Holy Child’s undefeated soccer team (9-0-3) visited undefeated rival Rye Country Day (10-0-2) on October 17 and brought with them a big surprise — that this team, which won only three games last year, was a force to be reckoned with.

By Melanie Cane

Holy Child’s undefeated soccer team (9-0-3) visited undefeated rival Rye Country Day (10-0-2) on October 17 and brought with them a big surprise — that this team, which won only three games last year, was a force to be reckoned with.

The outcome of this intense matchup between undefeated rivals came down to the last 15 seconds, when Rye Country Day’s Zoe Kost sent the ball sailing over the head of Holy Child goalie Maggie Welsh to knot the game at two. A stunned and deflated Holy Child team was brought to tears while a thrilled Rye Country Day team erupted in ecstatic cheers.

Throughout the entire 80 minutes, both teams played with guts and determination. Rye Country Day’s Taylor Regan scored the first goal of the game with 20:14 left in the first half. A minute later, Holy Child sophomore forward Kathleen Daly found the back of the net on a pass down the line from senior Sophia Lupetin. Daly blew by two defenders and from outside the box hit the side netting. At halftime, the score was tied at one.

Daly scored again on an assist from Lupetin midway through the second half. “Kathleen struck a beautiful full volley with her non-dominant foot (left) easily passing Rye Country Day’s keeper, Francesca Ventura,” said Gryphons Coach Beau Morki. Daly has seven goals this season and Lupetin has three assists.

Holy Child clung to their 2-1 lead until a relentless Wildcats team took advantage of a lapse in the Gryphons defense. Rye Country Day Coach Alin Andrei thought the tying goal was very lucky. “All the players fought until the last minute, and had enough belief in themselves to score the equalizing goal.”

Coach Morki was very proud of his players. “They were tough on themselves with the tie because we knew we could have won, but that is the passion the girls bring to every game. The varsity team has the attitude to go far and they believe in themselves and each other.” He added, “I told the girls our season starts when the playoffs begin.”

Both teams have three more regular season games left. The NYSAIS playoffs and the FAA seeds will be announced on October 25. NYSAIS play begins on October 29 and the FAA Playoffs begin on November 4.