Prep girls soccer: Everett 2, Meadowdale 0

Published 10:39 pm Tuesday, September 6, 2011

EVERETT — Everett kicked off its 2011 varsity girls soccer season in fine fashion as juniors Haley Ayers and Morgan McCarty each found the back of the net in the first half to lead the Seagulls to a 2-0 defeat of Meadowdale.

Everett (1-0 league, 1-0 overall) head coach Kosta Pitharoulis was

happy with his team’s play in its opening match.

“I was pleased with everyone’s play,” said Pitharoulis. “Our defense was very organized for the most part led by our senior captain Khadija Tarver. (They) really controlled the game in the back and didn’t give Meadowdale (0-1, 0-1) any good looks (on goal).”

Ayers got things started for the Seagulls (1-0 in league, 1-0 overall) in the eighth minute when she ran onto a well-placed through ball from teammate Bailey McMullen. The pass left her 1-on-1 with the Meadowdale goalkeeper and Ayers did the rest by sliding a shot just past her for the game’s first goal. In the 17th minute, McCarty took a pass from McKayla Fox and sent a shot in from 25 yards that floated just over the keeper’s outstretched arms and into the far post. The Seagulls defense — and goaltenders — took over from there.

Because its projected starting keeper remains ineligible, Everett had C.J. Shaver and Fox split time in goal, each playing a half.

Pitharoulis thought they both played well. “The two of them stepped up for us big time,” Pitharoulis said.

Everett faces Marysville-Getchel in a Wesco 3A league contest on Thursday.