By DAVID ERSOFF, Journal Sports
When Byrd and Captain Shreve collide in any sport, there is ramped-up intensity. When both programs rank among the best statewide, it’s got extra sizzle.
The girls soccer matchup between the rivals this week paired programs that battled for the 2024 district championship and then for survival in the ensuing state playoffs. Last season Shreve beat Byrd 5-2 to win the Division I District I title. Byrd got the more memorable victory, however, prevailing 2-0 in the quarterfinals, taking a big step on the Lady Jackets’ path to the state finals.
That made Shreve’s visit to Byrd Monday night one of the most anticipated games of this girls soccer season, and it lived up to expectations with the caliber of play and the excitement level. This rematch ended the same as the playoff battle – going to Byrd, 2-0, as both teams head toward a holiday pause.
It was the first of three intriguing girls soccer contests this week between six of the best teams locally.
The weather on Line Avenue was perfect for soccer, peaking at 60 degrees with a slight breeze, and a nearly full moon above. The stands overflowed, typical for this matchup no matter what the credentials.
The Lady Jackets took early control, pressing the ball towards Shreve’s goal, taking a few early shots, mainly going wide. A couple forced Lady Gators keeper Avery Watson into action, adding to her save total.
Shreve’s early chances were strictly via the counter. On one occasion a ball was sent over the top and Lady Gators forward Alex Knight took off behind the defense. Byrd’s center defender Georgia Gulette ran her down and was able to dispose of Knight’s threat and clear the ball. This scenario played out several times, quite a feat considering Knight is heading to play Division I soccer at Southeastern Louisiana, and Gulette has come back from a torn ACL.
Midway through the first half, Khaela Roraback hit a rocket that Watson wasn’t able to get, giving the Lady Jackets a lead and ultimately a 1-0 halftime edge.
The second half turned predictably chippy in the rivalry and the intensity of the matchup, with a ton of “advice” coming from both fan bases to the referee, suggesting what was or was not a foul — all of which was ignored.
Byrd was unable to increase its lead, nor was Shreve able to get on the board. Gulette and fellow defender Lauren Fleming thwarted Knight every time she got the ball. Byrd coach Lisa Levermann understandably called Fleming her most consistent defender.
As the clock became the Lady Gators’ enemy, they began moving more players forward in an all out effort to draw even. This led to more controlled attacks, but no real threats at goal. With less than two minutes to go, a Byrd defender cleared the ball, and Lady Jackets standout MyJoi Anderson, a Division I Texas A&M-Corpus Christie signee, chased it down. Anderson was able to beat Watson 1-on-1 and the goal sealed the deal for the Lady Jackets.
On Tuesday night there were two games involving four other teams ranked in the Shreveport-Bossier Journal Coaches Poll.
Sixth-ranked Calvary scored twice in the final three minutes to turn a closely-fought game into a comfortable 4-1 win over fifth-ranked North DeSoto. At Messmer Stadium, fourth-ranked Loyola blanked No. 7 Airline 5-0.
Could we see a shakeup in the next coaches poll? We will have to wait until after Christmas gifts are opened to find out, as there will not be any voting until the final week of the month.
Contact David at dersoff@bellsouth.net