Green Prevails over Stow in Extra Time Thriller to Advance to District Semifinals
In the Sectional Final matchup between the #3 seed Green Bulldogs and the visiting #21 seed Stow-Munroe Falls Bulldogs, it seemed like it was going to be a one-sided match based on their bracket seedings. For the majority of the 1st half, Green’s defense led by Sophia Stough, Sofia Durfee, Jayda Cogar, & Alaina Chiofolo shut down Stow’s offensive force from any scoring opportunities. Green was the first to get on the board, with a quick strike by Junior Forward Leilani McMichael with 11 seconds left in the 1st half. In the last 40 minutes of play, Green was one half away from slamming the door on Stow and advancing to the District Semifinals. However, Stow was not out of the fight.
Bulldog Senior Midfielder Mella Danus evened the score with a 35 yard strike into the top right corner of the net with 15 minutes left in the match. In the last 15 minutes of play, with both teams looking to put the match away turned into what felt like an eternity for both teams. Stow’s defense led by Danus, Meghan Covel, Paityn Marino, Kenna Sackett and Ava Mancuso allowed zero goals in the final minutes despite the numerous attempts and opportunities the Bulldog offense had.
When the clock hit zero of regulation, both teams were physically and mentally exhausted, with the weather changing from calm and cool, to wind and rain. For the 1st half of a golden goal extra time, Green maintained possession for the majority, however stow’s defense continued to stand their ground. However, Green was able to break through Stow’s defensive wall, as Bulldog Senior Midfielder Jamie Duskey found the net from 45 yards out with 9 seconds left of overtime, floating the ball just out of reach of Mancuso to fall in for the win, erupting the home crowd and their teammates as they pulled away victorious over Stow.
Green will advance to the District Semifinals as they will take on the Leopards of Louisville at Green Memorial Stadium for a chance to advance to the District Final. The Stow Bulldogs, despite the phenomenal performance they had against the heavily favored and talented Green Bulldogs will say goodbye to their 7 beloved seniors as they plan to start their new chapter in college.