Big boot gives Moose the boost

JEREMIAH BARTZ/ Frontiersman sports editor

PALMER - For just the second time during Brian Fish's five-year run as head coach of the Palmer High girls soccer squad, the Moose topped Valley-rival Colony.

Fish said, after the 2-1 win at Colony High School Monday, he is most happy for his four seniors, who have not seen a great amount of success against the Knights.

But the senior class could owe a freshman some thanks.

Late in the first half, freshman Chelsea Beetch knocked a booming kick toward the Colony net and the shot sailed over the Knight goalkeeper to break the 1-1 tie.

"She's been getting opportunities all year long, and finally she got that goal she maybe needed to get over that hump, give her that confidence," Fish said.

Fish said Beetch just missed on some good opportunities during the team's three-game road trip on the Kenai Peninsula last weekend.

"I am sure it feels as good for her as it does for the team," Fish said.

With 11 minutes remaining in the first half, Beetch got the ball at the sideline and smacked a 30-yard kick toward the Colony net. Aiming to put the ball in play in front of the Knight goal, Beetch instead hit the back of the net.

"She's got a great leg," Fish said.

Beetch is an example of the depth Fish and the Moose have this season. A regular in the field, Beetch is also a backup goalkeeper. Fish said Beetch logs most of the minutes in net for the junior varsity squad, but her ability to play in the field keeps her in the varsity lineup also.

Joann Spannagel gave the Moose a 1-0 lead with a score on a penalty kick 15 minutes into the game. Colony answered quickly as Ellie Munroe converted a penalty kick eight minutes later.

Palmer improved to 5-1-2 with the win and Fish feels the Moose have put themselves in good position, with just 10 days left until the Northern Lights Conference tournament.

"I've said from the beginning, from the first few games we played, it's going to be tough all year long," Fish said. "I don't know if there's one clear runaway winner this year."