Allentown’s Golden staying positive despite lost season
Throughout the season it seemed when Allentown needed a goal, a pass, or just a great possession Julianna Golden was able to provide it.
Unfortunately, Golden’s spectacular senior season came to a crushing end when she suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the Redbirds’ game with BridgewaterRaritan on April 28.
Golden has taken a few Sports Medicine classes in school, so when she heard the pop and felt the pain, she knew.
“I knew it couldn’t be good and it was really scary,’’ said Golden, who is headed to The College of New Jersey in the fall. “I was hoping for the best.’’
The word best has a new meaning for Golden as the Redbirds, who play ND on Tuesday in the Mercer County Tournament, continue their great season.
“I’m just trying to be a positive as I can, and I love this team and all these girls,’’ Golden stated. “This is such a great team and a great bunch of girls and it’s very easy to cheer for them.’’
Golden is the second-leading scorer on the Redbirds with 28 goals, and she was like a “quiet assassin” on the field as she quietly went about her business in a very effective manner.
“It’s really rough not to be able to be a part of it on the field,’’ added Golden. “We know we can go far, but I’ll be there on the sidelines and be positive.’’
She will have surgery in the near future and then she’ll begin the road back to take the field again next season for TCNJ.
Golden broke her elbow in seventh grade and it required two years of physical therapy, so she knows there is a road to recovery.
“This year has been awesome,’’ said Golden. “Playing with these girls since freshman season. We are friends on and off the field. It is so easy to play with each other because we are all playing for each other.’’
Despite the fact she’ll be on the sideline, Golden knows the Redbirds can take care of business.
“ND is a huge game for us and we still have a lot to prove,’’ said Golden. “I don’t think we played our best the last game. If we play the best, as a team we can win everything.’’
Golden will be doing everything in her power to provide all the support she can.