Sarnia Spirit U-11 vs. London United AC Dragons

Missing 6 regulars a short handed Sarnia Spirit U-11 squad hosted the London United AC Dragons. Sarnia knew they needed a quick start, with only one sub on the bench. Kristin Parkes provided the spark when she won the ball in the middle of the field, deked through the defense and buried the shot for a 1-0 lead.

Pictures by April Brethauer
 

Parkes found Claire VandenEynde on the wing. VandenEynde passed to Megan Neil who was making a guest appearance. Neil passed to Parkes but the shot was wide.

Vanden Eynde then passed a ball inside to Vanessa Wardell but Wardell’s shot was wide of the target and the score remained 1-0. Neil looked for her first strike as a Spirit player but a diving save denied the chance. Neil wouldn’t be kept off the scoreboard for long. A pass through the middle allowed Neil to run on to the ball and find the back of the net for a 2-0 Sarnia lead.

Sarnia again connected when Neil made a long run and buried the shot. 3-0 Spirit.

Vanden Eynde found Neil who spotted Katie Barwitzki wide. Barwitzki fired a shot that deflected off a defender in front and into the net for a commanding 4-0 lead.
 

 

London was awarded a corner kick before half and were able to convert when the Spirit were unable to clear for a 4-1 Sarnia lead at half.

 

 

Wardell replaced Ashleigh Pettit in the Spirit net to start the second half. Pettit thought she had increased the Sarnia lead with a pass from Barwitzki but the goal was disallowed on an offside call.

London countered deep into the Spirit end but Wardell pounced on a loose ball to keep the goal differential at 3.

Sarnia would score again when Neil was sent away for a chance at the hat-trick. Megan made no mistake and Sarnia was ahead 5-1.

 

Strong defensive play from Aleah Boersma, Skylar Soininen, Nicole Bus and
Sophie Mckelvie ensured the victory was preserved.

 

Sarnia next battles Byron August 10 in Byron.