NISKAYUNA — Ava Goodman, with unwavering certainty, knew she was going to take the shot.
In the Section 2 Class AAA girls’ soccer semifinals, Saratoga Springs and Shenendehowa found themselves in a deadlock, with the championship game hanging in the balance. The game was pushed into overtime.
As the first overtime was nearing its end, Saratoga Springs was granted a free kick. Junior forward Goodman stepped up to the plate.
“Confidence is key in these situations, without it, you stand no chance,” Goodman stated. “That’s the only thing you need.”
Goodman’s shot managed to weave its way through the Shenendehowa defenders and past goalkeeper Maggie Miles, securing a 1-0 victory for the Blue Streaks.
“I had my sights set on either the top or bottom left,” Goodman, who chose the bottom corner, revealed. “My aim was to get it over their wall, and it just [found the net].”
The shot, taken from approximately 30 yards out, was one of the best chances the Blue Streaks had during the game. Goodman, who has now netted 19 goals this season, is known for her long-range shooting skills.
“I’m thrilled we rose to the occasion, especially Ava,” senior forward Keegan Reinhart said of the overtime victory. “There was no question [she was taking the shot]. We all have immense faith in her ability to deliver a good shot.”
Throughout the game, Shenendehowa had some promising opportunities, but they were effectively shut down by Saratoga Springs goalie Olivia Goodman and the Blue Streaks’ defense.
“[Shen] played balls over the top of us really well, but we managed to track them back and the whole line, along with Olivia, made some fantastic saves,” senior defender Emma Murray commented. “We’ve been pumped all day, and it was a matter of who could maintain the energy and outlast the other.”
During the regular season, Saratoga Springs defeated Shenendehowa 2-1 in a game on Sept. 19, with Ava Goodman scoring both goals.
“Defeating them for the second time, it’s unfortunate for them, but it’s a fantastic feeling for us,” Ava Goodman expressed. “We were playing to reach the section ‘chip.’ The excitement was palpable. We were all set to go. We were determined to leave here victorious.”
When Ava Goodman’s game-winning goal hit the back of the net, the lights at Niskayuna’s turf field started flashing, and a train whistle sound effect echoed as the Blue Streaks celebrated their win.
“That was the perfect way to win,” Ava Goodman said. “The lights didn’t flash for us last year, but this year they did. We were eagerly waiting for that all day, for those lights to flash. It was incredible.”
“They played the train whistle for us,” Murray added. “It was truly thrilling, and it was great to end on a goal, rather than having to go into penalty kicks.”
No. 2 Saratoga Springs now moves on to the Class AAA championship, where they will face No. 1 Shaker. The Blue Bison won their semifinal on Monday over Guilderland, 3-0.
The championship match is set for Monday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m., back at Niskayuna High School.
“We’ve been anticipating this for a long time,” Reinhart said. “We haven’t reached the finals in 10 years, so this is a monumental moment for us. Our assistant coach [Kennedy Cocozzo], was part of the team the last time Saratoga made it to the finals.
“We’ve been discussing this since preseason in August, waiting for this moment.”
“This was a significant victory,” Murray added. “We were playing for the girls from the past and the girls here now. This was a crucial game for us, and it was monumental to defeat them in overtime.”
Shenendehowa 0 0 0 — 0
Saratoga Springs 0 0 1 — 1
Shenendehowa scoring: None. Saratoga Springs scoring: A. Goodman 1-0. Goalie saves: Shenendehowa, Miles, 3 saves; Saratoga Springs, O. Goodman, 6 saves.
Great job by Ava Goodman! She really stepped up when her team needed her.
Agree – Ava Goodman’s performance was truly impressive and crucial for her team’s success.