FROM STAFF REPORTS

The Chelsea High School boys’ soccer team earned a hard fought 1-0 victory in a defensive battle Feb. 17 against Gadsden City.

Both teams played an agressive style in the midfield and displayed stifling defensive back lines. The entire first half saw very few decent chances at goal by either side as neither offense could impose its will in the game.

As the second half began, the game finally began to open up for Chelsea as the opportunities increased and they pushed more midfielders forward. The move finally paid off with about 25 minutes left in the game, as freshman Josh Bartlett tracked down a loose ball in the right side of the Gadsden box and sent a sharp rolling cross out from the left post where senior Eric King was making a run. King finsihed the play with a dart of a shot just past the entended arm of the Gadsden keeper.

With the lead in Chelsea’s hands, the intensity of the game increased as Gadsden desperately sought an equalizer. Their best chance came with about 7 minutes left when senior striker Paul Gilley gathered the ball about 40 yards out, made a few moves, and created space to take a shot from about 20 yards out. The hard, low driver looked to be headed to the net, but Chelsea keeper Josh Carpenter made a diving save to preserve the shutout and the Chelsea win.

GIRLS

The Chelsea High School girls’ soccer team defeated Gadsden City 3-0 in high school soccer action Feb. 17.

Olivia Bowman led the Hornets with 2 goals and Anna Pifer added a goal with a nice finish from a corner kick.  Seniors Mara Roberts, Alli Cochran, and Perri Lambert had one assist each.

Ashleigh Niven recorded 3 saves in the shut out.