Late Goal Stuns West Deptford Girls' Soccer Squad

A repeat at the Liberty Division title could already be in jeopardy for the West Deptford High School girls' soccer team.

Haddonfield got a late goal from Laurel Falana, which proved to be the game-winner, as Haddonfield won their sixth straight game to open the season over the Eagles, 1-0, Monday afternoon.

Falana directed the ball into the West Deptford net off a header, just out of the reach of goaltender Alicia Barger, to put the Bulldawgs in front with less than 10 minutes remaining in the contest.

“It felt amazing,” Falana said of getting the game-winning goal.  “To be the one to score it is definitely something special.”

Haddonfield has yet to allow a goal in their six games, outscoring their opponents 16-0. Credit can be given to both their goaltender Kellie Riley, who had nine saves, as well as the Bulldawgs' defense.

“It was a really tough battle, they kept pounding (the ball) back and back,” Falana explained. “But our defense held strong, and we came out with the win. Our defense has been very solid all season. I’m proud of the way they played.”

Haddonfield head coach Glenn Gess was equally proud of how the Bulldawgs' defense held up, especially in the second half.

“Our philosophy in the back is ‘bend, don’t break,’” Gess said. “That’s the way we play. We’re going to make you earn every chance. I’m proud of their kids, they grinded it out.”

Gess was happy that Falana was the one to get the game-winning goal.

“I’m happy for any kid that gets a big goal, but Laurel, she works hard,” Gess explained. “She stepped up, and I’m proud of her.”

West Deptford biggest missed opportunity was a ball that hit off the crossbar and was headed just wide of the goalmouth on the rebound.

“That was our lucky break,” Gess said.

West Deptford head coach Veronica McGinniss admitted that she thought luck was on Haddonfield’s side that afternoon.

“We didn’t have a lucky day today, so we didn’t come out with the outcome that we should’ve,” McGinniss said.

West Deptford’s record fell to 2-2 after the loss.

Gess saw this contest as the prototype of a West Deptford-Haddonfield contest: a very physical battle.

“This was your typical Haddonfield-West Deptford game,” Gess said. “It’s an all-out war. The kids are going to go home and sleep well tonight.”