The girls soccer team came from behind on senior night Oct. 17, against the Walter Johnson Wildcats to grab a 3-2 win and improve their record to 9-1-1.
After taking an early 1-0 lead in the second half, the Vikes fell behind 2-1 until coming back and scoring two late goals to take the victory away from the Wildcats.
Even while controlling the offensive possession in the first half, the game remained scoreless. That did not last long into the second half, however, as midfielder Anna Gurney put a shot past the goalie to give the Vikes a 1-0 lead.
WJ then answered quickly, scoring two goals of their own within two minutes of each other. The second goal was on a controversial no call by the ref after a WJ player knocked over defender Lela Walter but received no penalty. It resulted in an easy goal.
Down 2-1 the Vikes had a big stop, clearing what looked to be an easy goal after a large fight for the ball right in front of the Whitman goal.
After more solid defense by the Vikes, Gurney scored her second goal of the game with under 12 minutes left, tying the score at two.
Then the Vikes took back the lead with less than four minutes remaining. Forward Aliza Wolfe’s shot on goal was blocked by the WJ goalie, but forward Abby Myers was there for the rebound and scored the game-winning goal.
WJ tried to score one last time to tie the game but was unable to get any offense going, giving the Vikes the win.
“We were able to come back and win because we refused to give up,” Gurney said. “Everyone was working so hard and playing for each other.”
Senior forward Natalie Andrasko agreed.
“It was such an amazing feeling,” Andrasko said. “It made it even more special that it was senior night because everyone wanted to win for the seniors.”
The game marked the last home game for the Vikes and the last time the seniors will play in front of a home crowd in the regular season.
“It was so much fun,” Gurney said. “All of the seniors had the best time playing with each other and we all just enjoyed ourselves.”
The Vikes will have one more home game, however, a game they scheduled against the nationally ranked Good Counsel Falcons, Oct. 19. The playoff draw will be announced Oct. 21, with playoffs during the following days.
Photo Credit: Adam Prill
