GSL soccer: Mead’s quick start does in Lewis and Clark

Before Wednesday’s big soccer match against Lewis and Clark, the Mead players talked about getting off to a fast start.

Then the host Panthers did just that, scoring twice in the first 10 minutes in claiming a 2-0 win and sole possession of first place in the Greater Spokane League standings with three matches to play.

It was just the kind of fast start the preseason favorite Panthers didn’t get in their first GSL match of the season, a 2-1 loss to University on Sept. 25.

“It felt good that they would pick us to be up front (but after the loss), we fought through it,” said Mead forward Kara Marbury, who set up both goals against LC.

The Tigers had won four straight, but were still without standout forward Chloe Williams, who suffered an ankle injury last week.

Coming off a 2-1 loss last Friday to U-Hi, the Tigers were reeling early against Mead.

In the sixth minute, Marbury snagged a pass at midfield, then sent a through pass to forward Chae Brown. “I remember getting the ball at my feet and thinking ‘I’m going to score,’ ” said Brown, who shruggled off two defenders before putting the ball past LC keeper Sienna Tanner.

Four minutes later, Marbury was covered by two LC defenders outside the box on the right side of the field, then juked one and sent a strong left-footed ball that caromed off the heel of an LC defender and at the feet of Mead defender Brianna Bennett.

As it turned out, Bennett’s tap-in was all Mead would need to improve to 5-1 in the GSL. LC is 4-2.

The Panthers continued to use the long ball to get behind LC defenders and had several good scoring chances in the second half.

“The rest of the game was playing under pressure and keeping our composure while doing it,” Mead coach Kevin Houston said.

Mead outshot the Tigers 13-11 and forced Tanner to make six saves. Mead keeper Ashlyn Juul saved five shots.

Gonzaga Prep 4, North Central 0: At Gonzaga Prep, Hannah Caudill had a goal and an assist, and Meghan Delay netted a goal from 35 yards out midway through the second half, to lead the Bullpups past the Indians.

Mt. Spokane 2, Shadle Park 0: At Shadle Park, Maddy Boyd and Ashley Sanders netted goals in the second half to propel the Wildcats to victory over the Highlanders.

Central Valley 4, Ferris 2: Kasey Ames scored two goals within five minutes to open the second half and the Bears doubled up the Saxons at the South Complex. Caitlin Prophe opened the scoring in the 13th minute to give the Saxons an early 1-0 lead. Alexis Murphy also scored for Ferris.

University 6, Rogers 0: At University, the Titans rolled past the Pirates. Sarah Melvin recorded a goal and an assist, and Jennifer Loehner and Julia Adair each netted a goal in the victory.