For The Dialog
CLAYMONT – Second-ranked Newark Charter won the Diamond State Athletic Conference girls soccer championship with a 2-0 win at Archmere on May 8.
The Patriots got a goal in each half and kept the Auks off the scoreboard in their road victory. The Patriots controlled the play early but were kept off he board thanks to goalie Kyra Giakas, who made a couple early big saves. The Auks had a free kick from 23 yards out but Maddie Law’s shot went over the crossbar.
Newark Charter got on the board in the 27th minute when eighth-grader Mackenzie Hennessy sent a perfect pass to Jill Hynson, who beat Giakas for a 1-0 lead.
The Auks had a few good shots to start the second half. Nicole Wittherell had a great chance in the 46th minute, but goalkeeper Claire Reader made a diving stop.
The Patriots added to the lead in the 55th. Hannah Cutler sent a great through ball, and teammate Lawson Schultz outraced Giakas to the ball and tipped it the keeper as they collided.
The Auks had another chance in the 63rd minute but Reader, stopped Leah DeCosta with a great save to preserve the shut out.
The Patriots (10-0-1) outshot the Auks 11-5, but Giakas had six saves for the Auks. They travel to Hodgson on Wednesday for a 4 p.m. start.
The Auks (7-5-1) have lost four straight and will try to reverse that trend against Wilmington Christian on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. at Hockessin Montessori School. Archmere’s regular season ends Friday at home against Wilmington Charter at 5 p.m.
