We beat Springfield 2-1 tonight. Tonight was our Senior Night/Community Night and a night that our team won’t soon forget. We were very excited to celebrate our 8 seniors: Kayla Brockington, Sophie Peck, Peri Albert, Sydney Franks, Lola Jahss, Rohan McInneshin, Mimi Williamson and Amelia Yevoli. It was also very special to have youth players from our township teams there to see what our program is all about. Between the senior recognitions and the youth players walking out the starting line ups of both teams, emotions were high and so was our energy. For the first time this season all 8 seniors shared the field to start the game and they were determined to bring it for their final home game. After losing to Springfield earlier in the season, we knew we had to come out strong, focused, and put the pressure on right away. We didn’t have to wait to long for our first goal. Taden Versaw-Barnes hit a great free kick into the box where Lola Jahss connected and scored. Springfield came right back with one of their own about two minutes later. We didn’t hang our heads at all, just kept pushing and with about 6 minutes left in the half, Amelia Fishman found Lola Jahss who scored her second goal of the night. At half time we talked about how Springfield would come out quick the second half and they did. It was a back and forth, competitive half of soccer. Our entire team deserves credit for earning the win, but our seniors really shined on a night that was all about them. From the start of the season, our captains Kayla Brockington and Sophie Peck, have led this team. They’ve played different positions, challenged their teammates to be better, and always showed up with a joy and passion for the game. In the mid field Peri Albert, Amelia Yevoli and Sydney Franks showed their hustle and grit, always ready to go the extra mile for their teammates and they always left everything out on the field. Up top Lola Jahss and Mimi Williamson brought skill, toughness and great awareness of the game. Rohan McInneshin, our fearless goalkeeper, used her voice, compassion and love for the game to lead this team from the back. I could not be more proud of our team and the spirit, energy, resilience and teamwork they showed tonight.