By Jon Malavolti
C & G Sports Writer

Editor’s note: This is Jon Malavolti's live blog from the Utica Eisenhower/Troy Athens regional semifinal girls soccer match June 2 at Utica Stevenson. Look for more live blogs as the postseason rolls on in soccer, softball and baseball. We’ll provide a link at the top of our Sports page that will direct you to the live blog site.

5:15 p.m. - The teams are warming up as the air cools down here at Runkel Field. Both squads seem focused and determined as they prepare for the match, which should feature a dynamic game matching each team’s strength — Ike's offense and Athens' tough defense. Ike is led by senior playmaker Alyssa Telang, who will attempt to break down a stout Athens defensive unit led by senior Megan Swiderski. The winner of this game moves on to the 7 p.m. June 5 regional final at Stevenson against the winner of tonight’s second semifinal between Grosse Pointe North and North Farmington.

5:40 p.m. – Ike moved the ball right down the field after the opening whistle and nearly scored before most of the fans had found their seats. But a header off a cross less than 30 seconds in went over the goal. Ike had some more chances on a couple breakaways a few minutes later, but Athens sophomore goalkeeper Jenna O’Dell came up big both times to snuff out the Eagles' attacks. Ike senior goalie Becky Lipinksi was forced to make some impressive saves of her own, diving back and punching a pair of shots safely over the crossbar. (28:00 minutes remaining in the first half).

5:50 p.m. – Things have started to settle down a bit after the game started out at a furious up-and- down pace with both teams getting a few quality looks on goal. The contest has turned into more of a midfield battle, as each squad attempts to hold on to possession of the ball as they string some passes together and move at a steadier pace. The keepers haven’t been left entirely alone, though, as each has been forced to make a couple more saves. (18:00)

6 p.m. — Ike has just smashed the scoreless barrier, scoring two goals in 30 seconds. First it was senior Allie Misner redirecting a pass from sophomore Megan Marsack with 9:08 remaining. Then with 8:28 left, senior Alyssa Telang made it 2-0 Eagles after taking a pass from junior Alyssa Tomassi. (7:00)

6:15 p.m. – HALFTIME – Ike 2, Athens 0. The Eisenhower Eagles seemed to have figured out Troy Athens with a pair of quick counterattacking goals. The Red Hawks appeared to be on the brink themselves after stringing together some solid attacks, but they will have to wait until the next 40 minutes to make their way back into this contest.

6:30 p.m. — Ike hasn’t let up, as the Eagles have continued to attack at a frantic pace, but they haven’t been able to add to their 2-0 lead. There’s certainly some added tension to the air, as both teams are well aware that the next goal will be crucial. Athens has started to spread the field, moving the ball about in hopes of cutting Ike’s lead in half. (31:00 remaining in the game)

6:55 p.m. — The Eagles have extended their lead to 3-0 with 9 minutes remaining. sophomore Aubrey Sudomier scored on an assist from sophomore Megan Marsack. (9:00)

7:00 p.m. — Ike sophomore Monika Lee scored the final goal of the game assisted by Marsack, securing a 4-0 final for the Eagles.

You can reach Sports Writer Jon Malavolti at jmalavolti@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1040.