The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Madison heads to first regional
As Madison coach Chad Butler glowingly spoke of the determination of his side Oct. 25 in a Division I district final against Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin, a car horn was audible in the background.
On this run, it’s just simply the next note in a cacophony of sound that will continue on.
Sophomore Haylee Winfield slotted the match-winner in extra time to send the Blue Streaks to their first regional berth in girls soccer in school history, 2-1.
Madison (14-5) will take on Massillon Jackson, a 2-0 winner over Canfield, in a D-I regional semifinal at 7 p.m. Oct. 30 at Nordonia.
This extra-time thing is becoming old hat at this rate, after the Blue Streaks saw off Mentor in a district semifinal Oct. 22 in a penalty-kick shootout, and now this.
“Today was all about execution,” Butler said. “We had a game plan, and we went and did it. It wasn’t always pretty, but then we made it happen.
“Truthfully, one of the parts that wasn’t part of it was a sophomore coming up on an outside mid who usually plays forward and just slots one home in overtime.”
Madison took a 1-0 lead to half after a Mykayla Askew bender upper-90 on a free kick, the dynamic junior striker’s 19th goal of the fall but first on a free kick.
Lauren Thomas equalized for NDCL just after halftime, and it remained a 1-1 match into extra time when Winfield provided the heroics.
“Truthfully, what initiated it was Kaitlyn Rohl got herself a breakaway off the righthand side and tried to get a good shot on it,” Butler said. “It didn’t happen, and then in redistribution down their left side, Haylee just came in and ran through the ball. The defender really just didn’t expect her to run through it, and she tapped it behind and was suddenly in the box 1 vs. keeper, all on her own.
“She just slid it. She was to the left of the goal. She slid it back post on the ground, as perfect as you could place it.”
It was her third goal of the season.
Madison, making its fourth district final appearance since 2001, finally enjoyed its breakthrough as a result.
“My body was celebrating before my mind realized it,” Butler said. “As soon as it went in, I waited, I looked at the center (official), made sure he gave the signal for the goal. And then we all just charged. And I’ll tell you what: Our fans were out in droves. I mean, it was packed.
“(The community) has really started to back us a lot. Truthfully, we were the underdog for so long, a team that just couldn’t get to this kind of level over the past four or five years, just chipping away, chipping away, getting back to a district final two years in a row. And now, being able to break through, that’s how Madison sees themselves. They’re the team that’s going to work hard and compensate for not having as much as other teams, not having as much talent. We’re going to overcome just by being warriors out there.” Athletes of the week
Ellie Pleune
Enjoys spending time with friends and taking her dogs for walks. Favorite team is the Wisconsin Badgers.
Isaac Pettway
Had 18 carries for 137 yards and three touchdowns in a win over Berkshire. Also had eight tackles. “Ike” plans to play football in college. Lists drawing as a hobby. Favorite subject is government. Favorite food is lasagna.
Erica Leinweber
In a victory over Brush, scored one goal and added two assists. Is NDCL’s leading scorer this season. “Erk” is a Willoughby Hills resident. Also plays basketball. Enjoys watching the United States women’s soccer team.
Sean Fitzgerald
Had 15 total tackles and two pass breakups in a win over NDCL. Also had three catches for 63 yards. “Fitz” is a Kirtland resident. Enjoys playing hoops with his brothers or hanging out with his friends. Can clap with one hand.
Gil Hammond
Had 22 carries for 216 yards and two touchdowns and 10 solo tackles in a win over Hawken. Nicknames include “Gilly” and “Gillybanz.” Favorite food is chicken tenders. Favorite music is country.
Marco Toth
In a win over Euclid, had four tackles, three assists, two interceptions and downed a punt at the 1-yard line. Hobbies include playing pick-up basketball, and disc golf. Favorite movie is “Sherlock Holmes 2.” Favorite food is calamari.
Varsity coaches from all sports can nominate athletes for Players of the Week until 8 p.m. every Monday. They can be emailed to Scores@News-Herald.com. We do not take nominations via social media or text message.