Lady Leopards show strong performance in close loss to Morrilton, 3-2 Cunningham soars for two goals
MALVERN —Malvern’s senior playmaker Jessica Cunningham sparked the offensive execution to score two consecutive early goals in the first half, but the visiting Morrilton Lady Devil Dogs journeyed back for three goals made that secured a 3-2 win against the hometown Lady Leopards Tuesday in senior high girls soccer competition at Claude Mann Stadium.
On the positive note, the Lady Leopards’ defense held Morrilton scoreless the entire second half with productive stops and saves to help their enforcer goalie Yelena Hogan in the goalie box.
Malvern soccer head coach Seth Roberts was extremely proud of how competitive the Lady Leopards charged with aggression and a spark of pride to win despite falling short to Morrilton in their 4A-7 Conference match-up. Roberts anticipates another huge rematch duel when his Lady Leopards face the Lady Devil Dogs in the second meeting, in hopes to avenge this tough loss.
“I was proud of their effort and how they never quit. This is a game we will circle for some revenge when we go to Morrilton on April 16,” Roberts said.
“Our girls got off to a really hot start scoring two goals in the first 10 minutes. We made a few costly mistakes to end the first half down 3-2,” Roberts said.
In the second half, Roberts thought Malvern’s defense tightened up and played much better. He added, “Offensively we moved the ball good and gave ourselves multiple quality opportunities to put the tying goal in and unfortunately just couldn’t find the back of the net.
As a team, the Lady Leopards were a strong defensive force and several players made productive attempts and shots to score that just came up short against Morrilton.
Tonight beginning at 5 p.m., the Lady Leopards will host De Queen for more intense competition of Malvern soccer at Claude Mann Stadium on David Alpe Field.