MIDDLETOWN — Making a rare start at forward, Amber Preusser made the most of the opportunity on Tuesday, scoring three goals in Middletown”s 6-0 victory over the Lower Lake Trojans in a North Central League I North girls” soccer match at Middletown.
Middletown (6-0-1, 14-1-1) clinches no worse than a tie for the North title with the victory and can secure the undisputed championship with a tie or a win Thursday at home against Willits in the final league game for both teams.
With five players out of action because of illness or injury, Middletown coach Louise Owens had to shuffle her lineup against the Trojans (0-7-1). Maddie Kucer moved to Preusser”s normal starting position of center/defender, while Preusser rotated to forward.
Owens praised the play of Preusser, Kucer and sweeper Katie August.
“She enjoyed playing up there,” Owens said of Preusser. “You should have seen her face when I announced the starting lineup.”
Brittany Cash added two goals and two assists and Kiley Agapoff had the other Middletown goal.
The Mustangs led 3-0 after the first half and ended up out-shooting the Trojans 28-3.
Even with the missing players, Owens said the overall effort of the team was improved from a week ago.
“I felt like we hit a little bit of a slump last week,” Owens said. “We had a great game today.”
Kelly Wilkinson and Emily Reed had assists for Middletown.
