Chelsea girls soccer opens area play

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Abbie Johns, Chelsea Buzz Reporter

The Chelsea Lady Hornets soccer team began area play Thursday, March 3 with a game against Mountain Brook at home as the opener.

Mountain Brook overtook the Hornets in a devastating loss of 2-0. However, this is just the start of area play, with Briarwood and Homewood still ahead of them in the month of March and then meeting Mountain Brook again April 12.

The competition is competitive and fierce, with only the top two in the area getting to be in the state playoffs. Chelsea has gone 8-2  this season with only losing to Oak Mountain, the 7A State Champions, as well as this past week’s area opener. Chelsea Buzz interviewed goalkeeper Hannah Garrett after the loss.

¨It was a devastating loss to say the least,” Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Garrett said after the game against Mountain Brook. “We are properly preparing for the upcoming games and focusing on what needs to be worked on. We have a lot to prove and we will be back.¨

In the rest of the area, Briarwood is currently 3-1-1, while Homewood is 6-0-1.

Last year, Chelsea came out second in the area with Homewood coming out on top. Homewood overtook the Hornets 2-0. Devastated by this loss, the Lady Hornets bounced back with a win against them 1-0 with a long range shot by Jillian Francis. Chelsea and Homewood advanced to playoffs, where Homewood overtook the Hornets with a 3-0 loss in the Elite Eight.

The Hornets are looking for revenge from last season and are expecting a challenging game against them this year. Chelsea is looking to solidify some wins from the previous year. Last season, Chelsea beat Mountain Brook twice with scores of 4-1 and 6-2, and won against Briarwood 2-1 and lost in PKs 1-1 during the area play. Any team in this competitive area that wins first, is the favorite to win state. 

Apart from area play, Chelsea has also entered two tournaments, both coming out on top as the Champions. These girls have overcome a lot in a short period of time. The girls continue to work with a new assistant coach, different formations, overcoming injuries, as well as a gigantic change in the roster and lineup.

This past year, Chelsea lost two huge components to the team, which were Haley Duca and Mac Titus. Both of these ladies graduated and went on to play D1 collegiate soccer in the SEC Conference. However, Chelsea continues to stay talented and fight for a state title. 

The Lady Hornets have fierce leaders leading the team into the set of area games. The captains are Avery Burleson, Jillian Francis, Brooklyn Carter, and Grace Peacock; all of which are seniors this year. Earlier this year, Avery Burleson and Jillian Francis both signed to play collegiate soccer. This team continues to pride themselves on talent and more talent coming in.

¨I’m going to lead through positive reinforcement, but at the same time through honest and encouraging words,” Burleson said of her new role as a leader. “The area this year is very tough, and the team as a whole will need to work together.¨

These girls are working extremely hard to secure a state title for the school and to put another star on their jerseys. You can find the schedule for girls soccer on their Instagram page or through Twitter  @chelseahs_girls_soccer.