Lynx hold off Cougars
Kim Brinker filled in admirably for the Jean Vanier Lynx Thursday.
With strikers Alyssa Arcand and Alexandra Nickel away from the team, Brinker was moved up to forward and came through with flying colours.
Brinker scored the winner as the Lynx held off the Centennial Cougars 2-1 in Zone 3 high school varsity girls soccer action at Youngs Sportsplex.
“I’m actually a centre back. Our two strikers weren’t here today so I pushed up and it just happened,” Brinker said. “They are more of our strong girls on the team, helpful in all regions, so I felt like I had to step up a little bit.”
Vanier coach Nancy Desjardins appreciated Brinker’s effort.
“Kim brings a lot of attributes to the team,” Desjardins said. “She plays outside of high school, obviously, and she’s usually a defender. With what I have, I moved her up and today missing those two forwards, I moved her right up to forward.”
Brinker, who plays travel out of Niagara-on-the-Lake and also suits up for Empire Niagara Academy, is the younger sister of Vanier defender Danielle Brinker.
“She’s more of someone I look up to,” Kim Brinker said. “We play the same position and talk to each other and help each other out and that kind of thing.”
Kim did admit playing with her sister can have its challenges at times.
“When we play together, it can be a little stressful,” she smiled.
Brinker’s goal was the lone marker of the first half. Rhianna Beaudoin then netted an insurance marker in the second half for the Lynx which proved to be crucial as the Cougars rallied with a goal from Kennedy Saxton and were pressing for the equalizer as time expired.
“It’s always a little nerve-wracking,” Desjardins said. “I’m really satisfied with the win.”
The Lynx improved to 2-1.
“We’re a very young team. We’re not necessarily in the rebuilding stages, but we kind of are,” Desjardins added. “We have a great group of Grade 9 and 10s and my Grade 12s are great leaders.”
Desjardins admitted soccer can get lost in the shuffle at times.
“Soccer for high school is a quick season and an undesirable season. They play in this (rain and wind) all season and it’s hard for them. With track and everything else that’s going on, we just came back with from a volleyball tournament with all four teams, so it’s hard to fit soccer season in.”
STATS PACK
Lynx 2 Cougars 1
Johnny Rocco’s/Mick and Angelo’s Player of the Game: Jean Vanier forward Kim Brinker with the winning goal.
Jean Vanier Lynx: Brinker, Rhianna Beaudoin.
Centennial Cougars: Kennedy Saxton.
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