By By SCOTT NOVAK / Niles Daily Star
NILES – A goal in each half was enough for the host Buchanan varsity soccer team on Wednesday evening as it blanked Brandywine in a Lakeland Conference match, 2-0.
The Lady Bucks's Amanda Wynn scored in the seventh minute to stake Buchanan to a 1-0 halftime lead.
Andrea Hemminger picked up the second goal for the Lady Bucks in the 77th minute with Wynn getting the assist.
Buchanan was outshot by Brandywine 18-12, but the Lady Bobcats were unable to find the back of the net.
"The first half was played pretty evenly with Buchanan getting a breakaway goal early," Brandywine coach Evan Winkler said. "Buchanan came out with a lot of energy and dictated play in the first 10 minutes. They are a very physical team and did a great job of winning the ball in the first half. After the first 10 minutes, play was back and fourth.
"In the second half, we controlled possesion and played some of the best soccer we have played all year. We passed the ball very well and got everyone involved. We had 10 shots on goal with many excellent chances, but we shot the ball right at the goalie," he said.
Buchanan coach Chris Froelich was pleased that a lack of shots on goal didn't keep his team from scoring.
"We were only able to produce 12 shots on goal, but we made the best of them," he said. "I really thought that our defense (Ashley Lolmaugh, Ashley French, Kaley Kimbrell and Kirsten Wardlaw) played really well, they have improved every game and it showed.
"We played a lot of 50/50 ball in the middle of the field and were able to pull out a win even though Brandywine out shot us tonight," Froelich added.
Brandywine…0
Buchanan…2
Halftime Score
Buchanan 1, Brandywine 0
First Half
BU – Amanda Wynn 7th minute
Second Half
BU – Andrea Hemminger 77th minute (Wynn assist)
Shots on Goal
Brandywine – 18
Buchanan – 12
Saves
Brandywine – 5 (Katie Smallwood)
Buchanan – 19 (Shelby Welbaum)