New Providence, which was the #2 seed going into the game to Verona’s #3, got on the scoreboard first with a goal by Lexi Everton; Maggie Roughley was credited with the assist. But VHS senior Jackie Brozyna answered back with a score of her own late in the first quarter, putting the game at a tie at halftime. It stayed that way until five minutes before the final whistle, with Verona fans on the edges of their seats. But as the clocked ticked away, senior Claire Fitzpatrick blasted a kick from 30 yards out, putting Verona up 2-1 at the close. Diana Flores had 11 saves for Verona and Kelly Carr was a monster on defense, interrupting play after play for the Pioneers.
The Verona-New Providence game wasn’t the only upset in girls soccer today: #5 Glen Ridge faced #1 Lyndhurst and won, 1-0, on a goal by Emily Gill. Verona will now play Glen Ridge for the state sectionals title at home on Friday. The two teams have played each other once before this season, on October 27, when the Ridgers defeated the Hillbillies 5-1.
Photos copyright Andy Yeates. Used by permission.
