Knights start strong but falter to Parkersburg

Oct 23, 2007 @ 11:59 PM

By JASON McCLURE

PARKERSBURG -- Cabell Midland put a scare into Parkersburg for one half of the Region IV girls soccer semifinal match Tuesday, but it wasn't enough as the Big Reds advanced with a 4-0 victory.

Parkersburg improved to 19-1-2. Cabell Midland finished its season at 10-8-2.

The Knights inspiring first half play gave them a wave of confidence, but the No.2 team in the state proved to be too much to handle in the next half.

"We played tight on defense early, but when we opened things up to get our offense going they were able to score," said Cabell Midland coach Andy Wilson. "They aren't one of the top ranked teams in the state for nothing and they proved that tonight."

Early on Cabell Midland came out ready to play, not allowing Parkersburg to establish any clear shots on goal.

Weather was a factor in the action with a damp field making it difficult for players to maintain traction at full speed.

Late in the first half Parkersburg began controlling the ball and challenging deep in Cabell Midland territory. But, Cabell Midland consistently pushed the ball out and prevented the Big Reds from scoring.

The first half ended in a scoreless tie. Parkersburg made an early statement in the second half.

Brooke Logston took an assist from Chelsey Maiden at the 44-minute mark and converted a scoring opportunity for a 1-0 lead.

Just four minutes later Parkersburg stretched the lead to 2-0 when Taylor Bryant created an opening down the middle and drilled a shot in the back of the net.

Logston and Emma Levin-Nielson added two more goals in the next six minutes.

Parkersburg scored its goals in a stretch of just 10 minutes, and that was the difference.

The Big Reds advance to play in the regional finals Thursday at Huntington High.

CABELL MIDLAND 0 0 -- 0

PARKERSBURG 0 4 -- 4

P-Brooke Logston (Chelsey Maiden), 44:00

P-Taylor Bryant (unassisted), 48:00

P-Brooke Logston (unassisted), 49:00

P-Emma Levin-Nielson (unassisted), 54:00

Shots: CM 3, PHS 10. Corner kicks: CM 1, PHS 3. Saves: CM 5 (Emily Willis), PHS 2 (Kelsey Graham).