Howard County girls soccer notebook: fourth edition

*Get your votes in by Saturday, Oct. 8 at 12 p.m.*

Photo of the week:

Wilde Lake sophomore Julianna Bonner celebrates after scoring one of her four goals on the night against Long Reach on Friday, Sept. 30.

Players of the Week:

Julianna Bonner, Wilde Lake sophomore: After being a key cog on defense for the Wildecats last season, Bonner has transitioned into not only her team's go-to scorer, but as one of the most productive finishers in the county this season. She optimized her 2016 season on Sept. 30 against Long Reach – a team that averaged two goals against heading into the matchup – scoring all four of Wilde Lake's goals and earned her team the, 4-2, win. The Lightning had no answer to Bonner's speed up top, as three of four goals were on breakaways. The most impressive score came early in the second-half, as the stand out sophomore dribbled about 60 yards down field, weaving her way through defenders to score the one-v-one goal. --->(See play of the week clips)*

Jasmine McCree, Centennial senior: McCree is having her best season yet in her last year with the Eagles. She has become a go-to playmaker for her team, but this week demonstrated her versatility all in Centennial's two dominating, 4-0, wins. Against Hammond, McCree led her team with two goals, and then backed it up with an even more impressive performance against Mt. Hebron. McCree registered two assists on the day and played well defensively when coach Steve Baxter moved her in the midfield to preserve the lead.

Gabi Abel, Hammond senior: as a four-year varsity veteran, Gabi Abel stepped up for the Golden Bears at a vital time. Coming off a disappointing, 4-0, loss to Centennial, she propelled her team to a 2-1 overtime victory over Marriotts Ridge four days later. Abel put away the game's first goal, which gave Hammond the halftime lead. Then later, with two minutes remaining in the first 10-minute overtime finished a pass from sister Dani Abel to win the game for her team and clinch Hammond's second county victory of the season.

Megan Chun, River Hill, junior: the Hawks junior captain has not only stepped into a leadership role in just her third year, but has also done everything asked to help her team be in the thick of the county race. A natural defender who also takes virtually every set piece for River Hill, Chun has moved to the outside at midfield and even played some forward for the Hawks against county-leading Atholton on Tuesday. The move proved to be the difference in the game, as Chun did well creating space for her teammates. Her stats aren't overwhelming – she assisted on the game-tying goal on a beautifully struck free kick to teammate Victoria Tran (see play of the week clips)* – but she is active all over the field. Her play was a key component of how and why the Hawks handed the Raiders their first county loss of the season.

Krista Whelan, Howard senior: the senior captain is the Lions best defender, and has played as one of the league's best at the center back/stopper position this year. She has helped a Howard defense that has recorded five shutouts and conceded just seven goals in nine games. Whelan has been playing particular well as of late, not only leading the Lions' defensive unit, but also been a key contributor offensively, picking up her second goal of the year on Oct. 4 against Glenelg.

Thoughts… the top teams are really starting to distance themselves from the rest of the pack, as Atholton, Reservoir, Howard and Centennial all won handily this past week over solid teams. The Raiders defeated Mt. Hebron, 3-0. The Gators beat Glenelg and Long Reach to a combined score of 7-1. The Lions took the, 3-1 win over Glenelg, and the Eagles clinched victories over the Golden Bears and Vikings – winning 4-0 in both games. But the biggest win of the week? Definitely goes to River Hill, handing host Atholton the, 2-1, loss by scoring both goals in the final six minutes. The Raiders defeat means Reservoir, Howard, Centennial and yes, of course the Hawks, county title hopes are even more alive than ever. The Gators are seemingly the favorites to come out on top. They have the league's best defense, has playoff experience and also control their own fate, as they still need to play the Raiders (Oct. 14), River Hill (Oct. 11) and Centennial (Oct. 20). The Lions and Hawks still need to play on Oct. 6, as well…

Standings as of 10/4: Atholton (5-1 county, 7-2 overall); Reservoir (5-1-1, 6-1-2); River Hill (4-1-1, 6-2-1); Howard 4-1-2, 5-2-2); Centennial (4-2-1, 7-2-1); Wilde Lake (3-3-1, 3-4-1); Marriotts Ridge (2-2-2, 2-4-3); Mt. Hebron (2-4, 4-5); Hammond (2-5, 4-5); Long Reach (0-5-1, 0-6-1); Oakland Mills (0-6, 0-9); Glenelg Country (3-2 IAAM B, 3-2); Chapelgate (2-5 IAAM C, 2-7).

Check out last week's edition of the Howard County girls notebook:

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