Lady Royals Kick Losing Ways

The ever-improving girls soccer team picked up its second win of the week last night, defeating Onsted 2-0.

Kenzy Speiser converted a pass from Emily Loar early in the first half for Blissfield’s first goal. Speiser then returned the favor, setting up Loar for a goal at the 33 minute mark of the second half to take a 2-0 lead. Cierra Sell made four saves in the shutout.

Coach Noel Moreno said his defense played a nearly perfect game, taking a lot of pressure of their junior goalkeeper, who earned her first shutout of the season.

“Our finishing is improving due much to assistant coach, Tommy Tipton.  We are just trying to teach the ladies more technique and strategy and they are doing a fantastic job learning the schemes and understanding why we are doing what we are,” said Moreno. "The beautiful thing about this game is any given day, any team (for the most part) can outplay any other team.  All it takes is one goal to build confidence and the girls at Blissfield are slowly gaining a winning mentality. Now we just have to take advantage of more opportunities.  Our forwards are doing what they need to.  The midfield is doing the dirty work and our defense is learning how to accept and relieve pressure to start our attack.  We aren't there yet, but we are making progress every day at a fine rate."

Moreno said the midfielders were key to the team’s success.

"We got great work from the midfield, the engine that drives us.  Today Caitlyn Meszaros played well with little rest. The combination of Spieser and Loar is coming together," he said.

Earlier in the week, Blissfield won its first game of the season, 3-2, over Quincy.

Cierra Sell stopped 12 of 14 shots for the Royals. Blissfield fired 12 shots at Quincy’s netminder.

Captain Liv Keinath scored two goals and assisted on the other to lead Blissfield. Haley Neri scored what proved to be the winner.

Quincy opened the scoring at 28 minutes for the first half when Samantha Norton shot the ball past Sell, who got a hand on it but couldn’t corral it.

With 17:23 to play in the first half, Keinath stole the ball from the defense and went in one-on-one with the goalie to tie the game.

Early in the second half, Keinath struck again, floating a shot above the goalie with 30 minutes to play. With 14:17 remaining, Blissfield took possession of the ball. Keinath passed to senior Haley Neri who scored for a 3-1 lead. Quincy’s Samantha Norton made it close, scoring with 3:23 left to make it 3-2.

Coach Moreno said the girls continued to adjust to the different lineups and strategies he employs.

“They are still learning my style but have transitioned well from the last year.  We have a few underclassmen who are playing important minutes for us,” he said. “We cleaned up a few things in training and we will start getting more goals and taking the pressure off of the defense and goal keeper.  Liv (Keinath) played 80 minutes very well today. Contributions from all players led to the victory today.”