Defense shines, Mulloy, Laux Lift Magnificat to 2-0 Shutout of Hathaway Brown

ROCKY RIVER, Ohio - Teagan Mulloy converted a first-half rebound, and Harlan Laux delivered a well-placed rebound from a free kick in the second half as Magnificat defeated Hathaway Brown 2-0 on Tuesday night at Karnatz Family Field at Magnificat High. The Blue Streaks paired their two goals with disciplined defense to secure the shutout on a partly cloudy, 61-degree evening.

Lydia Hamad preserved the scoreless match with an important diving save at the 6:45 mark of the first half. Hamad reacted to a shot headed toward the left side of the net, diving to her right to block the attempt and deny one of Hathaway Brown’s best scoring chances.

Magnificat broke through at the 4:57 mark. A shot from the left side deflected off the Hathaway Brown goalkeeper, and Mulloy skillfully gathered the loose ball before putting away the rebound for a 1-0 lead. The goal rewarded the Blue Streaks’ work in the attacking area and gave their defense an advantage to protect going into the second half. (see video!)

Laux doubled the margin at the 10:34 mark of the second half. Taking a free kick from the far right outside the penalty area, she placed the ball beyond the goalkeeper to make it 2-0. The strike provided the Blue Streaks with separation while their back line continued to limit Hathaway Brown’s access to dangerous areas. (see video!)

Cailey Lentz, Greta Trapp and Presley Farrow anchored that defensive performance, quickly forcing Hathaway Brown out of Magnificat’s defensive zone and allowing few penetrations throughout the match. Combined with Hamad’s early diving stop, the back line’s organization helped the Blue Streaks carry the shutout through the final whistle. Magnificat next travels to face Upper Arlington at 3:30 p.m. EDT on Saturday, Sept. 26.