During her high school soccer career at Southeast Whitfield, Maria Montelongo was used primarily as a midfielder. But Saturday in the Tennessee-Georgia all-star girls’ game at Finley Stadium, she played goalkeeper and was voted most valuable player after the teams’ scoreless tie.
Montelongo made eight saves against a Tennessee team that controlled possession and offensive pressure.
“I had a little experience in goal, but not really,” Montelongo said. “I had played goalkeeper at the park on Thursday, but I didn’t have to make any saves. It was nothing compared to what I had to face today.”
Forward Molly Martin from McMinn Central was named Tennessee player of the game, while Georgia’s award went to Heritage’s Lauren Gocke. Martin was a huge part of the Tennessee offense with five shots — including one that bounced off the bottom half of the crossbar and nearly went in.
Tennessee, which leads the annual series 3-1-1, had numerous chances.
“We created a lot of opportunities,” said coach Moises Drumond, who coaches at Soddy-Daisy and plays for the Chattanooga Football Club.
TENNESSEE 0, GEORGIA 0Halftime score: 0-0. Shots: Tennessee, 13-12. Saves: Maria Montelongo 8 (G); Laura Lee Clark 5 (T).
Georgia had chances as well. Southeast’s Anna Valdez had a first-half shot knocked down by Tennessee keeper Laura Lee Clark. Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe’s Kat Casey then missed on a follow-up attempt.
In the second half, Dalton’s Lisa Mata missed a shot from close range.
“To have that many girls and not have a lot of time to prepare, I thought we did well,” Drumond said. “It was a lot to fun to see all of that talent come together.
“They might have different coaches, but they all know how to play the game.”