Soccer Season Ends for Lakeland Girls

The Lakeland soccer team lost a number of one-goal games this season. Its final one-goal loss though might have been the most painful.

 The Eagles lost to Waterford Mott 3-2 on Tuesday night in the opening round of district play, ending the year at 7-9-2.

It was a season full of injuries and near misses, rain and sloppy fields. It will also be the last season for Lakeland head coach Curt Whitefield who resigned from the position Wednesday morning to spend more time focusing on his other work commitments. It was a difficult decision and despite a losing season record-wise, Whitefield will look back on this season with fondness. 

“We had so many injuries and three seniors who barely played this year,” Whitefield said. “So in many ways we were young and pretty inexperienced.” 

Megan Kalanik and Jules Corvell scored the two Eagle goals Tuesday but it was a defensive breakdown on the back line that proved to be the difference in the winning goal for the Corsairs (7-9-2) who had tied and defeated Lakeland in two regular season meetings.

The condition of the field at Mott High School didn’t help either. 

“It was difficult because there were parts of the field where the ball would fly and other parts where it would just stop,” Whitefield said. “We had struggled at times all year (defending) the long ball being kicked over our defense and that was a difference on a goal again (Tuesday).” 

Lakeland actually led the time of possession and finished with more shots on goal, but made one fewer (scoring) play. But Lakeland midfielder and team captain Allie Morris, a junior, was unable to play because of a calf injury, and her absence was noticed. Amanda Allen was also sick and unable to play.

Seniors Jillian Parsons, Laura Austin and Kristine Graham all missed all or a majority of the season with injuries. Morris rarely ever came off the field for the Eagles and in retrospect, Whitefield thought his team played well despite all the absences. 

“It was tough to get over the hump this year but the girls gained a lot of experience. I really feel like they will be contenders (in the KLAA North) next season.” 

Whitefield’s decision to step down may open the door for junior varsity coach Robert Kroezen to take over the varsity program. Whitefield had only good things to say about the Lakeland program and working with school and athletic administrators, but admitted that from a time management perspective it is difficult these days to have a full-time job outside of the school district and be able to dedicate the time needed to coach at the varsity level. 

“Our children are out of high school and my schedule is hectic,” Whitefield said. “I will miss it. I’ll miss the girls and the players coming back this year because they really enjoyed playing and gave us a great effort.”