CCS clamps McMinn in 3-0 win

Although only two games into the season, the Chattanooga Christian girls' soccer team has come to the realization that it can score against quality competition, but coach Cal Sneller is even more encouraged by the fact that the Lady Chargers are starting to defend better.

Kruesi Brock scored two goals and Natalie Thedford had three assists Thursday night as CCS claimed a 3-0 victory over McMinn County at CCS.

Sneller noted that although the Lady Cherokees were held scoreless, they presented a challenge to his defense.

"They were so much more dangerous," he said. "They had some good strikers that really put pressure on us, but I thought we did a good job of keeping the ball away from Lauren [Pruitt, the CCS keeper]."

Pruitt made only one save as the Lady Chargers spent a vast majority of the game on their half of the field.

Hannah Henry put CCS up 1-0 in the 11th minute. Both of Brock's goals came in the second half. CCS fired 19 shots.

"It was good for us to keep the offensive flow going; we had better opportunities and even more space to move around," Sneller said.

The Lady Chargers' first game started off well, as they held a two-goal advantage over Cleveland only to finish in a tie, so the ability to get a lead and hold onto that advantage only further encourages the coach.

"I really thought that there was a lot of anxiety from it being the first game of the season," Sneller said.

McMinn coach David McDonald said that although his young team suffered its second straight shutout -- the Lady Cherokees lost 8-0 at Baylor on Tuesday -- they are starting to recognize how they can play.

"We're taking baby steps forward," said McDonald, who starts five freshmen. "We started to find feet as the game progressed, and started to get some good looks at the goal. The next step will be for us to work more cohesively, but if we start to jell at the right time, we will be OK."

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