By: Matt Hanes
CHURCHVILLE, NY -- The Churchville Chili Saints girls' soccer team had a tough matchup Thursday versus the Spencerport Rangers who are currently ranked No. 2 in the state of NY. Although the matchup was tough, the Saints almost held on with their strong defensive play but lost 1-0 to a goal late in the second half.
Photo/Matt Hanes
The first half of the game was dominated by the Rangers' offense, keeping the ball in opposing territory for almost the entire first half. However, the Saints held strong throughout the entire first half, with amazing goaltending from Tessa Wood and stellar defense from key players such as team captain Olivia Hogan.
The Rangers' first half could be described simply as lots of missed opportunities. They had endless possession in opposing territory but could not score a goal in front of the Saint's brick wall of a defense.
"We played well," Rangers coach Jamie Schneider said. "We had most of the possession. Unfortunately, we were missing the finishing touches to score those goals, we hit the crossbar pipe a couple of times but you know credits to us for staying focused and eventually finding it late."
Moving into the second half it almost seemed like it was going to be the same exact story as the first half, however with a late miracle goal with 8 minutes left from senior Isabella Fiorillo, the Rangers were able to hold on and win a nail biter, keeping their undefeated record on the season.
"It was a really tough game to start," Fiorillo said. "I just took a touch and then they kind of piled me in but I pried myself through them and took a left foot shot and hoped for the best."
Photo/Matt Hanes
Although the Saints lost this possible upset matchup, they are keeping their heads up and spirits high moving into their next matchup versus Irondequoit next Wednesday at 7 p.m.
"I think it's really given our team some confidence," Saints captain Olivia Hogan said. "Showing us that we are really capable. So I hope we can keep up the same intensity with other teams in the future."
It seemed as if the offense was missing for the Saints, which has been common for this defense-first team, scoring only 11 goals this season and only allowing 16. However, the Saints look to move forward and implore more offensive power into their team in the time between their next game.
"We are always working on our offense." Saints coach Brooke Elnicky said. "So we continue to really work on providing more opportunities offensively. It certainly, besides in this game, has helped us put some more goals in the next. So it is something we'll continue to work on and hopefully, we will continue to see more goals."
The 13-0 Spencerport Rangers stay undefeated and ranked No. 2 in NY. Their next matchup is a non-division matchup against Our Lady of Mercy at 12 p.m. on Monday. They are looking to extend their undefeated season into the postseason, starting with a win against Mercy.
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