NEEDHAM – A breakout offensive efficiency helped No. 5 Needham declare a 4-0 ladies soccer victory over No. 28 Lexington within the first spherical of the MIAA Division 1 State Match on Tuesday.
The Rockets had solely earned two wins by greater than a objective all season previous to the offensive explosion. Whereas this was a giant accomplishment, the perfect half for Needham is its season continues on.
“These ladies can play with these sister’s another day,” head coach Todd White mentioned. “One other day on the pitch. It’s all their group.”
The Rockets (14-4-1) managed nearly all of the possession within the first half and had been in a position to capitalize twice. The primary got here on the 17-minute mark when Sydney Kalaw discovered a free ball and despatched a blistering shot into the again of the web.
“We had been working very well collectively,” Kalaw mentioned. “We had been speaking and holding possession like now we have finished all season and I obtained a terrific alternative.”
9 minutes later, a cross from midfield discovered the foot of Isabelle Marino, who feathered a shot into the left nook of the web to double the lead.
Lexington (8-9-2) had a nook kick alternative and fired a number of pictures on web, however defenders Sam Horvat and Ava Chiappinelli constantly neutralized any offensive momentum from the Minutewomen.
“We now have superb defenders, and we don’t have a tendency to attain quite a bit,” White mentioned. “It’s actually essential to our technique to play good protection.”
The second half was all in regards to the Rockets’ offense. Minutewomen goalkeeper Maddie Majchrzak was in a position to flip away about 4 alternatives, however Hannah Levine would get a detailed proximity alternative and fired it off of a defender to increase the result in three.
“I simply wished to get my physique on the ball as a lot as I may,” Levine mentioned. “I do know it hit off the opposite woman however I believe being there within the field was my intention and the ball was positioned completely. I believe every part simply labored out very well.”
The Rockets closed out the scoring when Horvat fired a shot from deep into the highest nook. Past that, the Rockets had been in a position to maintain the ball within the offensive zone and keep away from any additional possibilities from Lexington.
“Switching the sector and holding possession is one thing now we have been engaged on all season,” Kalaw mentioned. “That’s actually essential for the following recreation.”
The second-round matchup will come towards a Winchester group that completed the season with one loss. Levine mentioned the Rockets have to seize the momentum enhance from this victory so as to have success within the subsequent spherical.
“We have to carry the momentum from this recreation into the following one,” Levine mentioned. “Getting 4 is a superb outcome however we will’t be complacent. We have to carry that fireside into the following one.”
