Carson Francis, Staff Writer
Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by Holzer Health System.
CHILLICOTHE — Throw the records out the window.
Chillicothe came into Tuesday night’s league contest with Jackson on the wrong end of six straight matches, including the last two that were decided by one goal. To rub salt the wound, the Cavaliers had dropped their last three matches against rival Jackson, dating back to 2024.
But with no better opportunity to right the ship, Chillicothe (2-6, 1-3 FAC) took a step in the right direction on its home turf.
With senior goalkeeper Elaina Crall leading the way, the Cavs’ defense stood its ground and smothered Jackson’s offense for 80 minutes. The offense returned the favor, finding the back of the net twice to post a 2-0 win over the Ironladies — putting themselves back in the win column for the first time since Aug. 25.
“This was a big week for us. With us having a game rescheduled, you play two games in 24 hours. Those are two important games, conference wise,” Chillicothe head coach Zach Breth said. “We feel like the last two weeks, we’ve really built up and progressed a lot. Last night was really tough, so I’m glad they didn’t allow it to affect tonight.”
CREDIT: Brock Netter/SOSA
Chillicothe quickly got out in front by way of a corner kick, where Emma Slatton received the entry pass and took one touch before firing across the goal. The ball one-hopped into the net for a score, putting the Cavaliers up 1-0 with 27:35 left in the half.
“That’s a play that requires some timing and requires some magic, trying to hide things. Emma’s been really excited about it, and sometimes it gives it away,” Breth said. “She was excited to get on the end of it, and that’s something that she’s practiced. It’s good to see her have success with it.”
And with Chillicothe’s defense able to limit Jackson’s opportunities, the Cavaliers would take that slight advantage into the intermission.
The Cavaliers maintained their defensive intensity throughout the second half, highlighted by several key saves from Crall. However, Crall would find herself looking for a little insurance from her teammates on offense if Chillicothe wanted to stay in front.
Thankfully, the Cavaliers got just that with 14:33 left to play.
Senior Karlie Peters dribbled up the left side of the field and charged at the goal. After drawing Jackson’s keeper out of position, she quickly fired into the right side of the net and found nylon for a much-needed insurance goal, extending Chillicothe’s lead to 2-0.
“After giving up a late one yesterday, it’s in the back of your mind that you want a two-goal lead. Karlie’s finding the back of the net now with three [goals] last night and another one tonight,” Breth said. “That happens with forwards. They can go on a streak, and it was really well-timed and it was a good finish.”
The Cavaliers’ defense continued to hold up its end of the bargain, stacking stop after stop to earn a 2-0 rivalry win over the Ironladies (2-5, 2-2 FAC) — picking up the team’s first win in league play.
“[Crall] caught everything, which was key, and she’s been in the program and played a lot of games. She knows what it should look like,” Breth said. “When things are clicking and when we’re opening up well, she lets everybody know. It’s important to get that organization right so that we keep the ball more. When you have the ball more, you give up less chances.”
Chillicothe looks to stay in the win column on Thursday, hosting Washington for another FAC contest. Meanwhile, Jackson will look to rebound at Hillsboro that same evening.
“One of the girls mentioned that we hadn’t beaten Jackson since she’s been in the program, so winning tonight was big. I didn’t realize that it had been that long,” Breth said. “To go back-to-back would be important and good for building momentum. Having played two games in 24 hours, the preparation is recovery and freshness for Thursday.”
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