05 September 2012

Girls Soccer: Elmer's goal moves Tigers to 4-1-1

Kelli Elmer watches her second half header sail into the net for the game-winner (photo by Jim Lindquist)

Kelli Elmer's second half header from 10 yards out off a pin-point pass from Naomi Wood gave the Tigers their second straight win, a 1-0 cliff-hanger over Rochester Century Tuesday night at Tiger Stadium.

Elmer's first goal of the season highlighted a frustrating offensive night for Farmington (4-1-1) who had two other goals (both by Elmer) disallowed.

"One was the proper call, the other one not so much," Tiger coach Rob Carpentier said.

Carpentier raved about Wood's pass from Wood that set up the game's only score.

Naomi Wood assist on game-winner (photo by Jim Lindquist)
"It was one of the most brilliant crosses I have ever seen," he said. "It was from 35-40 yardd and right on the dime.

"The thing that set it apart was Naomi's pointing to where she wanted Kelli to go, and then putting the ball right where she intended from that distance."

Keeper Ashley Becker had a quiet night in posting her second straight shutout as the Tigers outshot the Panthers by a convincing 15-5 count.

As for his team's overall performance, Carpentier gave it mixed reviews.

"We had a great Monday night practice so I thought we'd bring better intensity," he said. "We did to start the game.

"We definitely showed a maturity in closing this game out. Century is a pretty good team. The girls would have lost this game last year because of the lack of maturity and experience."

Next on the schedule for the Tigers is a Thursday night showdown in Chanhassen in the Missota Conference opener for both teams.

"That could well decide the conference title," Carpentier said.