Thursday, October 28, 1999
Regrouped McAuley wins district soccer
Giesting leads Mohawks over Glen Este, 4-2
BY DAVE SCHUTTE
The Cincinnati Enquirer
In disarray four weeks ago, McAuley has turned the season around and may be the team to beat in the Division I girls soccer tournament.
Two goals by Lauren Giesting lifted the Mohawks to a 4-2 victory over Glen Este in a Division I district championship game Wednesday at Hopewell Elementary.
“We weren't tested by lesser teams early in the season, but when we came to the meat of the schedule, we lost to Seton, St. Ursula, Lakota West and McNicholas,” McAuley coach Keenan Mikal said.
“The girls started doubting themselves, and there was a lot of finger-pointing. They weren't having any fun, and that's what soccer is all about.”
A team meeting was held to iron out the differences. Since that get-together, the Mohawks have won three and tied one during the final two weeks of the regular season. Three tournament victories followed.
“I challenged Lauren Giesting to take over on offense, and she has stepped up,” Mikal said. “We also made several changes. We went to a double stopper on defense and moved Amanda Roberts from defense to offense.”
Roberts responded for the fifth time this season, scoring an insurance goal with 7:44 remaining for a 4-1 advantage. Glen Este's Sam Riley scored a harmless goal with 1:45 remaining.
McAuley was in control from the outset in a physical game in which the referee issued 10 yellow cards and ejected one player.
Annette Anciello opened the scoring for McAuley less than four minutes into the game, but Glen Este's Kristina Wilson counted with 17:36 remaining before halftime to tie it 1-1.
Giesting scored the next two goals for McAuley, the first coming with 12:49 remaining before halftime and the second with 15:55 left in the game.
“We're a different type of team this season,” Giesting said. “Last year we had one big scorer (Andrea Cunningham), but this year we're more balanced and everybody scores.”
Although McAuley isn't known as a physical team, senior center midfielder Stacy Rust prefers a rough game.
“I love the contact,” Rust said. “My job on the field is to pull the ball out of the air and get it home.”
The Mohawks advanced to the regional semifinals Wednesday at North College Hill, where they will take on the winner of tonight's game between St. Ursula and Fairfield. During the season, McAuley beat Fairfield but lost to St. Ursula.
“St Ursula beat us 2-0, and I'd like to play them again,” Giesting said.
Rust hopes for Fairfield.
“I have a good friend on Fairfield's team who I played with during the summer,” Rust said. “I'd like to play them again.”
Sports Stories
Doctor No. 2: Harnisch needs surgery
McKeon's return may be imminent
Blackman rips management, training staff
Dillon backs off criticisms
Jaguars priming for playoffs
'Deadbeat' Brooks faces 2 years in prison
Bearcats top pick in C-USA
UC must slow Prentice, stop rest of RedHawks
