Pleasant Grove High School's girls soccer team is enjoying a remarkable start to the season, bolstered by the return of standout player Indee Morris. After spending several years in Florida, Morris has returned to her hometown and has quickly made an impact on the field. In a recent match on August 21, 2024, she scored two goals, leading the Vikings to a 2-0 victory over Timpanogos.
As the team's leading scorer with six goals this season, Morris has proven to be a formidable presence for opposing defenses. Her head coach, Matt Embley, praised her ability to draw multiple defenders, creating opportunities for her teammates. "She has been a force to be reckoned with for defenses," Embley remarked. "Every time she gets the ball, you think the ball's going in the back of the net. So it's fun to watch." This early-season performance has positioned Morris among the top scorers in the state.
In the match against Timpanogos, Pleasant Grove demonstrated a proactive approach from the outset. The Vikings pushed the pace early, earning two corner kicks within the first five minutes, although they were unable to convert those opportunities into goals. Embley noted the importance of creating energy and positivity, even when the scoreboard doesn't reflect it. "Unfortunately, we didn’t get either one of those. But even if you don’t score those, you create energy, and you create that positivity to want to go and do it again," he said.
Pleasant Grove broke the deadlock in the 16th minute when Morris capitalized on a defensive lapse, finding the back of the net to give her team a 1-0 lead. Despite holding the advantage at halftime, the Vikings were fortunate not to be tied, as Timpanogos had several near misses. Notably, Maddi Searle's powerful shot from 30 yards struck the crossbar, and Samantha Young narrowly missed an opportunity to equalize with a chip shot that went wide.
The second half saw both teams continue to press for goals, with Pleasant Grove's defense facing challenges. However, goalkeeper Savanna Facer made crucial saves to maintain the clean sheet, showcasing her skills early in the match. Morris extended the lead to 2-0 in the 67th minute, solidifying her team's victory and further establishing her scoring prowess.
Following the match, Morris expressed her appreciation for her teammates, emphasizing the strong bond within the team. "I love my team. It’s probably the best high school team I’ve seen. We’re such a good family, and we’re very connected. We just support each other. Without them, I definitely wouldn’t have scored my goals," she stated.
With this win, Pleasant Grove improved its record to 4-0, demonstrating their potential as they prepare for their upcoming match against Layton. The Vikings will soon enter region play, starting with a game against Springville on August 20, 2024, as they look to maintain their momentum in the competitive landscape of high school girls soccer.
Leave a Comment