05.05.10
By Jay Edwards
South Charlotte News
The Charlotte Observer
For the last four seasons, the Charlotte Latin girls' soccer team has gone on an unprecedented run, winning the last two state championships and finishing as runner-up in 2007. The Latin senior class, which includes seven starters on this year's team, has been mostly responsible for those wins.
Becky Green, Anne Grigg, Kristin Horton, Cameron Johnson, McCallie Jones, McKay Kirkland and Georgia Walker have gone 63-8-7, including 25-0-1 in (CISAA) conference play during those four years.
"I think this is the best group of girls we've ever had at Latin," said Charlotte Latin soccer coach Lee Horton, whose been the Hawks boys' and girls' coach for the last 25 years.
The Hawks - ranked No. 1 in the state - are a perfect 15-0 (through April 26), having outscored opponents 64-6.
Charlotte Latin
While Latin has been nearly unbeatable for most of this season, the Hawks have not been without adversity.
All-state senior forwards McCallie Jones and McKay Kirkland have fought off injuries most of the year. Jones - committed to College of Charleston - had a shoulder injury, then returned for four games before getting mononucleosis. Kirkland - committed to Kentucky - returned recently after ankle problems early this year; both are back and hope to stay healthy for another playoff run.
But no matter what has happened, Latin has had someone, whether it's a senior or freshman, step up in nearly every game, and will have their full roster for the playoffs.
Senior goalkeeper co-captain Kristin Horton has excelled , allowing only one goal (against St. Joseph's) on a header off a corner kick. Horton, who will play for Liberty next season, also has two goals and four assists on free kicks.
Freshman Ashley Finke has emerged as the team's top scorer with 14 goals, while sophomore Mia Kane has also contributed.
The Field
Charlotte Latin hasn't lost a game to a private school team since May 19, 2007, when they lost the state championship to Greensboro Day. This season, they have shown few weaknesses despite injuries to key senior starters.
The usual suspects - including Greensboro Day, Durham Academy and Charlotte Country Day - likely will be in the running late in the tournament; but with Latin getting home-field advantage, as the host of the final four, it would be hard to imagine any team stopping a storybook ending to their seniors' careers.
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