Greenwich Academy’s 4-1 FAA semifinal victory over Rye Country Day School propelled the Gators into the title game, Thursday, against cross-town rival Sacred Heart.
Goals from four different players put Greenwich Academy on top from the get-go, getting out to a 2-0 lead at the half.
“I think the main thing, like coach has said, we’ve had our skills under us and we’ve been working through that since August,” said Anna Khoury. “Now it’s just really coming together and having that same goal. We’re working for each other.”
Whitney Balanoff would start the scoring at the 17:31 mark in the first half, and five minutes later, Grace Schulze would add a goal of her own. Both first-half goals were assisted by Caroline Keller.
Khoury credited the all-around team effort for creating chances and opportunities for the Gators on offense.
“I like how we piggy for each other,” said Khoury. “We layer back, so if the defense comes and takes the ball, the mid-fielder will piggy behind them. It’s just having each other’s back. Our swings across the field were really good too.”
It would be Keller who opened up the second half with a free hit score, with Balanoff getting credit for the assist.
“We had a variety of people trying new positions and playing in some spots they don’t normally play,” said GA coach Jamie Brower. “They showed that they were prepared and knowledgeable. I think we had moments on attack with some nice passing. There is a lot of pieces we have to work on. We’re a little disjointed right now in our play.”
Rye Country Day’s Olivia Friedberg scored her team’s lone goal in the loss at the 19:42 mark in the second half.
With just over 14 minutes remaining in the game, Karina Schulze fired a gorgeous pass to Sofi Viola who took the open shot and found the back of the net. The Gators would hold off their FAA foe and would advance to play in the final round.
“It definitely changes the tone of the game,” said Brower of her team’s playoff-mode intensity. “It’s interesting to see how that always plays out and how it affects your team. Do you rise to the challenge? Or does it take a while for you to get going? There’s a lot of different ways it could go.”
Sacred Heart’s 7-0 win over Hopkins will set up a all-Greenwich FAA final on Thursday.
“I think from here on out it is going to be physical games,” said Brower.
The Gators will also play away at Westminster on Saturday.
