Girls soccer state final capsule

Kirtland vs. Cincinnati Country Day What: Division III state final

When: 1 p.m., Nov. 9 Where: MAPFRE Stadium, 1 Black and Gold Boulevard, Columbus Records: Kirtland 20-2, Cincinnati Country Day 19-2

What to look for: When Summit Country Day was moved to Division II and Country Day moved down, this felt like what could be the match to decide the Division III state champion this fall – and sure enough, it is . ... Each of these sides got here in varying ways, Kirtland with a 1-0 win over Archbold and Country Day with a 7-0 pasting of Bishop Rosecrans in respective D-III state semifinals . ... The Hornets played a smart, tactically precise match against Archbold, understanding a howling wind at Sandusky meant service had to stay on the ground with pace and intent. That possession tone from the outset went a long way toward seeing out the result . ... And of course, Lidia Rodin’s gorgeous free kick before halftime is the kind of pivotal moment every side needs a few times during a long, arduous season in the quest for a state title . ... The defensive-third play, led by senior sweeper Emily Ungrady, has been outstanding all year with 18 goals yielded and 10 clean sheets. Truthfully, that shutout total could be higher if Kirtland didn’t play such a taxing schedule. But that’s not how Coach Ed Bradac and his side rolls. They want to be tested by the best, because they know it pays off now with a trip to the big pitch in Columbus. Nothing is rattling . ... Standout freshman striker Erika Zschuppe (33 goals, five assists) doesn’t necessarily need to score goals to be dangerous. Her runs, and the challenge for a defender 1-on-1 to pick up and anticipate her short and medium touches, is an art form for a ninth-grader . ... It is a fun argument to have with several options for whom to debate, but Maya Zovko (9-23) may very well be the most important player in the Hornets’ side. Her workrate, ballwinning and knack for drawing contact and attention makes her teammates better, and the big stage hasn’t been too much for her since she arrived at Kirtland . ... Rodin (10-14) can influence a match in several ways, with the Archbold match being a great example with setpiece value to get the lead, then the ability to step into the defensive third and help see out the result in the back . ... Jenna Sayle (10-5) has had a rocksolid senior campaign, as a pacey option with size out wide and with a keen sense for off-ball runs . ... Another senior, Lauren Lutz (2-5), is a key component in midfield who may not have the gaudy scoring stats others in her side do. But her value as a possession continuance and steady, smart veteran influence does not go unnoticed . ... Leah LaVerde (2-5) and Mia Rini (6-2) have really come on as sophomores and are helpful in combination play, LaVerde out wide and Rini working hard for off-ball runs to create through-ball opportunities. ... Country Day, champions of the Miami Valley Conference, started 11-0 before back-to-back defeats against Wyoming and Taylor, but have won eight straight since to return to Columbus . ... The Indians were the side that lost to Gilmour in extra time in the 2016 D-III state final, and many of the familiar names from that side return . ... Katelynn Setters was a second-team D-III All-Ohio defender last fall and was the MVC girls soccer player of the year this season. She leads a defensive-third group that has yielded 14 goals and recorded 11 clean sheets . ... Country Day is paced in the attack by junior strikers Kate Brock (34-17) and Lawson Renie (24-11) and sophomore Jenna Setters (14-11) . ... One notable difference in scheduling is Kirtland played five D-I foes this fall, while Country Day played none. The Hornets’ last defeat was to a D-I side in Mayfield, 2-1, on Oct. 6. After a well-earned result, Wildcats coach Matt Lubin said that may be the last time Kirtland loses in 2018. He may be right . ... Last year, the Hornets taking on Summit Country Day frankly was a task with a likely conclusion, as Summit steamrolled to a 4-0 win. This time feels different. With the experience of a state-final run last fall and how dynamic this side can be firing on all cylinders, Kirtland has a legitimate chance here to hoist the ultimate prize.