Photos
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Kristine Kelly's goal in the 70th minute sealed the game for Livingston to advance to their third straight Essex County semifinal. Credits: Andrew Mordzynski Photography
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Casey Garfinkle helped Livingston gain another early lead with an assist to Erica Dippold in the second minute of Saturday night's victory over Verona 2-0. Credits: Andrew Mordzynski Photography
Livingston Advances in County Tournament with 2-0 Victory Over Verona
Sunday, October 14, 2012 • 4:32pm
LIVINGSTON, NJ—Prior to the 2012 season, Livingston had set three goals: capture a conference, county and state title. Livingston has dropped the last two county finals to rival Montclair. Both Essex County squads came that much closer to meeting for a third time in the upcoming 2013 Essex County Final.
Livingston defeated Verona 2-0 Saturday night in Livingston, while Montclair also was victorious over Columbia 6-0.
Livingston stuck to their motto of “early and often” Saturday, as forward Erica Dippold scored in the second minute of the opening half. Casey Garfinkle led a breakaway and served a beautiful ball to Dippold after beating two Hillbille defenders. As Dippold connected, Livingston had 1-0 lead.
In addition to scoring early, Livingston has done a great job of out flanking their opponents and keeping possession allowing them to outshoot their opponents. This put immense pressure on Verona as the Lancers would outshoot the Hillbilles seven-to-two in the first half.
“The goals will come if we put enough pressure on teams,” Livingston defender Kylie McLaughlin said. “It’s about scoring at the right times and keeping possession.”
Livingston kept that mindset and continued to pressure Verona’s keeper, Diana Flores. Flores made every save, 15 overall, until Kristine Kelly sealed the game for Livingston in the 70th minute.
Kelly launched a ball from 22-yards out on a free kick for a goal past the outstretched Flores.
Livingston advances to the semifinals Wednesday to face the Caldwell Chiefs. On the same day, Montclair will take on Millburn in the other county semifinal.
In the two meetings between Livingston and Montclair this year, the first contest on September 10 resulted in a 1-1 tie. The following game was won by Montclair 2-0.
