Lakeshore's Josephine Gore splits up the defense. (GEORGE SPITERI — MediaNews Group)
Lakeshore's soccer team started the season with some question marks. These questions were quickly answered and Shorians have been in tears ever since.
Friday's 8-0 victory over previously undefeated Center Line in a Macomb Area Conference crossover game was Lakeshore's eighth straight win.
“We have some girls who are new to the area and are settling in really well,” coach Chris Gwozz said. “They're working hard to get better at the positions we need to play. Their play and desire to get better has strengthened our defense dramatically.
“We already had a pretty good offense. Now we've added defense and balance and it's working out well for us.”
Freshmen Izzy Gabou and Gwynne Thompson and sophomore Bela Salkowski join senior Emma Lucido on the final line.
“They take pride in the position they play. They're always trying to get better and learning.”
Lakeshore has allowed just three goals in eight wins.
Joe Gore is a senior captain and one of the group that provides attacking power for Shorean. Gore, Charlie McIntyre and Lillian McParland each scored two goals to hand Center Line their first loss in 10 games. Scarlett Robertson-Kowalski and Lily Wallace scored.
“At the beginning of the year, we were working on playing together and figuring out everyone's positions,” Gore said. “It was a little tough, but as time went on, we all figured out where we were going. We got a lot better.”
Gore and the other veterans on the team helped the new players feel at ease.
“Just give them a lot of encouragement,” Gore said. “Help them when they do something wrong. Tell them where to go. Over time, it helps build their skills.”
Lakeshore jumped out to a commanding lead in Monday's MAC Gold before falling to Cousuno, 4-1, in the first division.
“We had a big and emotional game against Kazuno in the rain,” Głozuzz said. “Sometimes it's hard to stay focused after that, but they played well today. We have some pretty good talent here.”
Gore would like to see the Shoreans become MAC Gold Champions again.
“Winning it two years in a row proves how much we have grown as a team,” she said. “We have a lot of new players, so it will be great for them to experience it.”
Center Line is battling Hazel Park and Marine City for the MAC Silver title. The Panthers are scheduled to play both players next week.
“We took a lump last year. We were very young,” coach Mike Bolan said. “This team really bonded over the winter. They decided early on that they wanted to participate in winter training and work on getting in shape. Once the season started, it was all work and work for them. is.
“Our strength comes from the backfield. Everything builds from there. We're dangerous from anywhere on the field. All of our stars on offense are scoring multiple goals from every angle.”
The Panthers' 7-1-2 start had several key contributors.
“Avery Masch has made things solid for us as our center back,” Bolan said. “Our leading scorer is Savannah Reetz, who is back from injury. Freshman Isabella Rushbrook is a spark plug for us. Madison Johnson is our assist leader. She's been pushing really well.”
