Girls soccer: Monroe-Woodbury downs Arlington to reach Class AA regional final
FREEDOM PLAINS - If the photographic memory weren't enough, Francesca Donovan has looked back at the actual photographs, the ones in which she and her teammates appear distraught and inconsolable, as their rival celebrates in the background.
"That loss destroyed us," the Monroe-Woodbury senior said of being edged by Arlington in the girls soccer regional last fall. "We didn't feel right for a few weeks after that."
Because the Crusaders, then two-time defending state champions, had a season and reign ended by an opponent who usually stands as its autumn obstacle.
They'll have the usual: Donovan shines as Monroe-Woodbury wins Section 9 championship
Thrice is nice: Pettigrew's hat trick leads Arlington to sixth title in seven seasons
So, the players admitted, a rematch was presumed and circled long ago on their imaginary calendar. Monroe-Woodbury did get what was expected and, this time, earned the outcome it wanted.
The Section 9 champs erased an early deficit and controlled the tempo throughout, securing a 4-1 win over host Arlington in a Class AA subregional Tuesday.
"Beating them is always huge," midfielder Faith Zollo said. "We know how good they are, so it's a confidence-booster because it shows what we can do."
What it means
Monroe-Woodbury advances to face Section 4's Corning-Painted Post in the regional final Saturday, 2 p.m. at Waverly High School. The winner advances to the state semifinals.
Arlington beat the Crusaders in 2016 en route to its state championship, then Monroe-Woodbury eked out one-goal wins against them in the regional the next two years. The teams met again last season, with Arlington pulling out a dramatic 1-0 victory.
"People are fortunate whenever they get a second chance at something," said coach Bill Mpasiakos, whose team also beat Arlington 4-1 in September. "The ones who were here last year, they got another chance and made the most of it."
Player of the Game
Zollo, trailing on a fast break, was set up by Donovan and fired inside the left post to give the Crusaders a 2-1 lead in the 33rd minute. The defensive midfielder also helped slow a dangerous Arlington offense.
Turning point
Riley Pettigrew put the Admirals on the board in the 15th minute, but that was the only shot on goal Monroe-Woodbury allowed in the first half. The Crusaders dominated possession and were on the attack constantly.
Emily Berlinski broke through 9:43 before intermission, recovering an errant clearance pass and slipping the ball past the goalie as she stepped forward to contest.
"It's disappointing, but then you realize we're doing a lot of the right things and giving ourselves a chance," Berlinski said of trailing early despite controlling the action. "Once we tied it, I could feel everyone's spirits lift."
By the numbers
Arlington (14-6) ― Kayla Kalbaugh made eight saves for the Admirals, who overcame injuries to key players to win a fifth Section 1 title in six seasons.
Monroe-Woodbury (17-2-1) ― Lily Anna Bandel scored, Emily McGee made a penalty kick with 3:33 left, and Olivia Shippee had two saves.
They said it
"Arlington is a great program, so we know we've got to be at our best," Mpasiakos said. "We fell behind, but the girls kept their composure."
Mia Menzzasalma helped anchor a defense that "brought pressure" on the ball and seldom allowed Arlington even quality looks at the goal.
"We've got a lot of talent here and I believe in us," Donovan said of their title chances. "We have no limits."
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Girls soccer: Zollo, Monroe-Woodbury beat Arlington in regional semis
