In an incredibly even semi-state match, the Owensboro Catholic and Greenwood girls soccer teams needed a shootout to determine a winner. The Lady Gators (17-2-3) came out on top for a 2-1 win Monday night to advance the quarterfinals, while the Lady Aces’ (14-7-1) title run was cut short.
“It was a great match,” said Owensboro Catholic head coach Kelli Brannock. “Both teams had chances in regulation and overtime. It came down to PKs, and it wasn’t our night tonight.”
Greenwood went first in the shootout and took a 2-1 advantage after goalkeeper Elizabeth DeMarse blocked the second shot by OCHS. Lady Aces’ keeper Megan Goodwin made a diving save to bring it back even, though, to keep hope alive.
The next shot for Catholic went wide, and after each team scored in round four, Greenwood connected on the final attempt for the win. Though her team came out on the wrong side, Brannock couldn’t have been happier with the effort.
“I was really proud,” she said. “Both teams fought hard. Everybody left it all out on the field and played their hearts out. It’s unfortunate to lose in PKs, but I’m proud of the way the girls fought. They gave me all 90 minutes tonight, and that’s all I can ask.”
The Lady Aces were the first ones on the board in regulation after a score in the 22nd minute. Lily Moore took possession near midfield and sent a long pass toward the box. Genarose Jones beat her defender and made the goalkeeper miss as she crossed a shot into the net.
The lead was shor tlived, as the Lady Gators got the equalizer about two minutes later. A handball against OCHS set up a free kick just outside the box, and Annabel Justice curled in a shot for the tie.
Greenwood head coach Zach Salchli said after beating the Lady Aces 5-0 earlier this season, getting the win was much harder this time around.
“They came out aggressive and assertive,” he said. “Lily Moore up top was finding opportunities. We tried our best to contain her, and we did a little bit, but she was able to break free on the pass for the goal. We had to battle.”
After maintaining a 1-1 score through the end of regulation and overtime, Salchli said he wasn’t worried about going into penalty kicks. He was also confident in his keeper, who got a key stop on the second shot.
“I tell them their whole high school career could be on the line, so take these seriously,” he said. “We practice them a lot, so we were very confident going into those. I have 100 percent faith in Liz. She studies the game and studies the kickers. She knows how to guess right.”
For Owensboro Catholic, the loss marks the end of the high school careers for seniors Izzy Stanfield, Genarose Jones, Amelia Fusco, Aliyah Berry and Lauren Eyre. Brannock said it’s sad to say goodbye, but she was glad for the chance to coach the group.
“I’ve had the pleasure of coaching them two years, and they’re good people,” she said. “They’re going to do well in life, and that’s what it’s all about.”
