Box Score Albany, N.Y. - The ACPHS women's soccer team dropped to 5-1-2 after tying against Paul Smith's College 1-1 at ACPHS Field Saturday afternoon.
Today's match was played on senior night, which honored ACPHS seniors for contributing to their respective teams. Members from the women's soccer team were joined on the field by close family, where they got to share a special moment with Coach Jonathan Woodrow and reminisce about all the times when they left it all out there. ACPHS not only thanks this group of seniors for their contributions to the women's soccer team but wishes them all the best in their next chapter of life.
Both teams fought to a 0-0 tie in the first half. The Panthers struggled against the pressuring defense up front, mixed with the bend-but-don't-break style of play by the Bobcats on the backside. Paul Smith's College maintained possession for much of the half – outshooting ACPHS and making it difficult for them to put any points on the board.
The Panthers came out of halftime with a different game plan, returning to their touch-and-move offense. Coach Woodrow emphasized the need for change during the game, constantly calling for his team to "get it and go!" This style of offense allowed ACPHS to get everyone involved and get some more shots up. With 18 minutes left to play, Julia Roemer (Latham, N.Y.) hammered home a goal, seemingly giving the Panthers the push they needed to steal the win. However, Paul Smith's responded three minutes later with their own score. Mykala Brodzinski (Toms River, N.J.) held the door for ACPHS, blocking the final attempt at a victory from the Bobcats with under a minute left.
Faith Peckham (Madison, N.Y.), who was one of the most significant contributors in keeping Paul Smith's to only one goal, shared her thoughts on her team's play: "Honestly, in the second half, we played our butt off. Our passing came together, our communication increased, and our intensity heightened. Our shots just weren't there, unfortunately. The opportunities will come; overall, I am happy with today's performance."
"Tactically, we executed the game plan, controlled the game, and managed to do everything we wanted. My advice to the girls was we would get a goal; we just needed to lock in for five minutes after that. It's exactly what happened, we scored, and then they quickly responded. We'll be okay. We are looking forward to seeing Paul Smith's College again in the conference championship," said Coach Woodrow after the tie.
The Panthers will look and return to their winning ways Tuesday, October 11, when they travel to Massachusetts to take on YSCC rival Hampshire College.
How to follow the Panthers: For the latest information on ACPHS athletics, visit acphspanthers.com or check out the ACPHS athletics social media platforms on Instagram @ACPHSPanthers or Twitter @ACPHSAthletics.
This story was contributed by Nikolas Gheiler
