Strikers face off in rival clash

Tonight sees one of the highlights of the girls’ regular season when Floyd Central hosts rival Providence (7 p.m.).

Both teams have gotten off to good starts, with the Highlanders standing at 6-2-1, while the Pioneers are 5-1-1.

And both feature standout strikers in the shape of juniors Taylor Patty (Floyd Central, 10 goals) and Casey Marlin (Providence, 12 goals).

So far, Floyd Central has had good 1-0 wins against Mercy Academy (Louisville) and Jasper. Defeats came at the hands of Manual of Louisville (3-1), a team ranked No. 2 in Kentucky at the time, and Evansville North (3-0) at this weekend’s Hoosier Cup in Bloomington, which coach Lewie Stevens described as “a very disappointing showing.”

Taylor Patty: Hoping to add to her 10 goal tally tonight against rival Providence. Photo by Deede O'Farrell.

Patty racked up four of her total at the tournament, with a hat-trick in the 8-0 demolition of Vincennes Lincoln, and another in the Highlanders’ win against Christian Academy of Indiana.

It’s by no means a one-woman show, however. Also expect attackers Lauren Haley and Kady O’Farrell, Cassie Holland in midfield, and seniors Emily Foster and Alysen Shireman to play an important role. Cassie Sakai, meanwhile, is a senior transfer from California and plays in goal and in midfield.

Meanwhile, Providence’s five wins have included victories over Columbus East, Forest Park and Jeffersonville, while it tied with Christian Academy of Louisville. Its lone loss thus far came against Indiana ‘Team to Watch,’ South Dearborn.

The Pioneers will be hoping Marlin – who has fired in three hat-tricks to date -- can add to her impressive tally tonight, and to the goal she scored in last year’s 2-1 regular season triumph over Floyd Central.

Coach Dave Smith is also expecting the likes of Leah Mattingly, Kelsey Rogers, Cristian May-Boquiren, Erin Duncan, Lauren Holland and freshman Kasey Wallace to step up to the plate in the hope of reversing the scoreline when the rivals last met. That was a 2-0 post-season win for Floyd Central, achieved on its way to a fourth consecutive sectional triumph.

Chelsea’s Toppers top Kaitlin’s Aces

Western Kentucky University, featuring Jeffersonville’s Chelsea Grover, proved too strong for Evansville, with New Albany’s Kaitlin Robinett in its lineup, last Friday.

The Hilltoppers (1-2-1) put four past the Purple Aces at Bowling Green, with goals from Mallory Outerbridge (2), Sydney Sisler, and Chrissy Tchoula.


WKU's Chelsea Grover

Robinett was a starter in defense, while Grover, a senior and captain of the team, played 50 minutes.

Evansville, however, bounced back Sunday to record its first victory of the season
(1-3-1), beating Middle Tennessee 2-1.

Both play again on Friday, with WKU at home to Ball State, while Evansville hosts Tennessee-Martin.

Dunk’em at Youth Soccer Day

You’ll be able to dunk a politician, buy some interesting items, and, of course, play the beautiful game at Youth Soccer Day in Community Park, New Albany this Saturday (September 11, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.).

The day long event is one of many activities planned for the eighth annual Youth Soccer Month, which is being organized by local clubs Southern Indiana United and Net-Surfers.

Games take place all day, while you’ll be able to pick up some bargains at the special soccer yard sale, visit informational tables, and avail of freebies and door prizes.

Rumor has it that in addition to local soccer coaches getting dunked by the kids, state representative Ed Clare will also take his turn on the hot (or should that be wet) seat.

“It will be a fun, family day to celebrate youth soccer,” said SIU’s vice-president Debbie Webb.



Along with club president Jim Kotowski, Webb collected the merchandise for the yard sale.

“There will be soccer items for sale at ridiculous prices, and no item will cost more than $5,” she said.

Other events as part of Youth Soccer Month will be tonight’s Floyd Central/Providence and Christian Academy of Indiana/Silver Creek girls’ matchups, two of many high school games this month when you can wear your club jersey and get in free.

SIU will spend an evening with the University of Louisville’s men’s soccer team this Friday, ahead of the Cards’ home game against Fordham (7 p.m.), while Ultimate Soccer Mom (and Dad) Appreciation Day will take place on Wednesday, September 22.

For further information on this month’s events, log on to www.siusoccer.com.


Above: Southern Indiana United president Jim Kotowski and vice president Debbie Webb collect items for the yard sale at Youth Soccer Day, which will be held this Saturday (Sept. 11) at Community Park, New Albany.