For the first 50 minutes of play, neither Fluvanna County nor host Charlottesville could break through. However, slowly but surely the game began to open up. And just under 11 minutes into the second half, Black Knight senior Ellen Buckley was able to put the ball right in front of the net for Ellie Von Storch to head in. The junior midfielder tacked on another goal in the waning moments of the game, and with that Charlottesville left a soggy soccer field with a 2-0 win.
While the vast majority of the first half was spent at midfield, both teams were able to apply pressure in the second. But even still, the scoring opportunities were few and far between as the two squads both brought a physical brand of play to the field.
“When you’re the team to beat in the district, everyone is going to play you with some special energy,” Opere said. “I think that showed today but I also think that the good thing about that is that it raises the level of our play. We played with such intensity today. I was on sidelines thinking ‘Oh my god, I’m getting tired just watching this.’”
Charlottesville broke the scoreless tie almost immediately after they drew a corner kick. After the ball had twice been kicked back out of the pile in front the net, Buckley arched a pass to the far right post where Von Storch was waiting.
“It’s always a goal of ours to try and get goals off of corner kicks,” Buckley said. “Even though it wasn’t a direct corner, it was good to get it in there and Ellie was in perfect position for the cross. We’ve practiced that so much and finally it pays off.”
Fluvanna had a pair of chances with just under 10 minutes, including a break away that was ultimately broken up on a slide tackle from Buckley. With the clock winding down, Tyler Drake and company maintained possession in the Charlottesville end for nearly two minutes, but could not get enough separation from the defense to get off a clean shot.
“We look forward to seeing them again,” said Flucos coach Tara Garcia. “I’m happy with the girls and there’s a few things we need to work on but that’s alright.”
During injury time, Von Storch put the game away on a powerful shot more than 30 yards out from midfield.
“Ellie Von Storch knows how to create space so well,” Opere said. “She moves right to left so well and then she just twists, and boom.”
Fluvanna (6-2-1, 4-2-1 Jefferson) hosts Louisa County on Monday at 5 p.m
Charlottesville (6-1-0, 5-0) will welcome Orange County also on Monday at 5 p.m.
