Reilly, Villa Maria edge Phoenixville

PHOENIXVILLE >> The postseason carries a finality to it. Most games include one team putting a bow on their season.

On Tuesday in a District 1 Class 3A first round matchup, Phoenixville was the one saying goodbye following a 1-0 defeat against Villa Maria at Washington Field.

The game’s deciding moment came from a free kick 50 yards out by Sarah Goldblum. The senior captain played the ball forward to senior Ashley Reilly, who was making a horizontal run across the defensive line. Reilly got just the right touch on her header, a shot that exceeded the reaction time of Phoenixville goalkeeper Ella Stout, who was excellent throughout (five saves).

The seniors both sensed the moment with 12:22 left on the clock was a huge opportunity.

“The defender who normally takes them in that area, I told her, ‘I need this one.’ I just felt it,” Goldblum said.

“I could tell as soon we got that free kick,” Reilly said. “I was on the outside and sprinting across (the penalty area) and I could feel it.”

Villa Maria has been staring that finality in the face for the better part of two weeks, needing to win their final three in the regular season to return to the district playoffs, rising from 12th in the rankings to a qualifying No. 9. They have proven they aren’t ready for their season, or in some cases career, to complete.

“Neither of us are playing in college, so this is really our last season and we want to make it one to remember,” Goldblum said.

Villa Maria, which reached the district quarterfinals a year ago, meets No. 1 seed Strath Haven in Friday’s round of 8.

BARRY TAGLIEBER - FOR DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Phoenixville’s goalie Ella Stout makes a stop on Villa Maria’s Maddie Byrne and Grace McLees.