By PAUL GOTHAM
CORTLAND, N.Y. — An unbeaten season came to an end in heart-breaking fashion as the Haverling girls’ soccer team suffered an overtime loss to Irvington (I), 2-1 in the NYSPHSAA Class B championship, Sunday on Cortland High School’s Moisechik Field.
Haverling (22-1-0) was making its first state final appearance.
“They are phenomenal; that’s for sure,” Haverling head coach Braedyn Northrup said. “They showed a lot of resiliency throughout white-out weather. They just came up a little bit short today.”
Going to overtime @NYSPHSAA Class B Girls pic.twitter.com/frTnEON7Pi
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) November 13, 2022
Ella Yartym leveled the match in the 52nd minute with her 40th goal of the season as the Rams overcame a first half that saw Northrup’s squad develop little offensive rhythm.
Moments later, Keegan Smith hit the crossbar on a free kick from 25 yards out.
Keegan Smith came this close. pic.twitter.com/WnxulRii6l
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) November 13, 2022
“I honestly think the kids came out today not knowing what they were about to face. Just instilling confidence in them coming out for the second half was very important for them. It was important for them to understand they belonged here. They just needed some time to feel out this game.”
Lola Coots made four saves in the opening 40 minutes to keep Haverling within reach in a half that saw Irvington work for two corner kicks to none for the Rams.
“She is just one of those kids that works hard,” Northrup said of the sophomore keeper who missed the first six games of the season after undergoing knee surgery. “In the last two weeks, she’s grown immensely just from putting in the work in practice.”
Haverling looking to build momentum through the counter. pic.twitter.com/BarJBBuABZ
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) November 13, 2022
Kaitlyn Krieger gave Irvington (19-4-1) the lead in the 50th minute. Kylie Parsons scored the game-winner less than seven minutes into the first overtime.
Irvington was also making its first appearance in the state championship game.
Section I teams have taken the past three Class B state titles with Pleasantville winning in 2019 and Bronxville taking the title in 2021. Precautions surrounding Covid-19 forced the cancellation of the 2020 tournament.
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