Lindbergh Ends Mehlville's Girls Soccer Season

The Mehlville girls soccer team left Oakville High School with their heads held high Monday night. The fifth-seeded Panthers turned in a gutsy performance in dropping a 2-0 decision to fourth-seeded Lindbergh in the opening round of the Class 3 District 2 Tournament.     

"You can't question the effort and you can't question the desire of the girls in green tonight," said Panthers coach Tom Harper. "I'm happy with the effort and the things we'll be able to take into next season."    

Lindbergh junior midfielder Katie Campbell and sophomore Ashley Harbaugh scored early goals and junior keeper Nina Tzlanos pitched a shutout.  

"We're playing well and we're not afraid of anybody," said the 4-foot, 11-inch Harbaugh.   

Lindbergh was at the top of its game against Mehlville, who played well but ends the season 11-12. Campbell and Harbaugh scored in the first 11:18 to give the Flyers early control of the match. Mehlville stayed within striking distance the rest of the way, but couldn't put the ball past Tzlanos, who posted her 13th shutout of the season.   

"We just put ourselves behind the eight ball too early," said Mehlville coach Tom Harper. "You can't get down like that early and expect to come back against a good team like that."   

Campbell got the ball rolling by scoring on a free kick from 31 yards out just 1:31 into the game. One of two free kick specialists on the squad, she rocketed a shot into the upper right hand corner of the net for her sixth goal of the season.   

Harbaugh made it 2-0 less than 10 minutes later. She used a spin move to elude a defender near the top of the box before drilling a laser with her right foot.    

"I just turned and shot," Harbaugh said. "We definitely came out on fire."   

Mehlville tested Tzlanos several times with Lauren Guerrero, Allison Wade and Kayla Hezel all having strong scoring opportunities.   

The Flyers can now concentrate on their biggest game of the season against Cor Jesu, who ended their season last year. They have plenty of reason for optimism this time around. They are a year wiser, a year sharper and a year better. Plus, they are unbeaten this season on artificial turf. The lightning-quick fake grass at Oakville High suits their style of play, which centers around pin-point ball possession.   

"We're tough to beat when we're on," Campbell said. "We've had our rough patches, but we're playing well now."