In the view of Service soccer coach Mark Cascolan, his girls went for style points Wednesday, when substance would have served them better in a 0-0 tie with South at The Dome.
Even though the defending state champs controlled the ball for the majority of the match, their fancy play-making didn't pay off.
"We tried to play a bit too pretty in our offensive third," said the coach. "We should've gone to one-(versus)-one."
But Cascolan admitted being pleased with Service's possession.
"It was a good, long while before (South) ever touched the ball," he said.
Despite the lopsided possession, each team registered seven shots on goal.
The Wolverines considered the scoreless match a success. It was the first Service-South meeting since the state championship match last season, when the Cougars dominated 2-1. One week before that, the Wolverines snatched the Cook Inlet Conference championship from the Cougars 3-2.
"Coming in we wanted to take it to them because we're the underdog," said South senior goalie Lara Campbell. "Tying them meant a lot. Like hey -- we're on the same level."
But it took the Wolverines a few minutes to find their feet against the Cougars (3-0-1).
"They caught us off-guard and had us on our heels in the first five minutes," said Campbell, who admitted the Wolverines (2-0-1) haven't been pressured this season. South beat West 3-0 and Eagle River 6-0.
The Cougars haven't felt too much heat either, having defeated Eagle River 8-0, Bartlett 10-0 and West 7-1.
Service junior Karly Meyer came close to beating South's defense in the 65th minute. With a left-foot kick from close range, Meyer sent the ball zooming past Campbell. It struck the underside of the crossbar and bounced down, inches outside the goal line. Meyer scrambled for a second shot, but Campbell beat her for the save.
"Lara is one of the best goalies in the state," said Cascolan. "You really have to work to put the ball past her."
Service today faces East in the final day of a three-day match streak, looking to add to the 25 goals it has scored this season.
"We have the capabilities of really pressuring a team," said Cascolan. "(Wednesday) just wasn't our day."
Chugiak 4, Dimond 0
Later at The Dome, Chugiak's Kelly Cobb registered a hat trick to help the Mustangs past Dimond 4-0.
Alev Kelter scored the fourth goal for Chugiak (3-0).
By HEATHER MARCH
hmarch@adn.com