Spain Park girls inch closer to section title with win over Oak Mountain

Published 11:30 pm Wednesday, April 7, 2010

The Spain Park High School girls’ soccer team defeated Oak Mountain 2-0 to take control of Class 6A, Section 5 in high school soccer action April 7.

The game featured strong defensive play from both sides. Spain Park (16-3-2, 7-1 in Class 6A, Section 5) took a 1-0 lead late in the first half on a goal by Courtney Newton, which was assisted by Simone Charley.

With three minutes left in the game, Spain Park sealed the victory with a goal by Alex Little. Goalkeeper Lauren Arnold had two saves for Spain Park.

Goalkeeper Jill Hester led Oak Mountain (12-5-1, 6-2 in Class 6A, Section 5) with nine saves.

“This was a good game for us,” said Spain Park coach Robert Starr. “We haven’t done a good job of putting our chances away, and today we had the opportunity of putting two away.”

The win put the Jaguars in first place in Class 6A, Section 5. The Eagles would have clinched a playoff spot with a win over Spain Park, but now they will have to wait for an April 16 contest against Homewood to secure a playoff bid.

BOYS

Oak Mountain 2, Spain Park 0

The Oak Mountain boys celebrated Senior night with a 2-0 win over Spain Park.

Senior David Jackson scored a goal with 22 minutes left in the first half to give the Eagles (10-3, 6-1 in Class 6A, Section 5) a 1-0 lead.

In the second half, senior Zach Rodivich scored a goal off an assist by fellow senior William Glass to seal the win.

Oak Mountain goalkeeper Brenton Thompson recorded two saves.

“I was happy with the win and happy for the two players that scored the goal,” said Oak Mountain coach Ryan Patridge. “We were very solid defensively and I am glad that we are back on a winning streak after losing three out of the last four.”

The Jaguars fell to 4-9-2 overall and 2-6 in Class 6A, Section 5 with the loss.