Malvern-It has been an “interesting” ride so far for Bishop Shanahan head coach Mark Farra, in his first year at the helm of the Lady Eagles girl’s soccer team, but one he wouldn’t trade so far.
“It’s been interesting so far,” said Farra. “I am still really getting to know the girls strengths and they are still getting to know me and my coaching style, but its has been great so far.”
Farra and his Lady Eagles were rewarded for a great defensive effort during a Great Valley assault on their net in overtime; with a thrilling double overtime win in an interdivisional Ches- Mont league battle with the Patriots.
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The Eagles (5-2 overall, 4-1 league) took a 1-0 lead on a goal by junior forward Catie Green just five minutes into the contest, as she redirected a shot in front of Great Valley goal keeper Jenna Morris into the net.
The Patriots (3-2-1) battled back. Despite intense pressure by juniors Nicole Hajnik and Kristen Hale who circled the Shanahan net like birds of prey, the duo was unable to get the ball past Eagles net minder Brooke Powers who was sensational recording 12 saves in the game.
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After being held scoreless in the first half, Great Valley appeared to hit the “turbo” switch on their offensive game, as they dictated the pace of play for most of the second half, peppering the Shanahan goal with shots before tying the game on a blast from twenty yards out by freshman Becca Stevens.
“I was worried during the second half,” said Farra. “I have to be honest, I did not think we would get to over time as they were heading downhill in the second half and really picked it up, when we got to overtime I thought we would need a quick goal.”
Regulation ended with Jenna Morris making phenomenal save on one of the few scoring chances for the Eagles in the second frame with less than a minute to play.
“This was tough game for us,” said Morris. “We let them get off to a good start and grab that early goal, which always makes it harder. We are coming off of a big win over Downingtown West, and maybe we let down a little to start. We didn’t quit, and I thought we played really well in the second half. A couple of our freshman and sophomores have really stepped it up.”
Following an overtime period in which the ball remained in the area between the circles for most of it, the squad readied themselves for the second “golden goal” overtime period.
Bishop Shanahan junior midfielder Elaine Byerley wasted no time as the second OT got underway, as she raced down the left sideline and booted the ball past the outstretched arms of Norris, commencing the celebration for the Eagles.
“After we missed our downhill chance in the first OT, I thought we were done,” added Farra. “Elaine made a great move there, and it was an exciting way to get a win. I am very excited and having so much fun with this team, they are some great kids with a lot of character and even though we are young overall they have a great work ethic.”
“I think we're playing pretty well considering the injuries we have had,” added Morris, who will be the subject of next week featured athlete profile. “I think they way our younger kids have jumped in and really helped has been unbelievable, we have really come together as a team this season, which is great thing to be a part of.”
