Long?s goal wins it for MP

Forward Holly Long scored on a goal kick with just over three minutes left in the game to break a scoreless tie and give the Mt. Pleasant girls? soccer team a 1-0 Southeast Conference win over Keokuk at East Lake Park on Thursday.

It was the third match in four days for the Panthers girls, who defeated Fairfield in the conference opener on Monday and were dealt their first loss of the season by Burlington Notre Dame on Tuesday.

?Keokuk put the pressure on (us) early by taking nine shots on goal in the first half,? Mt. Pleasant Coach Ed Chabal said.

Goalkeeper Lauren Hillman was up to the challenge, however, and she was able to keep it a 0-0 match through the half.

?The Panthers came out strong after halftime and maintained good possession to set up some scoring opportunities,? Chabal said.

However, both teams continued to fall short of a goal. The score remained 0-0 until about three minutes remain, and Long put the ball in the net for the 11th time this season to give the Panthers a win.

Lauren Hillman ended up with 12 saves on the night.

?(It was) another excellent game in goal,? Chabal said.

?Our midfield had another strong match,? he added, ?especially Allie Liechty and Alyssah Hoyle at midfield. Hannah LeBlanc continues to provide excellent senior leadership.?

The Panthers are now 4-1 overall and 2-0 in conference. They will return to the field at East Lake Park on Tuesday for a match against Holy Trinity, starting at 5 p.m.