East Granby Girls Stun Ellington 2-1

The following was reported by Rob Kulik, who was at the game:

The East Granby girls soccer team rebounded from a disappointing loss under the lights Saturday with a 2-1 victory over Ellington on Tuesday afternoon.

Crusaders freshman Kayla Johnson put her team up early, scoring in the 5th minute to stun the Lady Knights early.

Johnson shot from the right side and beat Ellington's keeper to the far post. The Crusader's where able to mount an offensive surge not often present this season by continuously applying high pressure and forcing defensive errors by Ellington.

Coach Jill DeVane went to her bench often in an effort to keep fresh legs on the field at the forward and midfield positions.

Meanwhile the Crusaders defense anchor by senior Missy Kulik was able to hold of Ellington's attack as the Crusaders took a 1-0 lead into halftime. 

The Knights came out strong in the second half, as the entire Crusader team dug in its heels and prepared for a battle in hopes of holding on to what would be its biggest victory this season.

The Knights got the equalizer with just 2:30 remaining in regulation time. The Crusaders looked to their senior leadership to calm and guide them into new territory.

Just 1:30 into the first of two 5-minute overtimes, sophomore Samantha Eaton found herself in the box with the ball and her back to the goal. 

Eaton had the presence of mind to serve a perfect back pass to senior midfielder Caroline Eastman, who beat the Knights goalkeeper to the near post.

The Crusaders again had the lead and prepared for the final battle.The Crusaders Senior goal keeper Brianna Ayers rose to the challenge making key saves including one which involved a collision with an Ellington attacker which left Ayers on the ground shaken for a moment.

East Granby was able to mount most of the offensive play in the second overtime and as the timekeeper began the countdown they had yet another attack.