DIXON DEFENSE KEY IN 1-0 NCHSAA WOMEN’S SOCCER 1-A CHAMPIONSHIP OVER POLK

RALEIGH— Dixon’s defense made an early goal stand up in a 1-0 victory over Polk County on Saturday afternoon in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association’s women’s 1-A soccer championship at Paul Derr Stadium at N.C. State.

The only goal of the game came in the contest’s 14th minute, with Paige Schoonover assisting Chelsea D’Zurilla on her 19th goal of the season. D’Zurilla’s long shot was misplayed and trickled into the goal.

Polk County pressed forward in an effort to tie in the game’s final minutes and dominated the ball but just could not break the Dixon defense. The defensive effort was keyed by junior defender Jaime Edens, who was selected as the game’s Most Valuable Player, and senior Lesleigh Thompson in goal. The Lady Wolverines outshot Dixon 13-7 on the day.

Both teams were making their initial trip to an NCHSAA women’s soccer final. Dixon wound up 16-2-2 overall after advancing into the playoffs as a wild card, but won more playoff games in this run to the state title—five—then it had in the history of women’s soccer at the school. Polk ended its year 16-6-2.

The Raleigh Sports Consortium serves as the primary host city partner for the women’s soccer championship, along with the Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau. Wendy’s and the Carolinas Ford Dealers are the presenting sponsors for the NCHSAA sports program.

NORTH CAROLINA HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

2008 STATE 1-A WOMEN’S SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP

Paul Derr Stadium, North Carolina State University

Dixon 1 0 — 1

Polk County 0 0 — 0

SCORING

14th minute: D—Chelsea D’Zurilla (Paige Schoonover).