KANSAS CITY, KAN. ---- Two goals by former Piper standout Katie Trzok, the second in overtime, has given the Kansas City Kansas Community College women’s soccer team its first two-game winning streak in the short history of the sport.
A 5-8 freshman defender, Trzok scored the game-winner five minutes into overtime in the 2-1 win over Maple Woods Thursday.
The win boosted the Lady Blue Devils’ record to 2-1 heading into their Jayhawk Conference opener Thursday when they host Allen County at 4:30 p.m. The opener of a doubleheader, the KCKCC men will entertain Allen County at 7 p.m.
Trzok’s winning goal was set up by a free kick from freshman Loida Carranza from 25 yards out after Schlagle freshman Leticia Ramos had sprung Carranza and Tonganoxie sophomore Emily Soetart free with a big run along the left flank.
“It was no surprise to who was going to be charged with taking the shot,” said KCKCC head coach Jeremy Winzer. “A lot of credit goes to assistant coach Melanie Pickert who has been monitoring Trzok daily.”
The Blue Devils’ first goal in the opening period came on a solid cross by Bonner Springs’ freshman Allie Ledbetter, who got the ball to Trzok who found the bottom right corner of the net from 20 yards out.
“A great team goal,” said Wizmer. “After the entire defensive unit touched the ball, midfielders Cristy Avelar and Madison Simmons set up Ledbetter for the assist.”
Winzer was particularly pleased with the Blue Devils’ fast start.
“Our sophomores, Emily Soetart, Madison Simmons and Chase Holle, really pushed the tempo and raised the standard. And the defensive unit of Allie Ledbetter, Veronica Samaniego, Katie Trzok and goalie Maria Hanson had a great day, allowing less than five shots on goal.
They’ve been the heartbeat of the team and continue to improve which has given this team a lot of confidence because of their ability to move the ball around the back.
“This team continues to improve as a family and goes out and puts the grind in for 90 minutes. But it’s still a very young team with much more work to be done in order to be playing in the regional tournament at season’s end.”
