the post and rebounded to Clayton but her shot was knocked away by the goalie. Mitchell ran through but could not convert. Then a little magic by Brittany Clayton put us ahead. She faked two defenders and pulled the ball low across the box for Whitehead to tap in. Whitehead controlled the left side and her crosses were troublesome. Garland caught us on the break and Harrell had to sprint back to stop the shot. With 10 mins left we went 2-0 up. Whitehead was" fouled" 30 yards out. She took the free kick and the ball curled through the goalie's hands into the corner. We held firm to preserve the win and earn 9 out of a maximum 10 pts


Jan 9th - The Colony

Artic cold air dropped into Texas on Wed night. The varsity was supposed to play Midland on Thurs in the Nolan Tournament. The games were moved indoors to the TCU football complex. However Marcus was at 2pm, The Colony at 9pm and Flower Mound at 11pm. LISD rules would not allow games after 8pm so all three teams dropped out of Thurs games. Friday was to be played outdoors but LISD athletics ruled that it would not allow teams to play due to the wind chill of zero degrees. By the time the tournament was re-organized to play indoors again on Friday and outdoors on Sat, the 3 LISD teams were out of the showcase. Both The Colony and Marcus coaches received permission to play at The Colony on Sat at 2pm in order to get in a game.

It was sunny 35 degrees..chilly but playable. Marcus played all their players 25-40 mins. We welcomed back goalie Reilly Fetzko after concussion problems for 5 weeks and Madison Whitehead graced us with 20 mins after knee surgery in November. in the first half Marcus struggled to get going. Our defence was put under pressure by their midfield and attackers and Fetzko was called upon to make some smart saves. We started subbing players with 15 mins remaining of the half. Lauren Long ran hard at the goalie and won the ball but her cross was not met by a Marcus player.

TCHS had seven corners in the first half and almost scored. One of them Haleigh Harrell had to clear off the line and Julie Reinsnes suffered a bloody nose.Captain Lainie Lambert issued the first half players a stern lecture and we had to step up our level of play. It only took three mins to get a reaction. Kailey Tue, whose sister Kyra McDonagh(2005 grad) had given birth the previous day , celebrated the occasion with a gorgeous left footed shot into the top corner of the goal. It just cleared Long's head on its way in. This gave us momentum and we started to play more aggressively and more controlled. Long should have increased the lead when put through but pushed her shot wide. Goalie Chelsea Hise and her defence was very controlled. Lexi Jordan made an impressive tackle to thwart an attack. When Whitehead and Mountjoy came on with 30 mins remaining we started to dominate. Mountjoy headed just over from Mitchell's crossback. Mitchell shot over the bar and Farris /Weeks were just offside at attacks.

Marcus went further ahead with 12 mins remaining. Mountjoy was bundled over on the sidelines. Whitehead's 35 yard free kick landed in the 6 yard box and under pressure from Mountjoy and Weeks the goalie could only knock it down to Taylor Mitchell to hammer it home. With five mins remaining it was 3 -0. Weeks hooked the ball back to Harrell whose pass found Mountjoy inside the box. She turned, held off the defender and powerfully smacked the back into the goal with her left foot. A game that started under pressure had easily become controlled in the second half and a victory was ensured.


Jan 5th - Hockaday

The artic conditions were slowly approaching Texas but both JV White and Varsity traveled to Hockaday for 4pm kick-offs. The sun was shining , although there was a chill in the air. Again Marcus played all their players for 25-40 mins maximum each to gradually get adjusted to high school soccer. Hockaday were small in numbers (14) but a strong opponent and tall in stature. They were a handful and Valerie Villalobos was called on to make a number of good saves. Taylor Mitchell came closest when she danced around defenders but the goalie saved. With three mins remaining in the half the daisies went ahead with a break through and fierce shot past Valerie.

In the 2nd half we put new players out there. There was more fight from us. Caroline Kemp managed to get around them several times and great crosses into the box could not be converted. Lainie Lambert hit a 25 yarder just over the bar. Our defence dealt with their attacks but as cold crept in and the sun disappeared, Marcus could not muster a shot on goal to tie it up. Hockaday 1-0


Jan 2nd scrimmages

JV Red and Varsity traveled to Mansfield for their annual kick off scrimmages v Arlington and Mansfield. It was a crisp, cool morning but sunshine made it warmer. The JV Red was up first v Arlington. They went ahead with Alison Rupp's penalty kick in the first 20 mins and then in the 2nd 20 mins a well worked short corner to Lauren Long who hammered the ball high into the net. Final score: JV Red 2-0

The varsity followed next. Frances Mickle went through but her shot past the onrushing goalie trickled just past the post. Two mins before the break Arlington scored with a cross that went into the top corner. Second 20 mins we failed to get into their half and goalie Valerie Villalobos had to deal with several attacks on goal. In the last minute we had a chance with Jordin Farris but she shot tamely at the goalie. Anna Molen was seen doubled over with exhaustion...welcome back to HS soccer !!! Final score Arlington 1-0

We traveled a short distance to play Mansfield at MISD stadium after a Subway break. It was now a comfortable 50 degrees. JV Red went behind early when they failed to deal with a cross into the box. In the 2nd 20 mins they attacked more and had several opportunities. Finally Alex cable's long through ball was controlled by Sidney Blaney who hit a wicked shot home from 20 yards. Coach Miller gambled by switching her goalie with defender Dani Pugh but it ended in a tie 1-1

Varsity played better v Mansfield. Passes were more precise and opportunities happened against their flat back four system. Eventually in the 18th min Taylor Mitchell's pass found Jordin Farris to control and slot home. In the 2nd 20 mins Chelsea Hise made an outstanding save to thwart their attacker but we could not add to our tally despite crosses into their area . Final Varsity 1-0

Varsity traveled to Goldsmith for the Alumni game. Alums trickled in, not sure about playing in the "cold" but they had 10 players and spectators with us giving them a few to make up numbers. Cathy Carr, Carey Placke, Kristen Berquist, Emily Villalba, Daryn Barozinsky, Sara Singleton, Liz Mickle, Dani Presley, Nicole Mound, Laura Fittz and Jazmin "Notre Dame superstar" Hall played with Kaitlin Tue, Bailey Pembroke, Heather Lurvey Jessica Olmstead, Emily Boring and others cheering on from the bench.

We played 2 x 20 mins halves as the sunshine was disappearing to be replaced by a chill. The ref had disappeared so Albury and Miller "officiated". Whitehead had a bull-horn on the sideline and made some amusing comments as play progressed. Varsity went ahead when after 2 or 3 shots saved in the box, Julie "Norway"Reinsnes calmly slotted home. Varsity dominated and could have scored again but Cathy Carr made good saves.

In the 2nd half we went ahead with Nicole Lurvey's rocket from the goalline. Whitehead, Tue and Pembroke had taken themselves to the press box to comment on the shots, mistakes and gaffs. Alums came back with a goal by Hall and then Coach miller gave a penalty kick for a "foul". Bribe money was seen to be exchanged as Hall converted !!. The Alums now wanted extra time to play and as 5 mins was added Dani Presley ran through to Hall's pass to calmly slot into the corner to win 3-2.

We made our way back to the Marcus cafeteria to celebrate the Kick- Off party with all three teams with a chili cook-off. Coach Jacobs was present after her house burned down on Christmas day. The 2010 season now had begun !!! Bring on the cold weather !!