GIRLS SOCCER: KNIGHTS EDGE DOLPHINS

By Charlotte Oh

In a competitive matchup between two talented teams, the St John’s Knights edged out the Southern Dolphins 2-1 Tuesday afternoon at JFK’s Ramsey Field. Despite the Dolphins’ impressive 3-0-1 record, the Knights (1-1-0) weren’t intimidated and played with confidence.

The young Knights, mostly composed of freshmen and sophomores, delivered an impressive performance. With the score tied 1-1 late in the game, freshman Hayden Wilson scored the decisive goal just before the finish.

“We focused on lots of passing drills and a lot of running to prepare for these really skilled players,” said Wilson, reflecting on the team’s preparation.

First Half

Though the Dolphins started with possession, it was the Knights who quickly took control, setting the tone for the first half. They played aggressively, keeping the ball in their offensive half and taking multiple shots on goal. When the Dolphins managed to push forward, the Knights defense, anchored by goalkeeper Saya Green, held firm.

With the score locked at 0-0, the Knights were determined to break the deadlock. In the 29th minute, Wilson fought through tight defense in the corner near the goal. After a tussle, she managed to pass the ball beautifully to the center, setting up Aeva Sablan for a goal that slipped past the goalkeeper.

Wilson shared how the two worked together to score, “I think we just connected and just our chemistry.” 

After the thrill of scoring, the Knights continued to press forward, but the Dolphins held them off for the remainder of the half, which ended 1-0 in favor of the Knights.

Second Half

The Dolphins came back with a fighting spirit in the second half, pushing the Knights into their defense zone more often than before. However, the Knights defense stood strong, blocking every attempt by the Dolphins.

Both teams had several close calls, with shots that narrowly missed the target. The players’ endurance was tested as they ran tirelessly under the hot sun.

However, the Dolphins weren’t going to let the Knights off that easily. Cindy Maestrecampo sprinted down the middle with the ball, putting the Knights’ defense and goalkeeper in a frenzy. With an opening, Maestrecampo fired a shot that sailed into the net, tying up the game at 1-1. 

“I think we had some pressure because they got a goal, but I just knew that we needed to get one,” Wilson shared.

With the game on the line, the Knights pushed forward with the last of their energy, unwilling to settle for a draw. Wilson stepped up when she was able to get the ball in her possession. Dribbling down the field, she passed the Dolphins defender, giving herself a close shot that would go fired into the net, sending the players and the crowd wild. Finishing with a 2-1 victory, the Knights celebrated their huge win over the Dolphins, putting them up the standings at 2-1-0 and handing Southern its first loss of the season.

OTHER SCORES

JFK 5, Notre Dame 0

Academy 17, St. Paul 0

Guam High 4, GW 1