Wilson Plays Lakewood to a Draw in Key Match

In a showdown for Moore League supremacy on Tuesday, Wilson High and host Lakewood ended up playing to a 0-0 draw.

Most of the fireworks in the match took place in the second half as the two-time defending league champion Bruins (7-5-6, 5-0-1 in league) had numerous chances to score in the first 20 minutes, while Lakewood (10-4-2, 5-0-1) had multiple chances in the last 20 minutes.

“That was an exciting second half,” Wilson coach Jason Kirkwood said. “It was real back and forth.

“We came out with the momentum to start the half and had some shots that just missed and then they got some momentum and some shots that almost connected.”

Wilson’s best chance came in the 50th minute as senior captain Kim Marshall dribbled the ball from past the midfield into Lakewood’s penalty box area, passing to senior forward Renee Mendiola, who struck a ball that went just outside the post.

“I thought I had it,” Mendiola said. “When I struck it I really felt it was going in but this field is bumpy and it just took a weird bounce and went out. I couldn’t believe it didn’t go in.”

Wilson followed up that chance in 58th minute with another close call on a beautiful pass from Marshall that was headed just over the top of the post by sophomore forward Madi Grieve, who collided with Lakewood goalkeeper Wendy Lorenzana.

Lorenzana was down for several minutes after the collision, but got up and was able to continue playing. The collision seemed to wake up the Lakewood offense, as the Lancers responded with six unanswered shots over the final 20 minutes.

“They seemed to pick up the pace after that collision,” Kirkwood said. “They really get geared up for us and I think they thought that this was their year to beat us.

“Anytime you can get a tie on the road with a tough team in a tough place to play is a good result.”

The Lancers best chance came in the 78th minute when a pass from junior forward Kendahl Fisher, the team’s leading scorer with 10 goals, was scissor kicked off the top post and cleared by the Bruins.

“They had some good runs and we had some good runs,” Mendiola said. “It was a real fight but I think we could have played a little better and the next time we see each other hopefully we can capitalize on our chances.”

Marshall, who will be attending Wake Forest next season and playing in the rugged Atlantic Coast Conference, was all over the field and said she felt the match was a good test for the Bruins.

“I wasn’t feeling well before the game,” said Marshall, who was gasping for air after the game ended. “That was a pretty intense match, but I felt that the game was good to help us see where we stand at this stage in the season.”

Wilson is on the road again for another tough match on Thursday at 5 p.m. at Millikan.