By ISAAC DEER
TopSports.news
Its no secret that Topeka High’s girls soccer team has been plagued by the injury bug.
But despite dealing with numerous injuries, Topeka High gave it everything it had in a 4-1 Centennial League loss to Manhattan Tuesday at Hummer Sports Park.
Manhattan's Jada Dibbini (white) is defended by Topeka High's Adrianne Caracioni (14) and Faith Shields (23) in Tuesday's 4-1 Manhattan win. [Photo by Isaac Deer/TSN]
Topeka High soccer coach Derek Snook (center) talks to his team after Tuesday's 4-1 Centennial League loss to Manhattan. [Photo by Isaac Deer/TSN]
“Injuries have been a big part of the season so far,” Topeka High coach Derek Snook said. “We know it’s part of the game, but the girls are dealing with knees, ankles, injured hips and it’s hurt us some.
"We have a developing roster and bench, but it’s never beneficial when your starters are banged up.”
Topeka High knew that Tuesday night’s frigid temperatures and Manhattan’s bruising roster was going to be a challenge.
“We are still playing hard no matter the circumstance,” Snook said. “We are giving effort and the girls are leaving it all out on the field. As a coach, I’m proud of the way our team keeps fighting and competing.”
“Kudos to (High) for never giving up,” Manhattan coach Mike Sanchez said. “The way (High) fought against us is great for them. Their lineup is looking solid all around and they are the real deal.”
Topeka High’s one goal came from Molly McGuire. McGuire’s impressive goal came from a crowded goalie box swarmed by Lady Indian defenders, where she got a powerful kick in.
The McGuire goal would help build some momentum, but Manhattan’s defense would improve after the goal.
Manhattan forward Jada Dibbini would earn the “X-factor” title in Tuesday night’s contest.
Dibbini had two goals early in the first half that gave the Tribe separation and important momentum to carry with them for the rest of the game. Dibbini’s defense was also notable in helping the Lady Indians earn the victory.
“I thought it was really important that the two goals set the tone for the win,” Dibbini said. “Early goals help bring energy to our team and that’s what it’s all about. Helping the team.”
Defending a top-10 ranked team in Class 6A is difficult enough as is, but Manhattan appeared to get stronger the longer the game went on.
Manhattan’s four goals came from Dibbini, Emery Ruliffson and Morgan Turner.
“It was a good performance from the team,” Sanchez said. “I was hoping we would ride some of the momentum Jada (Dibbini) created with her early goals, but I am happy with the way things turned out for us tonight.”
Manhattan’s successful day started early on in the first half.
Dibbini was on an island by herself being charged by a hoard of Topeka High players where she would take a risk and kick it near midfield in for a jaw-dropping goal in the first 1:37 of play.
Dibbini would follow her first goal with another one 14:26 later in the first half taking advantage of a crowded goalie box.
Manhattan’s early 2-0 lead halfway through the first half would get an extension exactly three minutes later.
Topeka High’s goalie, Amari Sharp, would decide to run for the ball near the penalty area where she would meet with Manhattan’s Morgan Turner. Turner would scoot past the Topeka High goalie and tap it in for the goal.
Shortly after the Turner goal, Topeka High would get on the board with McGuire's goal inside of the goalie box giving Topeka High some momentum.
“That goal from Molly (McGuire) was important for the team early on,” Snook said. “I thought it was a good set up and I thought that she executed the goal very well.”
Topeka High’s defense would have the physical edge after McGuire’s goal and it forced Manhattan to take some uncomfortable shots in the remainder of the first half.
Manhattan would sit with the somewhat comfortable two-goal lead at the end of the first half.
The Lady Trojans and the Lady Indians’ defensive efforts late in the first half would carry over for the remainder of the second half. A combined eleven shots to the goal were taken by both teams for 29:10 in the second half.
Em. Ruliffson would muscle in a late goal with 10:50 left on the game clock giving Manhattan High a sizeable lead.
Em. Ruliffson’s late goal would be all the Lady Indians needed to secure the victory.
Topeka High (5-3) will hit the road and take on Lawrence Free State Friday.
MANHATTAN 4, TOPEKA HIGH 1
Manhattan (6-3) 3 1 – 4
Topeka High (5-3) 1 0 – 1
Manhattan – Goals: Dibbini 2, Turner, Em. Ruliffson. Assists: Manhattan – Em
Topeka High – Goal: McGuire.
