Girls Soccer: Second Half Goal Edges Valhalla

Kate Faxon scored a game-winning goal in the second half as the Harrison girls soccer team inched past Valhalla 2-1 Monday at Valhalla's Joseph V. Chiera Field.

Harrison struck first with a goal by Junior Izzy Scheck, Scheck's goal was a virtual fast break as the Huskies set her up in front of the net and she was able to sneak the ball past the Viking goalie for the game's first score.

The Huskies maintained control of the ball for the majority of the first half, but did suffer a defensive lapse with less then a minute left in the period. After forcing a Harrison turnover Valhalla's freshman Samantha Landjewar fired the ball into the net for her first varsity goal, tying the game.

"They built to the net well, what we were stressing all game to get the build up, and we were successful," said Valhalla Head Coach Skip Pennacchio

"It was a great cross by their player, it looked like a set play, our keeper didn't come out and a defender marked her but they just capitalized on that cross," said Harrison Head Coach Jon-Erik Zappala.

Each team made some specific changes at halftime. Harrison switched their goaltender and Valhalla came out for the second half playing a more aggressive and physical style of soccer.

The more aggressive style caused both teams to play with a little more passion. Vanessa Romero of the Vikings along with Harrison's Daniela Balboni and Nina Sarmiento were all given yellow cards for their on field actions.

"I think it was just overly passionate young girls," said Pennacchio. "It was a tie game, it was a great battle, so I would say it was more passion than tempers."

The coaches took out the players after they were carded, but they were each re-entered after a few minutes. Sarmiento would get the last laugh as her assist led to the game winning goal for Harrison.

Sarmiento fired a corner kick over the Viking defense and found Faxon in front of the goal for a header and the game winning score.

"We have been practicing corner kicks and Kate is always there for the head," said Zappala. "That's where she was today, perfect placement."

Harrison's next game is Tuesday afternoon at Harrison High School against Rye Neck.