By GREG MENGELT
Greg.Mengelt@newsandtribune.com
FLOYDS KNOBS —
Cristian May-Boquiren’s goal with just under 12 minutes to play broke a 1-1 tie that gave the Providence girls’ soccer team a 2-1 road victory over rival Floyd Central on Tuesday.
May-Boquiren outraced the Floyd Central defense and knocked the ball past goalkeeper Rachel Foster, who had just came in the contest for an injured Cassie Sakai and off of the top of the goal. The ball ricocheted into the net for Providence’s second goal.
“Cristian had to really turn on the jets just to get her foot on the ball,” Providence coach Dave Smith said. “She hit a laser beam. That would have been a hard ball to stop.”
Providence (6-1-1) scored the game’s first goal and held the lead for 60 minutes. The Highlanders (6-3-1) equalized with 14:46 remaining when Taylor Patty took a pass from Kady O’Farrell and scored her 11th goal of the season.
“That was a great example of what can happen if we move without the ball and make good passes,” Floyd Central coach Lewie Stevens said. “I think we’re capable of making a lot more plays like that than we did tonight. We were spectators instead of participants too much tonight.”
Providence opened the scoring just five minutes into the contest. The first time the Pioneers had possession in Floyd Central’s side of midfield, May-Boquiren took a pass from Erin Duncan, then returned it to Duncan, who put the ball over the outstretched arms of Sakai.
“Perfect drop shot,” Smith recalled. “Over the keeper and under the bar. I felt like there were times that they were more composed than us, and there were times we were more composed than them. When we were composed and calmed done, that’s when things developed.”
“Both of those shots were awesome shots that they put in,” Stevens said. “We need to not try to get into position to give up those shots. Hopefully, we can use it as a learning experience.”
Smith credited the Pioneer defense with the victory.
“I thought our defense was incredible all night long, and as incredible as they were, Floyd Central still got shots,” Smith said. “They’re a fine team and I’m sure they’ll do well the rest of the year.”
Floyd Central will travel to Columbus East on Saturday. Providence will host Madison on Monday.
