Derrick Webb, Staff Writer
CREDIT: Derrick Webb/SOSA
CIRCLEVILLE — Maggie Wilson won’t soon forget what took place on Monday night.
With 20 minutes and 37 seconds left in the second half of what would be a 2-0 win over Zane Trace, Logan Elm’s freshman striker took a chance from the top of the box. She sent a ball sailing into the upper third, giving her Braves a two-goal lead and tallying her first career varsity goal — in her first career varsity contest.
“Oh my gosh, when I had the ball, I knew I had no one around me,” Wilson said. “Then when I saw the ball in the air, it was just like the moment stopped. It was just floating. I couldn’t believe it. First game. First goal. It’s insane.”
Wilson’s goal wasn’t the only first that took place.
Her second-half strike produced the final score of Logan Elm coach Richard Ash’s first career coaching win.
“I was proud of the girls. The biggest thing that we can do and the biggest thing we did in this game was hustle,” Ash said. “We’ve worked very hard and I thought that paid off. We’re playing with five midfielders so we’re trying to maintain control and be able to keep the ball on the offensive end. If we can do that, we’re going to win games.”
The Braves (1-0) got their first score thanks to the right foot of Katie Wilson. In transition, Wilson beat the goalkeeper close to the net with 23:10 left in the first half. That’s before Maggie Wilson added the insurance.
PHOTOS: Images from Logan Elm’s win over Zane Trace
“With Maggie’s goal, any time we have an open shot at the top of the box, we’re telling our girls to take it,” Ash said. “I encourage any of our kids to take that shot and Maggie put a beautiful shot in the net. With Katie’s goal, we transitioned from one side and [Katie] cleaned up on the offensive wing. Again, if we take those opportunities, we’re going to have our chances to score.”
Josie Martin was a huge reason why each Wilson had the opportunities in the first place. The senior midfielder used her speed all night long to frustrate Zane Trace and control possession in the midfield.
Her experience was on full display as she led a young team to a victory.
“The number one thing with Josie is that she’s encouraging to everyone,” Ash said. “We have a young group made up of 10 sophomores, three freshmen and four seniors. We don’t have a junior class. But our seniors, not just Josie, are continually encouraging our younger players. It really helps their development.”
In total, Logan Elm logged nine shots on goal, compared to three for Zane Trace (0-1). The Braves took eight corners and spent the majority of the match on the offensive attack.
Zane Trace will now continue to try and capture its first win on Saturday with a trip to North Adams while Logan Elm is back at it — in a regular season sense — the same day, hosting McClain.
“[North Adams] is a very good team and we’re going to try and work on some fundamental stuff,” Ash said. “Then, we’re back out here on Saturday against Greenfield to continue the regular season.”
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