Late goal gives Mariners edge over Palmer

April 22, 2007

By MATT TUNSETH

Frontiersman

PALMER - Despite dominating the run of play for much of Saturday's match against the Homer Mariners, Palmer still found itself on the wrong end of a 2-1 result at Palmer High School.

&#8220Today we beat ourselves a little bit,” Palmer coach Brain Fish said following the match.

After conceding an early goal to Homer's Gillian Beran-Maryott at the 10-minute mark, Palmer took control of the match. The Moose got an equalizer just four minutes later when Ashley Swetzof found Tess Anderson in front of the net, then had several good chances to go ahead as the half wore on.

Anderson and Megan Marre teamed up to create a couple solid chances, but Homer keeper Kathryn McCarron was able to keep the Moose at bay. Palmer did beat McCarron once, when Swetzof's throw-in found the back of the net, but officials ruled that no player touched the ball before it went in, negating the score.

Swetzof's strong throws were a weapon for Palmer all game, constantly keeping pressure on the Homer defense. None of the chances came to fruition, however, as Palmer's players could never quite get the touch they needed to tally another score.

The second half was little different from much of the first, with Palmer creating most of the chances. The Moose also did a good job containing Homer's talented midfielder, Claire Siekaniec, for much of the afternoon - mainly with solid tackling and good team defense on the back row, led by center back Julie Mangelsdorf.

Homer broke through for the game-winner in the 70th minute when Rachel Bornheimer's shot glanced off the fingers of a diving Chelsea Beech. Palmer had a couple late chances, but the go-ahead goal allowed Homer to tighten its defense and hold on for the victory.

&#8220They stifled us a little bit defensivley,” Fish said.

Despite the outcome, Fish said he was fairly pleased with how his team performed Saturday.

&#8220I was happy with the way we played,” he said.

Fish said that it's still early in the season, and the Moose have yet to reach their peak fitness.

&#8220I think fatigue started to set in a little at the end,” he said. &#8220It will take us half a season to get in shape.”

The win enabled Homer to finish its Valley road trip undefeated. The Moose drew with Colony Friday night, 0-0.

Homer coach Mickey Todd said he felt good with how the weekend went, especially the win over Palmer, the team that knocked Homer out of the conference tournament last season.

&#8220A little payback always helps,” Todd said.

Contact Matt Tunseth at 352-2265 or matt.tunseth@

frontiersman.com