Sports

Northport Girls Soccer Controls Melville to the End

Despite losing the Suffolk County Championship game, the Northport girls soccer team still had a successful season, going 12-1-1 and winning the League II title.

The could not have asked for a better game than the one they played Wednesday night in the Suffolk County championship against Ward Melville.

The Tigers fell to the Patriots, 1-0, but controlled the pace of play and put the pressure on Ward Melville all game. Ward Melville goalkeeper Ally Ramos proved why she’s one of Suffolk County’s best by shutting down one of the most dynamic offenses on Long Island.

“We clearly controlled that entire game,” head coach Aija Gipp told Patch on Thursday. “It's just one of those games where it didn't fall in our favor.”

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Northport, led by seniors Kristi Abbate and Rosy Hayes, fired 15 shots on goal, including two point blank chances early for Hayes, one of Suffolk County’s leading scorers.

Although the two seniors didn’t come through on Wednesday night, the contributions they made all season were vital to the growth of the program.

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"They're irreplaceable players tactically but also because of their heart as well,” Gipp said. “They left a legacy and inspired younger players."

Gipp specifically mentioned two younger players, a forward and midfield combo just like Hayes and Abbate, who she expected to carry the load into the future.

Sophomore Kelsy Kearns – who Gipp favorably compared to Abbate – will be a dynamic midfielder in 2012. Natasha Albaneze – a forward – will be looked upon to put the ball in the back of the net. Both players were injured this season but Gipp expects both to be key parts of next year’s team.

Even after a full night to sleep on the loss it was still difficult for Gipp. Ward Melville’s only goal came on a corner early in the contest and was one that Gipp wanted to see again on tape, mentioning that she still wasn’t sure if the ball ever crossed the goal line.

"It's hard to swallow knowing the girls did everything they needed to and we didn't come up with the victory,” she said. 

Editor's Note: We apologize for the mistaken reference to the Northport Tigers as the Lions and have made the correction in the article.


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