by Phillip Zema
In an overtime nail-biter, the Berlin Mountaineer girls soccer team defeated Heatly 2-1.
In the first half, each team’s defenses dominated. Berlin’s midfielders controlled the field, and the team itself seemed to out maneuver and outplay the Hornets. Yet the Mountaineers could not muster an uncontested shot on goal, as Heatly’s rigid defensive line thwarted a number of scoring threats. Berlin’s defense, anchored by Rachel Gordon and keeper Ashley Vincent, prevented the Hornets from generating any legitimate scoring threat. The first half ended in a scoreless tie.
In the second half, led by center midfielder Samantha Spaniol, Berlin continued to dominate the midfield, control the ball and outplay their opponents. Despite these advantages and a few scoring opportunities, the Mountaineers still struggled to put one into the back of the net. Finally, with 18 minutes left, Berlin broke the scoreless tie, as Mariah Gordon tallied the game’s first goal.
The goal seemed to spark Heatly, however. While Berlin came close to sealing the victory, Heatly’s pressure intensified. In desperation, the Hornets stormed the Berlin goal and tied the game with only seven minutes remaining. The Berlin girls responded, though, and came close to winning the game in the closing minutes. They failed to capitalize on several corner and free kicks, and the game was sent into overtime.
It did not take long for Berlin to strike. Just three minutes into the first overtime, Samantha Spaniol struck the ball past the Hornet keeper. As the match drew to a close, Berlin’s intensity never lessened, and the defense fended off Heatly’s rally. Ashley Vincent made several key stops, and the Mountaineers held on for the win. Berlin improves to 4-0 and travels to Rensselaer on Friday.
