ONE GOAL THE DIFFERENCE
Saratoga girls soccer suffers fifth loss by a single goal, 1-0 to Burnt Hills
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. >> One goal can make a difference.
Lacrosse, field hockey, ice hockey and especially in soccer, one tally can change not only the outcome of a contest, but also the demeanor of two opposing sidelines.
When Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake’s Cassidy Karl was able to watch her shot flicker into the Saratoga Springs net with 18 minutes remaining in the contest the sidelines had a host of different emotions.
For the Spartans, elation after finally breaking through the Blue Streak defense and goalkeeper Natalie Jillson and for Saratoga, disappointment that quickly faded to a sense of urgency and pressure on the offensive end again.
“We’ve been talking about that, that was our goal this game if we got down to not get down on ourselves and just keep going and keep pushing,” Saratoga Springs Coach Adrienne Dannehy said. “I am really proud of them for not giving up and keep going.
“This has been every single game for us, lost every game by one goal. We are in every game
and it’s getting frustrating, but I am very proud of them for not giving up. That to me that is heart and that is desire.”
Senior midfielder Elizabeth Herman almost tied the contest with a header inside the box from a corner kick, sophomore forward Erin Berls drilled a shot from the top of the box and freshman midfielder Elizabeth Sheehan also put a solid drive on a from up top late.
“It wasn’t for lack of opportunities, we had them, we just need to capitalize on it, put it in the net,” Dannehy said.
While not picture perfect for Karl, it still counted.
“I’m pretty sure it hit off my head, but then I dribbled through a few people and shot it into the corner,” Cassidy Karl said. “It hit the goalies hands and then went in.”
Meanwhile the Burnt Hills defense thwarted every Blue Streak threat in the second half and managed to quickly reverse the ball back up and through the offensive end.
“Our defense is really in sync this year,” Burnt HillsBallston Lake Coach Marisah Boucher said. “I feel like they’re all connecting with each other, they’re good with communicating with one another and they all have a good philosophy on soccer and know what to do and when to do it.”
The reversal continued to apply pressure to Saratoga goalie Natalie Jillson who finished with eight saves on the day.
“Their game plan was to get it out of the back quickly and they have a fast girl up top and we were chasing,” Dannehy said. “That was how they played and we were doing a real good job of shutting it down for the most part and that goal was unfortunate.”
The loss was not only the fifth league loss for the Blue Streaks, but the fifth time that they lost by a single goal, including 1-0 scores against Guilderland, Columbia, Shaker and on Tuesday, Burnt Hills.
“We’re not getting blown out, girls are playing great, I would have to say we’re dominating most of the play, we’re just having some trouble putting it in the net, but I think it’s going to come,” Dannehy said. “I know it’s going to come.”