Freshman’s first goal is a game-winner for Nation Ford girls’ soccer

Megan Eastep’s first high school goal won Wednesday night’s Nation Ford-Northwestern girls’ soccer tilt.

Emma Maddox set up Eastep at the edge of the 18-yard box, and the freshman midfielder looped a finish into the far corner of the goal with her non-dominant left foot. The 51st minute strike proved to be the winner in a match where both sides lacked cutting edge up front.

“It was worth a shot,” said Eastep afterward. “No pun intended.”

Eastep hadn’t played in the middle of Nation Ford’s midfield yet this season, but her move to the center of the park paid off.

“She’s a heck of a shot,” said Falcons coach Caitlyn Bagwell.

It was a big win for Nation Ford (6-4, 3-1 Region 3-4A) in a scrap between teams trying to keep pace with state-ranked region foes Clover and Fort Mill. The Falcons beat Clover 2-1 in the Fort Mill Invitational earlier this season and play the Blue Eagles on Friday.

“This will help us in the game on Friday,” said Eastep. “I feel like it’ll help us have a little edge on our shoulder. We’re ready to go.”

There were few clear-cut chances in the first 40 minutes. Nation Ford midfielder Brooke Ward played Maddox into the right channel, but when she pegged the ball back across the six-yard box, no one was home to finish the move.

That sequence summed up the game.

Hopeful hoists over the heads of the Northwestern (3-6-1, 0-3) back line proved the hosts’ best offensive tactic. Maddox latched on to one such ball, but shot straight at Trojan keeper Grace Walker. The Northwestern net minder was then alert to fingertip a Nation Ford pass away from an on rushing Falcon near the edge of the penalty area.

Aubree Manley had one of the Trojans’ best opportunities of the first half, but Nation Ford goalie Mary Patterson beat her to a through ball. Ashli Siggins then scuffed a shot wide left as the visitors finished with a relative flurry, though still with nothing to show for it.

Siggins had another chance early in the second half, but shot straight at Patterson in what was essentially the Trojans’ last true chance of the match. Nation Ford wrestled control of the game from there, and Eastep’s goal was justly deserved.

“When we don’t step to the ball, that’s how bad things always happen for us,” said Northwestern’s first-year coach Jason Mouzon. “Hats off to her, she really got a good hit on that.”

The freshman was feeling good after scoring and she ripped another one several minutes later that Walker beat on to the crossbar in desperation. Though only one goal up, Nation Ford never felt troubled in the second half and should go into Friday’s game against Clover feeling good.

“The girls had a great performance,” said Bagwell. “We needed that. Region game, important to come out and get the result.”

This story was originally published March 25, 2015 at 9:17 PM with the headline "Freshman’s first goal is a game-winner for Nation Ford girls’ soccer."