Blind Brook girls’ varsity soccer team wins first playoff game and looks to advance

October 30, 2024 at 10:21 p.m.

Sophomore striker Lola Gonzalez traps the ball with her chest in front of the Valhalla defense in Blind Brook’s first playoff game at home on Monday, Oct. 28. Gonzalez scored both goals in the Trojans’ 2-0 victory over the Vikings. (Joseph DeCarlo/Westmore News)

In a game that will go down in Blind Brook history, the girls’ varsity soccer team earned their first playoff victory Monday, Oct. 28, defeating Valhalla for the third time this season with a final score of 2-0 which ended the Vikings’ season for this year.

The game, which was played right after school at 3 o'clock at home, was a match showcasing the Trojans’ growth, teamwork, and determination, as well as marking a major milestone for both the team and the school’s soccer program. The matchup between Blind Brook and Valhalla was eagerly anticipated, with Valhalla going in as the underdogs against a team that had already beaten them twice and is known for its defensive strength.

From the first whistle, it was clear that the Trojans came to win, showing verification that they were the better team in the match.

For Coach Brian Sullivan, who has only been with the team this season, the victory was the realization of an enduring dream for the players and himself.

Every player on this team dreams of playing a game where the resolution is adding a banner to their gym walls. With this goal in mind, the team has continued to strive all season long to make it possible and to put in the time and effort to make it a reality.

    Senior captain Makayla Dutra plays the ball forward against Valhalla in Monday’s home playoff victory. Dutra was a key part of the defense in this historic game.
 By Joseph DeCarlo   

The first half saw an impressive goal by sophomore Lola Gonzalez, who finished on a precise assist from freshman Gabby Cavallo to score halfway through the first half. The early goal not only gave Blind Brook a crucial lead but also electrified the home crowd.

Throughout the match, the defense, led by standout players Kayleigh Curran, Makayla Dutra, Ashley Brookman, and Kendall Konigsberg, kept Valhalla from taking shots, intercepting passes, and making any threats on the goal.

Junior goalkeeper Bella Montesano was also a critical part of the team’s success, making a series of vital saves that kept Valhalla from closing the gap. She ended the game with a total of six saves.

The first half ended with Blind Brook holding a slim lead, but the tension was high as Valhalla returned to the field for the second half with determination and much more physicality. They pushed back hard in the second half, going for 50/50 balls, but Blind Brook’s defensive line held strong, refusing to let their opponents past them.

In the second half, Gonzalez managed to break through Valhalla's defense, skillfully using her technique past two defenders before scoring the game’s second goal. The assist from sophomore Sena Tarnoff was key for the two to propel Blind Brook to a 2-0 lead.

The Trojans held their ground, battling for every possession and keeping the ball in the opponent’s half until the final whistle. As the clock ran down and the final whistle blew, the field erupted in cheers, with players rushing to celebrate an historic Blind Brook achievement.

For all the seniors on the Blind Brook team, who have played for the varsity squad since freshman year, the victory held special significance. With their first playoff win of the season, the Trojans now turn their attention to the next round.

The girls’ next playoff game would be after press time on Wednesday, Oct. 29 against Briarcliff, another talented team. 

Both Blind Brook and Briarcliff have played against one another twice already this season with Blind Brook losing once to Briarcliff and a tie in the other match. This puts Blind Brook as the underdog in the game, so they will need to fight even harder.

No matter who wins this match, the losing team will be done for the season. Like they did against Valhalla, Blind Brook plans to take the victory home and make it to Saturday's final league game in Arlington at 8 p.m.

Coach Sullivan emphasized the importance of staying focused as they prepare for their next opponent. The first victory has already sparked a wave of excitement in school, with students and teachers alike rallying for the team and pledging to support them as they continue their playoff journey.

Regardless of the outcome, they’ve made history and inspired future Blind Brook players, proving that with heart, practice and unity, anything is possible.