Red Riders blank St. C
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WEIRTON -- Weir is finally starting to find its offensive identity. And that's bad news for the rest of the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference and the teams in West Virginia.
After starting the season 0-2-1, scoring only three goals in three games, the Red Riders have won six in a row, outscoring opponents 35-4 in improving to 6-2-1 heading into a meeting with city rival Madonna.
St. Clairsville became the latest victim Monday at Jimmy Carry Stadium as senior Olivia Baker led a six-goal barrage with a brace and pair of assists in the 6-0 triumph.
Goalkeeper Rayna Hoover needed only two saves -- neither of which was a serious threat to score -- for her fourth clean sheet in the last six games and fifth overall this season.
Despite the luxury of having one of the better keepers in the Ohio Valley, Weir head coach Jeremy Angelo admits that on nights like tonight it's nice to see his junior stopper not having to strain herself to keep goals off the scoreboard.
"We like seeing Rayna only have to do a few things," Angelo admitted. "It makes it easier on her and easier on the coaches, but she is one of the better keepers and she does a good job for us."
What else makes Hoover's life easier is (a) an offense clicking on seemingly all cylinders and (b) a midfield and defense not willing to yield an inch of pitch or allow St. Clairsville to retain possession.
A good portion of the match, especially in the first half, was spent in the Red Devils' half of the turf.
Head coach Wes Stoner lamented his team not being aggressive in receiving balls in the air or attacking and challenging possession. Even the team's normally solid defensive line was having trouble adjusting to Weir's speed, pinpoint passing and crosses.
"I don't know if we weren't ready for the speed because (Baker) is incredibly fast and she gave us first with the give and goes and the through balls," Stoner admitted. "Weir is talented, especially up front with all that speed, but we also defended poorly, especially in the first half.
"It was a half to forget."
Freshman Kiya Kyer actually made some pretty nice saves on a couple breakaways, but was unable to withstand the Riders' onslaught that began quickly and lasted throughout the half's entirety.
Kylie Dunmyer struck first for Weir after Baker broke free on the left side of the net and sent a cross pass toward Dunmyer, who redirected it while in the air into the back of the net.
Eight minutes later it was Baker notching the first of her two goals on an assist from Sarah Stewart. Jaidyn Kelly assisted Baker again barely a minute later as Weir now led 3-0.
Stoner was complimentary of his freshman keeper, knowing that 3-0 score likely should have occurred much earlier in the gave, save for some big stops. Kyer finished with 13 saves.
Kelly and Jenna Costello tacked on the remaining first half goals, with Gabrielle Noel tallying the final scoring strike in the second half.
It was an impressive offensive showing, one that Angelo hopes continues into the OVAC tournament and beyond.
"The last few games we've been very happy as we've been able to move the ball, we're talking, we[re working, and when you create enough chances, you put them away," Angelo said. "We're moving the ball and I'm happy with our progress; but, we still have some work to do."
The road doesn't get any easier for the Red Devils, who return to action Wednesday at Brooke before returning home Saturday to face River View.