No. 1 Ashley wins star-studded battle of unbeatens with No. 2 Providence Day
Ashley aced the ultimate non-conference test.
Two of the state’s top girls soccer programs, yet to drop a game this season, took a sun-kissed stage on a beautiful afternoon in Wilmington.
Thanks to Savannah Manset’s 43rd minute tally, the No. 1 ranked Screaming Eagles survived No. 2 Providence Day 1-0.
Chances were aplenty for the home side in the opening 40. Three corners, and three free kicks in the attacking third helped Ashley establish early offensive dominance.
While there were minimal shots on frame to show for it, the momentum that the Screaming Eagles took into the halftime locker room set the stage for the lone goal of the match.
Three minutes into the second half, Kiley Peat forced a turnover in the midfield. A quick pass to Karina Peat, and touch to Manset that split through the middle of the Charger defense broke the ice.
Manset’s strike to the near post was enough to give Ashley a lead that it would not relinquish.
Providence Day countered in the final 15 minutes with an offensive blitz that would be stonewalled by Morgan Tucker and the Screaming Eagle back line.
In the 68th minute, Jaida McGrew created enough space to generate the Chargers’ best scoring opportunity of the day. A booming kick from inside of the box was turned away by a sprawling Tucker.
The victory improves Ashley’s record to 11-0-1, it is also its eleventh consecutive win.
On Tuesday, the Screaming Eagles jump back into conference play with a trip to North Brunswick.
Providence Day, who entered its weekend trip to Wilmington with a 13-0 record, leaves 13-1-1 after playing to a scoreless draw at Hoggard, and dropping Saturday’s contest. The Chargers host Charlotte Country Day School on Tuesday evening.
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