Photos
-
Carly Swenson has been one of the most reliable defenders in the state for the Lady Lancers this year. She played a major role in Livingston earning their 14th victory of the season on Tuesday night. Credits: Andrew Mordzynski Photography
-
Ilana Bier had the game-tying goal, which send the game into overtime Tuesday when Livingston defeated Ridge 2-1. Credits: Andrew Mordzynski Photography
-
Livingston head coach Paul Raiz has built one of the most stable public programs in the state during his tenure at Livingston. Credits: Andrew Mordzynski Photography
Livingston Comes Out Victorious in Double Overtime Thriller
Wednesday, October 24, 2012 • 6:48am
LIVINGSTON, NJ—Livingston and Ridge are respectively two of the top soccer programs in the state this year. Ridge ranked No. 6 and Livingston ranked No. 8.
Both teams knew it would be a dog-fight Tuesday night in Livingston but no one foresaw a double-overtime thriller. Unfortunately, one team had to lose this decisive game. On the other hand, one would represent their county well as both teams prepare for the state tournament.
Livingston rallied late behind an Ilana Bier goal to send the game into overtime. Then a costly own goal by Ridge clinched the game for Livingston 2-1 on Senior Night.
Ridge dominated the first half. The Red Devils owned time of possession and would go on to outshoot Livingston four to one. However, Livingston’s defense played a vital role in keeping the game scoreless. Senior Carly Swenson anchored, as she has done all season, the formidable Livingston defense with keep stops on Ridge forwards Gigi Cifelli and Jenny Haskel.
Kylie McLaughlin and Casey Garfinkle assisted Swenson in Livingston’s stout defensive effort.
The Red Devils came out pressing and putting more pressure on Livingston in the second half and finally connected on a goal in the 62nd minute.
Cifelli passed multiple defenders and took a shot from way outside that sailed over Sam Rothenberger’s head.
After the goal, Ridge transitioned to more of a defensive formation, which gave Livingston more opportunities. However, Livingston could not connect until the final minute of the game.
Kristine Kelly set a ball up the field in the waning seconds and it found Bier’s foot to get past the outstretched Rachel Axt sending the game into overtime.
After the first overtime was scoreless, Livingston went on an offensive attack and Monica Flores sent a ball into the box and fortunately for the Lady Lancers it hit a Ridge defender and rolled into the net.
A fitting end to senior night as a senior sent the game into overtime and Livingston came out victorious 2-1 earning their 14th win of the season.
