Wantagh tops North Shore in OT

Regulation time couldn’t quite contain the competitive fire shown by both North Shore and Wantagh’s girls’ soccer teams on Oct. 25.

Nassau’s Class A quarterfinal matchup at Wantagh High School had to be determined by a double-overtime gutty cross and finish from the Lady Warriors. Morgan Flaherty of Wantagh tracked down an errant ball making its way quickly to the sideline. Flaherty didn’t quite give up on the play, corralling the ball and putting a cross right on to the foot of teammate Caitlin Albanese to give the home team a 3-2 win in dramatic fashion.

“That is a credit to Morgan for not giving up on that ball,” said coach James Polo, who guided Wantagh into the semis where it came up short on Sunday against Valley Stream South. “Caitlin did a great job all day, but in that moment, she was in the right spot and was able to get a foot on it.”

Albanese netted another goal in the first half, while Flaherty also scored and finished with two assists. Isabella DelaCruz also added an assist on the day. The opposing goalkeepers also nabbed a twin pair of impressive 12-save performances.

North Shore posed a very serious and familiar threat. Talented from the defensive half up to the striker position, the Lady Vikings were constantly threatening. Cailey Welch, a superb striker with skill, power, and finesse with either foot, scored a clutch game-tying goal with under twenty minutes left to send the game into its first overtime. Welch added yet another double-digit goals season to her resume.

“We know we have some talented girls, but playing together and unselfishly is going to be key,” North Shore coach Lauren Gotta said leading into their playoff matchup.

“We practiced and I preached staying focused on the defensive side,” said Polo. “North Shore is a very talented soccer school. We knew what strengths they had to offer…We are a very athletic team, and we put our athletes in the position where they can succeed.”

North Shore closed its 2018 campaign 4-5-4 (2-4-4 Conference AB1). It will graduate some very integral parts, including Welch, Taylor Berry, Lily Burger, Donatella Tocco, Grace Magner, and a handful of others. However, they will return some exciting young players with varsity game experience for the 2019 season. The Lady Vikings, who won the crown a year ago, advanced with a 3-1 victory over Lynbrook in the first round, while the Lady Warriors knocked off Locust Valley, 2-0.

As for Wantagh’s preparations, Polo is particular about this year’s playoff push.

“I kind of like everything a certain way, a routine, but with the Nor’easter we have had to deviate preparation a bit,” Polo said. “But the girls, they have this mental toughness, and they know exactly what they need to do to win. To win against Wantagh, you need to be mentally tougher, and this group is the most mentally strong-willed group I’ve had. They work really, really hard.”