The varsity girls’ soccer team faced Edgewood at home in the 2A District 7 Final on Tuesday, January 27, coming off a 2-1 win over MCC. The Wildcats went into this match with an 11-2-1 record.
The first half was a defensive battle for the Wildcats, with key saves by sophomore goalkeeper Beyla Neal keeping the score at 0-0. Other than a few quick breakaways by sophomore wings Sophia Ribeiro and Tana Burgreen, the girls’ offense had a slow start, going into the half with no scores.
In the second half, the Wildcats came out hot, putting pressure on the Red Wolf defense while keeping their territory locked down with big, defensive clears. Possession went back and forth between both teams until Burgeen was fouled in the box on a breakaway, giving the Cats a penalty kick. Burgreen stuck the ball into the back of the net to put the Wildcats up 1-0 in the second half.
The girls leaned back on their strong defense, trying to use the game clock to their advantage. The Red Wolves continued applying immense pressure on the Wildcat defense, finally scoring their first goal on a breakaway. They quickly followed up with a second goal to gain the lead 1-2 with less than 10 minutes on the game clock.
The girls continued to give their all on the field, fighting for every ball to get back into this game. With one minute left on the clock, Burgreen got the ball on a breakaway, crossed the center back and beat the goalie to tie the game.
Overtime was a battle, with both teams having multiple shots on target. However, neither team could secure a goal in both periods of overtime, sending the game into penalties.
As the crowd gathered at the west goal, tensions were high as the Red Wolves started off the penalty kicks with a score. Neal quickly followed with a goal for the Wildcats, tying the game at 3-3.
The Red Wolves skied a kick over the goal, and the Wildcats followed with another goal to put them in the lead 4-3.
Each team traded goals until Neal came up with a big save, allowing sophomore Daniela Jimenez-Rosario to seal the game for the Wildcats with a goal. The win crowned them as 2A District 7 champions, and they will advance into the regional round next Wednesday.