With Heintz Limited, Panthers Still Thrive

Potomac School 3, Georgetown Visitation 0
By B.J. Koubaroulis

Special to The Washington Post

Wednesday, September 19, 2007; E07

It may not show in the stats, but Potomac School senior Natalie Heintz was the key factor for the No. 10 Panthers in the second half of their 3-1 girls' soccer victory over Georgetown Visitation yesterday in McLean.

Heintz had a goal early in the first half but left the game shortly thereafter with an ankle injury. She spent the rest of the half on the sideline with her sprained right ankle elevated. Potomac School (2-0, 1-0 Independent School League) did not get off a shot in her absence.

Heintz returned in the second half, and Potomac School added two more goals. She didn't play a big role in either score, but that's not the point.

"The level of play doesn't really go down [when Heintz is off the field], it's just the confidence of the girls," Potomac School Coach Ross McEwen said. "She makes everybody a better player."

Heintz scored her third goal of the season on a right-footed 15-yard bender that made it 1-0. Eight minutes into the second half, the Cubs (4-1, 1-1) tied the game when Alex Wiggins scored her fourth goal of the year off Megan O'Conor's corner kick.

Potomac School junior midfielder Cassidy Banks scored the eventual game-winner on a 30-yard free kick in the 69th minute, and freshman Campbell Millar buried a five-yard shot off a touch pass from sophomore Sarah Hunt in the 78th minute.

When Heintz was out, Banks -- who plays club soccer with Heintz -- drew the defensive attention that the senior usually attracts.

"Since we play the same style of play, we know where each other is going to be every time," Banks said. "So when she's not in, it kind of breaks down."