Cypress Stays in Soccer Title Race

Loara’s hope for an Empire League title vanished Tuesday, while Cypress stayed in the hunt for the championship with 2-0 victory over the Saxons in girls’ soccer at Cypress.

Loara (15-4-1, 4-2-1) fell into third place. Cypress (12-4-2, 6-1) remains one point behind league-leader El Dorado (11-7-2, 6-0-1). Cypress’ only league loss is to El Dorado. The Hawks tied Loara. The two leaders meet next week in a game that should decide the title.

Loara was unable to stop Cypress’ Nicole Woiemberghe and Gina McAskill. The two, along with Amira Ebel, controlled the offense, leading to 18 shots by the Centurions.

McAskill struck first when she found herself wide open in the box 20 minutes into the game. She zipped a shot at goalkeeper Jaclyn Huniu, who got her hands on the ball, but saw it fall through her hands and into the net.

Ten minutes later, Woiemberghe dished the ball to Ebel, who quickly sent the ball right back as Woiemberghe streaked to the goal. Huniu hesitated, then came out to make the tackle, but missed and Woiemberghe easily put the ball into a wide-open goal.

Cypress stopped Loara’s leading scorer Lauren Lappin (26 goals). Cypress Coach Dave King gave the job to Allison Chislock, who shut down Lappin, who took no shots.

Cypress junior Anna Ahle left the game midway through the second half after getting kicked and seriously injuring her ankle.