TOP PHOTO: Goalkeeper Makenzie York boots the ball away after the strong defense of Lily Hatfield, Audry Bishop and Yamel Vera keeps the ball out of goal.

Kendyl Austin goes to goal as Zaylyn Ivey tries to clear the way.

By Amber Cowell

KODAK, TN (WLAF) – The Lady Cougar Soccer team travelled to Kodak to take on the Northview Academy Cougars. With starting keeper Makenzie York back in the goal, Campbell County appeared energized for the game.  See Amber Cowell’s full photo gallery HERE.

Soccer is a physical sport, and that proved true in this match as well.  Campbell County held possession most of the first half, but was unable to capitalize on the many opportunities on goal.  Northview scored in the fifth and eleventh minute of the half. Bump and go ball is fun to watch, however play became a little heated with verbal sparing resulting in a yellow card against Campbell’s Sage Elwin in the thirteenth minute of the first half. Junior Zaylyn Ivey was able to kick one through in the thirty-third minute leaving the Lady Cougars trailing 2-1 at the half.  “I thought we played well in the first half but found ourselves down 2-1 when we seemed to have 20 shots on goal and they only had 4,” said Head Coach Bryan Horton.

Junior trio of forwards Sage Elwin, Zaylyn Ivey and Cheyenne Davis keep the pressure on the Northview defense.

After a talk with the coaches at halftime, Campbell County came out and kept applying pressure. “It was great that the girls listened to what we had to say at half time and scored four more goals in the second half.  Our defense settled down and started working together,” Horton added.

“Faith Elkins got comfortable in her new position with our goalie York being back,” said Horton. Ivey scored her second goal of the game off a corner kick in the eighth minute of the second half.  Senior Lady Cougar Gina Isber hit the back of the net halfway through the second half giving Campbell County the lead.  “We are still having to limit time and play for Isber, but it was nice to almost be back to full strength,” noted Horton. After a hot first half, Elwin centered herself in the second half and was able to score in the thirty-first and thirty-third minute making the score 5-2 with a little more than seven minutes left of play.

Cheyenne Davis attacks the Northview defense with teammate Sage Elwin.

Play was stopped as an injured player was tended to for Northview. During the stoppage lightning moved into the area, and the game was called due to weather. “All in all it was good to see the girls come back after being down and continue to play hard,” said Coach Horton.

Campbell County is scheduled to play tonight at home against Karns (weather permitting), and the Lady Cougars travel to Claiborne County Thursday.

UPDATE: The Karns game for Tuesday, August 31, is postponed until October 7. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 08/31/2021-6AM-UPDATED 08/31/2021-1PM)

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