Making an early-season statement, the Etowah Lady Eagles started off their Area 5AAAAA schedule with a bang, upsetting the No. 2 state-ranked Harrison Lady Hoyas, 2-0, March 9 in Woodstock.
“For us, the game was more about changing our mindset,” Lady Eagles coach John Murnan said. “While the girls believed they could win, we haven’t had a history of playing well against quality opponents. Since 2008, we have lost 10 times, including to Harrison in 2008 and 2009, and in nine of those 10 losses, we have given up what I call a 5/5 goal – a goal scored at either the beginning or end of a half.
“ ... I knew if we didn't start out well, that we really had no chance. So that was one of our goals for the game, to play well at the beginning and ends of each half.”
And it was that focus that turned out for the best, as both of Etowah’s scores were Murnan’s dubbed 5/5 goals.
Scoreless at intermission, freshman Kelly Anthony netted the only goal the Lady Eagles would need, just 5 minutes into the second half. Adding a little insurance, senior Mary Crowers scored on a penalty kick with a minute left in the match to make the final margin.
Junior keeper Kaleigh Clarke, aided by senior central defender Ashley Yarger and a strong core of Lady Eagles in the back, took care of the rest, making five saves for her third shutout of the season.
“I knew we had the speed to stay with Harrison, but one difference this year is we are playing more composed,” Murnan said. “Once our defenders won possession of the ball and were able to play out of pressure consistently. That limited turnovers and helped us turn it into a game played mostly in midfield.”
Etowah’s win snapped a 17-match area winning streak for Harrison, which last lost in 5AAAAA play to Kennesaw Mountain, 1-0, Feb. 28, 2008, and was 51-1-1 against area opponents since 2004. In three matches against the Lady Eagles over that time, Harrison outscored Etowah 14-1, including 5-0 in 2008 and 3-0 in 2009.
Meanwhile, it was the third straight win for Etowah, which improved to 4-1 on the year, despite having graduated five of its top six scorers from a season ago.
“This team is characterized by players who know their roles and can work together,” said Murnan, whose squad has outscored its opponents 9-3 thus far. “While we have a lot of young players who are making a big impact, the core of our team is a solid, experienced defense.
“I knew that our offense was going to struggle to score goals early in the season, and we have played a series of tough opponents to start the year, so our goal chances have been limited. But we have been fortunate to have enough goals to come through with wins against quality opponents.
“As the girls get more comfortable in the system, I am sure that our offense will improve.”
