3 observations from Sacred Heart girls soccer's victory at No. 1 South Oldham
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With a combined 14 state championships — seven for both sides — the Sacred Heart Academy and South Oldham High School girls soccer programs can argue about which is the best in Kentucky history.
But in head-to-head battles, it’s been no contest.
The Valkyries continued their dominance of the series Wednesday, getting a goal from senior Whitney Rogers in the 70th minute to post a 3-2 victory over the host Dragons.
South Oldham beat Sacred Heart 4-2 in 2003 but is winless against the Valkyries in 16 matches since then, going 0-14-2. Many observers believe the powerhouses could meet again in the postseason.
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“I think most of the girls coming off the field tonight are understanding that we can beat them,” South Oldham coach Kenny Burke said. “Let’s just make sure we remember the fact that it’s possible.”
It was a matchup of the state’s top two teams in the Maher Rankings — with the Dragons (6-1) at No. 1 and the Valkyries (6-0) at No. 2. Neither team had allowed a goal before Wednesday.
First-year Sacred Heart coach Shaun Francis downplayed the significance of the victory.
“We were really looking at it as just another game,” he said. “Our aim is to win state. This is a challenge we wanted … because a lot of the teams we play aren’t the best. My purpose is to grow these girls as soccer players, so this is a game that tested us. Even though we won, we have a lot of work to do.”
South Oldham led 1-0 and 2-1 — both goals coming from senior Ally Byrd — but couldn’t get over the hump against the Valkyries.
“If you lose a game, you want to lose a game like that,” Burke said. “You don’t want to lose a game 1-0 on a ball that sailed over the top of your keeper’s head on one shot. That was a battle everybody got to see tonight.”
Here are three observations from the game:
Rogers' goal a beauty
Byrd’s second goal gave South Oldham a 2-1 lead in the 52nd minute, but Sacred Heart junior Aubrey Nolan answered four minutes later with her second goal to tie the score at 2.
Both teams had several opportunities to score in the final 20 minutes, but it was Rogers’ shot with 10:24 left on the clock that decided it. With her back to the goal, Rogers gained possession from about 25 yards out, turned in one motion and fired the game-winner.
“The goal itself was amazing, but it was the beauty of the turn,” Francis said. “Just to roll her defender like that and then one-time finish in the back of the net, that was a beauty for her.”
It was the fourth goal of the season for Rogers, who has committed to Eastern Kentucky University.
“I saw the opportunity to turn, took the shot with the left foot — which I never really do — it hit the corner and we went up 3-2,” Rogers said. “The crowd was screaming, and there was a lot of arguing going on. You just have to stay 10 toes ahead of yourself and always believe there’s another way to get a goal and win the game.”
Francis makes difference for Valkyries
Francis is the fourth head coach in five seasons for the Valkyries, following Libbey Smith (2018-19), Christian Lauria (2020) and Sabrina Davis (2021).
Rogers said Francis has been a calming influence this season.
“Very positive role model,” Rogers said. “I know a lot of the girls look up to him because he’s always positive, never negative, always makes sure you’re doing what you’re supposed to do. He makes your confidence go even higher than it already is.”
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Francis said this is his first season ever coaching girls and said his focus has been making the game fun. The Valkyries finished 22-2-3 last season but lost to Bardstown in the first round of the state tournament.
“One of my biggest roles is for them to enjoy the game and enjoy their teammates,” Francis said. “Last year was a rough road for them, and I want them to get back to having fun. They have the talent. You can see that. But another thing is them believing in themselves.”
Emotional letdown for Dragons?
Burke wasn’t making excuses for the loss but noted his team was coming off an emotional 3-0 victory at Notre Dame on Monday. It was a rematch of last year’s state final, which South Oldham lost 1-0.
Sacred Heart also played on the road Monday, whipping Highlands 5-0.
“That’s not why we lost,” Burke said of the tough schedule. “We lost focus a couple of times, and we didn’t put away the chances we were given, especially toward the end of the game. The girls are mad they let one get away. You have to learn how to play with the lead.”
Jason Frakes: 502-582-4046; jfrakes@courier-journal.com; Twitter: @kyhighs.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: KHSAA girls soccer: No. 2 Sacred Heart knocks off No. 1 South Oldham
