Girls Varsity Soccer: Holmdel Wins in Overtime Against Middletown HS South

Photo caption: Holmdel’s senior goalkeeper Helen Burleigh

By Valerie Marchiano

Today was a damp, dreary September afternoon. But this isn’t the weather forecast, and the conditions couldn’t dampen the Holmdel celebration as they came out strong beating Middletown South in overtime.

The first half was a defensive struggle as neither team could find the back of the net. Holmdel’s senior goalkeeper Helen Burleigh was outstanding today with a big 12 saves on the day. Middletown South’s keeper Taylor Rivera also put up some strong numbers with 8 saves on 16 shots by Holmdel.

But with all that shooting something was bound to break and Holmdel got on the scoreboard first with a pretty goal by Gabby Bair on an assist by Hannah Lee. Bair and Lee, both juniors, were Holmdel’s leading goal scorer’s last season. For Holmdel to succeed this year, it’s important that this duo get off to a strong start and today was definitely a step in the right direction.

Yet that lead was not to last long as Middletown South answered quickly with an equalizer by senior Alex Raguseo. Lot’s of opportunities but neither team was able to produce another regulation goal so into overtime. High school games play two 10-minute overtimes with a “golden goal, “ the first to score wins. Through nine minutes of overtime the score remained locked at 1 all. With one minute remaining, freshman Kailey Flynn took her mark for a corner kick and sent a perfect ball sailing to the 6 yard line where it landed at the foot of junior Rebecca Stanziale, who buried it in the net.

Congratulations to the Girls Varsity team on their big win today. The Girls get ready to host their home opener on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at Roggy field versus A central divisional rival Matawan. Come on over to Matawan to watch the Boys Varsity play at 6:00 and head back to watch the girls at 5:30. It’s an exciting double header not to be missed.

Put on your Holmdel blue and I will see you there!