Girls Varsity Soccer v. Ursuline
“You can’t just beat a team. You have to leave a lasting impression in their minds so that they never want to see you again,” read each member of SHS’ Varsity Girls Soccer team before their September 20 game against Ursuline. The quote was Mia Hamm’s, but that didn’t stop the girls from applying her message to their own turf against a team that had beat them for three consecutive years.
“There has been a rivalry with Ursuline for some time now. They have a competitive program, as do we so everyone is always pumped to play them,” explained Varsity Girls Soccer Coach Mindy Genovese. Because of each team’s high caliber, a close, competitive game was expected. “Everyone came to play and we were able to set the tone right from the start. We wanted it more and we definitely made that clear. We did what we wanted- we were able to play our game,” said Genovese.
Fans fueled the passion of their respective teams both on and off the field. “The team is definitely giving a lot of effort to be successful on and off the field. It’s exciting from a fan’s point of view to see their effort paying off by winning games and further changing the program,” said team supporter Daniel Jureller ‘12.
Parents, friends, and the Boys Varsity A Soccer and Football teams all cheered on the girls as they fought on their home turf. “One major advantage for us was playing on our home turf. Ursuline is used to their home field, which is shorter and narrower than most fields, so when they play at home they have that advantage. We were able to use our width and stretch them to our advantage,” said Genovese. Player Charlotte Miller ‘12 capitalized on the focus and intensity of the entire team and scored the first goal within the first 15 minutes of the first half.
The team held on to the lead, leaving the score at 1-0, Scarsdale, at halftime. Playing with that same intensity the girls had in the first half, they defended their lead throughout the second half. “With us being up only 1-0 at the start of the second half, it was still a very close game. Ursuline came out working hard, they wanted to keep their winning streak against us going but we never let up. We came out in the second half stronger and wanting it even more than the first half,” said captain Danielle Caputo ‘11.
At approximately 15 minutes into the second half, Miller scored again, making the score 2-0. “Every player on the field from the defense to the forwards gave it 110 percent and worked together resulting in our second goal. I think after that second goal is when we realized this was our game and Ursuline was not going to beat us, not this year,” added Caputo.
The team’s defense held strong in the back, fiercely defending the lead. As Genovese noted, “[Goalie] Ali Lonner came up with big saves to keep us in the game and we think this really surprised Ursuline. Miller netting that second goal was able to add the insurance we needed to secure the win.”
The girls continued to play with an incredible amount of heart and determination, not letting up until the last whistle was blown. “As a goalie, a good defense really helps. At this game, the defense wasn’t just good, [it] was incredible. The way they played, and the way everyone played was with so much heart… led us to our victory against Ursuline,” said Lonner ‘16.
The game ended with a 2-0 win for Scarsdale, breaking Ursuline’s winning streak and illustrating the ability and fortitude of all the girls on the team. “The game was a nice statement for our team. We proved that we can compete in this league and that we have the talent and the drive to overcome any adversity. This win helped bring our team closer and helped show the girls what we are capable of,” said Genovese.
By: Anisha Nandi
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