WW-P DYNAMITE
The West Windsor-Plainsboro Dynamite under-9 girls rode a strong start to victory on Sunday, defeating the Millburn Monarchs, 3-1. Livi Kooker struck first, scoring a Dynamite goal off a cross from Jillian Wachira early in the first quarter. Midfielders Alanna McGill, Ava Grapski and Rachel Spence battled fiercely for control of the ball in the middle, sending the ball upfield and setting up two more first-half goals from Wachira.
The quick reflexes and sure hands of goalkeeper Maryn Gochuico stopped the Monarchs’ few scoring chances in the second quarter. Grace Xiong, Elise Gardner, and Rhea Banerjee formed an almost impenetrable defensive wall for most of the game. Anchi Xu and Lizzie Demoine also helped keep Millburn away from the net in the second half, denying all but one fourth-quarter goal.
WW-P XTREME
The West Windsor-Plainsboro Xtreme played valiantly in a 2-1 loss to the Monroe Lady Braves that was decided by penalty kicks in a U-14 girls State Cup semifinal match on Saturday.
After a scoreless beginning of the match, Monroe jumped ahead on a goal in early in the second half. The relentless pressure exerted by Brianne Jacques, Courtney Laermer, Ann Sarnak and Rebecca Xi late in the game ultimately resulted in the tying goal that came off the foot of Charlotte Prud’Homme just before the expiration of regulation time.
The teams then played two nail biting scoreless overtimes, which led to a penalty kick shootout. Goalkeeper Stefanie Wisotsky made several beautiful saves but in the end the gallant Xtreme fell just short.
WW-P LIGHTNING
The West Windsor-Plainsboro Lightning under-10 girls tied a hard-fought battle against the Aberdeen-Matawan Freedom on Sunday. The Freedom scored an early goal in the first half. The Lightning responded urgently with a goal powered by Morgan Newman, assisted by Clare Clancey.
The forceful kicks of defenders Olivia Ling and Abby Cunningham repeatedly sent the ball airborne from the defensive zone. Catherine Carnevale landed the Lightning’s second goal, while Emily Schmid and Clancey also challenged the Freedom’s defense with solid shots on goal. Goalie Julia Koepp’s quick reflex, along with impervious defense played by Catie Raeter, Mackenzie Kramer and Caroline Cunningham helped maintain the 2-1 lead as the half ended.
Shots on goal by Ling, Schmid, Carnevale, Clancey and Sarah Carulli continued to test the Freedom’s goalie. A direct kick penalty shot against the Lightning’s goalie Newman, soared beyond reach, landing a goal for the Freedom and tying the game 2-2.