Jenkins Silences Freedom

By RICK BROWN

THE LEDGER

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Class 4a Girls Soccer Regional Playoffs

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LAKELAND | George Jenkins forward Ashley Lopez is no stranger to scoring goals. In fact, she would say she has a head for scoring goals as most of her goals have come off of headers this season.

But on Tuesday, she showed her feet aren't bad either.

Lopez scored two goals — one with her foot — and Tori Abnathy and Christine Knudstrup also scored to lead the top-ranked Eagles to a 4-0 victory over Tampa Freedom in Class 4A regional quarterfinal victory action.

The Eagles (23-0-0) will face Tampa Steinbrenner in the regional semifinals. Steinbrenner defeated Bartow 8-0 on Tuesday behind four goals by CiCi Gonzalez.

The semifinal game will be played Friday at George Jenkins.

"This year we've been working pretty hard, staying after practice, running a lot, holding each other accountable," Lopez said. "I felt like in the game all of our hard work showed off."

The Eagles did get a scare when Abnathy, while chasing a ball, collided with Freedom keeper Emily Ball in the second half and stayed on the ground for a few minutes. She gingerly walked off the field under her own power but did not return.

On the play, Abnathy got hit in her back but said following the game she could have returned if needed.

"I'll be ready on Friday," Abnathy said.

Jenkins didn't need her at that point, although she got the Eagles going earlier.

After controlling a pass from Lindsi Anderson, Abnathy popped the ball over Ball and into the net for a 1-0 lead.

Lopez made it 2-0 when she took a throw-in from Emily Rice and scored on a header for a 2-0 lead.

The Vikings made it 3-0 right before the half when Ball made a sprawling save on a Bri Vidal penalty kick but Knudstrup followed the rebound and punched it in.

Lopez scored her second goal after Ball was called for a foul inside the box on the collision with Abnathy. Her penalty kick easily beat Ball for the final margin.