Girls Raiders Soccer Team Falls to North Rockland on a Wet, Blustery Day

The Scarsdale High School girls' Varsity A soccer team suffered a disappointing loss in the first round of the section playoffs on Saturday, October 22, falling to North Rockland 1-0. The game was played at North Rockland in cold, wind and rain, with the Raiders' players having to brave both the elements and a traditionally physical opponent. The Raiders had defeated North Rockland earlier in the season, 1-0, so heading into the game a tough, low scoring affair was anticipated.The Raiders dominated possession for the first ten minutes of the game and appeared to score on a shot by freshman Olivia Bryant. The goal was nullified, however, by an offside call. North Rockland took the lead at about the 20 minute mark of the first half on a shot from about 25 yards out which just eluded the reach of Raiders' sophomore goalie Christina Coco. After that, the game was played fairly evenly, with both teams having a few scoring chances. Scarsdale's Sam Mancini made a number of excellent defensive plays.

Perhaps Scarsdale's best chance occurred on a free kick by sophomore Allison Stafford in the middle of the second half from about 25 yards out. Stafford's line drive shot went over the crossbar by inches with the North Rockland goalie trying in vain to deflect it. Later in the second half, sophomore Riley Edlitz made an outstanding move that left her open for a direct shot on goal from about 15 yards out, but the North Rockland goalie made a good save.

The girls played extremely hard throughout the game, with a few of them bruised after a physical contest. For the Raiders, it was a frustrating defeat after a successful 10-5-1 regular season and a second consecutive league championship. A number of talented seniors will leave the team due to graduation. Still, with a solid talent base slated to return for the 2017 season, the Raiders are expected to be strong again next year and contend for another section title.

Congratulations are in order for the team and Coaches Genovese and Fox for a highly successful and rewarding 2016 season.