B.B. girls’ soccer suffers first loss but wins two and stands at 7-1

September 25, 2024 at 10:51 p.m.
Freshman winger Gabby Cavallo plays around a Briarcliff defender in a home game on Friday, Sept. 20. Blind Brook lost that contest 7-5.
Freshman winger Gabby Cavallo plays around a Briarcliff defender in a home game on Friday, Sept. 20. Blind Brook lost that contest 7-5. (Joseph DeCarlo/Westmore News)

By LILY WOLF | Comments: 0 | Leave a comment
Freelance Reporter

As the Blind Brook girls’ varsity soccer team enters the part of their season where more league games are on their schedule, the energy around the squad is a mix of achievements, determination and cravings for more success.

Coming off a crucial stretch of three games, the Trojans secured two important victories but also faced the reality of a tough loss, highlighting both their efforts and areas for growth as they push toward the next stages of the season.


The team's first victory in this recent string of matches was a great performance on Wednesday, Sept. 18 against Valhalla. The offense came out firing later in the game which allowed Valhalla to secure the first goal of the match. The defense continued to play their game and dominate possession, controlling the tempo of the match and creating multiple scoring opportunities.

Sophomore Lola Gonzalez netted two goals. Freshman Gabby Cavallo had one goal and one assist. Sophomore Sena Tarnoff added one goal.

Defensively, senior goalkeeper Anna Vnenchak anchored the backline, making seven key saves that contributed to the team's victory. The final score, 3-1, was a reflection of the team's chemistry and growing contributions, with head coach Brian Sullivan directing his players to maintain their intensity and focus. He still thought there was skill work that needed to be improved as a team.

Sadly, goalkeeper Vnenchak shockingly had her last run that game at Valhalla, coming out of the match with a season-ending injury. The team was saddened by this news but realized that the games they will continue to play this season are not only for themselves but for their teammates and specifically their new cheerleader, Anna.

After the high of this win, the Trojans faced a much tougher opponent on Friday, Sept. 20 against Briarcliff, a team known for its skillful offense.

Despite three early goals by Tarnoff, which put the team ahead 3-0, the opposing side fought back hard, adding some goals before halftime and eventually pulling ahead in the second half.

Although the Trojans pushed for an equalizer in the final 20 minutes, Briarcliff’s offensive players made several key goals that got past junior Lily Wolf, who stepped in goal, putting the Bears in the lead.

Senior Natalie Carey got one goal and two assists. Gonzalez added one goal and two assists and Cavallo had one assist.

    Freshman defender Ashley Brookman wins a ball against a Briarcliff forward in Blind Brook’s only loss so far this season on Friday, Sept. 20.
 By Joseph DeCarlo 
 
 

The final 7-5 score in favor of the Bears had the Trojans feeling disappointed yet eager to fix any bumps they had in that game.

Every player had something that needed to be fixed after the game including the difference with a new goalkeeper stepping in.

Coach Sullivan put the girls to practice, working on specifics that needed to be handled. With these changes, the girls are ready to take on any team that comes their way, including the rematch with Briarcliff on Oct. 15.

The Trojans played their next match away at Rye Neck on Tuesday, Sept. 24.

The first half ended with no score and both teams assessing what needed to happen to get a goal. Blind Brook eventually took the lead with Tarnoff making a key play and an assist by Carey that broke the scoring drought. Sophomore Carly Hodes and junior Bella Montesano had one save each in goal.

The game ended 1-0 with Blind Brook taking home another victory and looking to advance with their next game on Thursday, Sept. 26 at home against Pleasantville.

With two wins and one loss in their last three games, the Blind Brook girls’ varsity soccer team finds itself in a strong position at 7-1 as they move forward in their season.

Their victories have enhanced their confidence, while the defeat has provided valuable insights into areas where improvement is needed, particularly in maintaining defensive focus and finishing chances in front of the goal.

The season is far from over, and the team’s journey will continue on Friday, Sept. 27 with their homecoming game against Valhalla starting at 6 p.m. followed by another home game on Tuesday, Oct. 1 versus Pelham at 4:30 p.m. After that, the Trojans will have a brief hiatus until Oct. 10.


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