Sports Archives — The Altamont Enterprise, November 11, 2010
One quick goal By Indians is enough to beat Blackbirds
By Jordan J. Michael
SCHUYLERVILLE –– Sometimes a game is decided by one single play.
The Voorheesville girls’ soccer team was pressuring Cambridge’s defense for several minutes during the first half of the Class C semifinals in Schuylerville last Friday. The Indians’ Bridget Cuddihy eventually stole the ball and headed towards the Blackbirds’ goal.
Cuddihy dribbled wide through the defense and let go a near-post shot that beat Voorheesville senior keeper McKenzie Blake as she was moving backwards. The only goal of the day proved to be the game-winner for Cambridge.
“We were prepared for anything and we played as hard as we could,” Blake said afterwards, holding back tears. “It came down to one lucky shot.”
Birds’ Head Coach Joe Santos told The Enterprise that he was impressed by Cuddihy’s counterattack. Voorheesville had been controlling most of the possession for the first 30 minutes.
“We were inattentive and let that goal get away,” Santos said. “One play. That’s it. Sometimes that’s all it takes.”
In the 68th minute of the match, Hannah Brackett’s shot hit the post after a Voorheesville free kick. Later, Jenn Cillis launched a shot from 30 yards, but it was scooped by Cambridge goalie Cheyanne Hall.
The Indians’ defense bent all afternoon, but never broke.
“We had some opportunities, but no strong shots,” said Santos. “One step too slow inside the box.”
Despite the semifinal loss, Voorheesville had 13 wins and the team will return 14 players for next season. Seniors Blake, Caitlin Abelseth, Michaela Conway, and Alex Fasulo will graduate next June.
“They came a long, long way,” Santos said of his seniors. “I want them to be proud of what they accomplished.”