The Lady Garnets made a statement October 15 at home against St. Luke’s, defeating the previously unbeaten team 1-0 to keep their winning momentum going. Rye was also on top against Harrison the night before, but the game was called due to a thunderstorm.
By Melanie Cane
The Lady Garnets made a statement October 15 at home against St. Luke’s, defeating the previously unbeaten team 1-0 to keep their winning momentum going. Rye was also on top against Harrison the night before, but the game was called due to a thunderstorm.
Now 4-5-1, the Rye girls’ soccer team has overcome a rocky start because of a variety of injuries, including a season-ending one to starting keeper Lexi Hijazi. Back-up keeper Kelly Barnhardt, as well as lead offensive players Vania Ludman and Alexa DiCostanzo, were also bit by the injury bug, which made it difficult for the Garnets to find their rhythm. Nevertheless, many of the players have stepped up and done tremendous jobs filling in at various positions. Head coach Rich Savage praised senior co-captain Kelly McRedmond for doing an outstanding job in the nets, while sophomore Rachel Egan stepped into McRedmond’s usual position as last defender.
Saturday night’s game marked the first time most of the team was healthy. The game was scoreless through the first half, but St. Luke’s possessed the ball for the majority of the clock. Savage, however, had placed an emphasis on defense, defense, and more defense, so his team was prepared to defuse any attempt at offensive fireworks.
St. Luke’s had routinely defeated opponents by scores of 7-0 and 8-0 this season, with Saima Anastasio netting over 75% of their goals. But senior Rita Futamara did a fantastic job marking her, and limited the high-scoring star’s opportunities on goal. Senior co-captain Victoria Pacos also did a tremendous job on St. Luke’s second-most dangerous player, Caroline Parsons.
Barnhardt was a leader in the goal. She came off the line and made many impressive saves, including a jumping deflection off her fingertips on a PK in the first half. She finished with nine saves.
Ludman scored the game’s only goal four minutes into the second half by beating two defenders, including the goalie, after receiving a ball from sophomore Kate Whiston.
Savage was thrilled with the win, but even more pleased with the way his Garnets played together. McRedmond provided the team with tremendous leadership in the midfield, and – by moving Ludman to the front line – DiConstanzo was a very effective outside midfield player. Her speed enabled many scoring opportunities. Egan was the backbone of the defensive effort, and Nicole Alimena’s throw-ins were reminiscent of Amanda Benincasa’s powerful heaves in 2010.
Rye’s bench also lifted the team. Sascha Oswald showed dangerous speed and high-energy. Kirsten Colwell was able to mark dangerous outside players for St. Luke’s while supporting the attack.
Savage viewed this win as important because it proved to the team they are able to compete with – and defeat – some of the best teams in the region. He added, “Our goal is to stay healthy and build more confidence off this win.”
The Garnets are in action next at home against Pelham October 22.
