Tough Call Leaves Hoosac with Another Draw
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. -- The Hoosac Valley girls' soccer team was just moments away from earning its second victory over a North Division opponent this season when disaster struck. Monument Mountain was awarded a direct kick just outside the 18-yard box, and Sophie Randolph cashed in on the opportunity to help the Spartans salvage a 1-1 tie at Ron Shewcraft Field.Hurricanes' head coach Blair Mahar couldn't help but be torn after the game; happy with the way his team played but upset with the outcome of the game.
"Tieing a North Divison team is always great for us," Mahar said. "Having a game-changing penalty called against us on the 18 with under a minute to play was a real disappointment. We were under a minute from beating Monument. That call, whether it was right or wrong, stung us."
While the draw was disappointing, Hoosac can still take solace in the fact that they improved their record to 4-0-4 and maintained their undefeated season. Junior Danielle Beauchemin gave the 'Canes a 1-0 lead in the 29th minute when she took a through-ball pass from sophomore Megan Rodowicz and won a one-on-one showdown with the Spartans' keeper.
"We played 80 minutes of intense soccer against a well coached and aggressive team," Mahar said. "We found our combinations, especially in the second half, and really controlled the play. Our entire midfield offered relentless pressure which really caused turnovers and threw Monument off their game. And our defensive line did not really offer Monument any quality shots on goal. It was just a spectacular game. The girls earned and deserved the win."
Helping the preserve the tie was freshman McKenzie Robinson, who stood out on defense all game long for Hoosac.
"McKenzie had a tremendous game shutting down their strikers and really just denying any movement down Monument's right flank," Mahar said. "With Courtney Hayer supporting Mackenzie, there was just nothing Monument could do to find the net."
The Hurricanes will next put up their undefeated record against rival Drury in a game under the lights at Renfrew Field on Thursday night. Kickoff starts at 6 p.m.