Byron Nelson   -   Azle

            5 : 0

Nadja und die Lady Bobcats gewinnen souverän die erste Partie der Playoffs und erreichen die nächste Runde

Nelson girls send Azle packing in soccer playoffs

By Travis L. Brown

TROPHY CLUB — Blame it on the very chilly temperatures at Trophy Club Byron Nelson High School on Monday, but it took the Nelson girls soccer team some time to get warmed up.
However, when they found their stride in the 4A bi-district match against Azle, nothing would stop the Bobcats from running away with a 5-0 victory.
Nelson (23-2-1) controlled the ball through the opening minutes of the first half, but failed to connect with the back of the net on the team’s opening nine shots.
The 10th shot opened the floodgates as senior Marchelle Davis redirected a cross from junior Madison Hall with her header past Azle keeper Morgan Prentice 19 minutes into the game.
"Our girls were patient and the goals started to come," Nelson coach Philip Salyer said. "It took a while to get the first one and the first playoff game is a little bit just getting settled in, but the girls did a great job."
Senior forward Darla Hyde stepped up next, drilling a shot past Prentice with 12 minutes left in the half. Senior Nicole Coetzer set the play up with a high, arcing cross that landed in front of Davis. Davis placed the shot on a tee for Hyde with a soft, leading chip.
The root of Monday’s success came from the deep chemistry Nelson’s players have developed through a state tournament run last season and a tough district schedule this year, Hyde said.
"We know how each other plays so well," Hyde said. "We know which person is going where, so we know where to play them. We talk and communicate really well."
It took two disallowed goals from offside players to jump-start the Nelson offense in the second half, but the Bobcats finished the half by netting three more goals. Hyde and Davis finished with two scores apiece, joining junior Madison Hall as the fifth scorer. Davis also notched two assists.
Nelson bombarded Prentice and Azle (17-8-2) with shots throughout the 80 minutes, ripping 37 total at the keeper with 21 landing on frame.
The dominating offensive effort was more than enough to please Hyde, who said she is already ready to take on Burkburnett in the area round.
"It’s exciting. I’m just really excited to keep going further in the playoffs," she said.