Schools

Smith's Late Goal Sends Falcons to Class L Semifinals [VIDEO]

Avon girls varsity soccer defeats Berlin 1-0.

Even though Avon High has an undefeated record against Berlin – a 2-1 quarterfinals win against the Redcoats on their turf two years ago and two victories against them when both teams were in the Northwest Conference – Falcons girls soccer coach Jim Murray did not publicize that to his team before the Class L quarterfinals Tuesday.

"I knew how cohesive a team Berlin was. We played them two years ago and they were the number one seed. Sometimes you just feel bad karma. We upset them when they were the higher seed," Murray said at Fisher Meadows after the game. "I'm superstitious. I don't want them to get too worried that they have to keep something going."

Nevertheless, the Falcons did keep "something going." An Erica Primovic-Caroline Smith combination play in the box with just under nine minutes left of regulation proved enough to secure Avon the 1-0 win. Smith's winning goal brought Avon's overall record against Berlin (11-3-4) to 4-0, 2-0 in state tournament play.

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"And I was worried we'd be upset by them, us being the higher seed, but our girls were focused, worked hard and didn't give very many chances to Berlin," Murray said.

Avon (14-1-2) advances to the semifinals as the highest ranked team left in the tournament at second. Brookfield knocked first seed Sacred Heart out of the tournament in the second round.

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Avon held the ball in the Redcoats' corner toward the end of the second half to maintain possession and stifle further attacks.

"Not to give up a goal in seven seconds, that was  big thing in the end. That's what we did against E.O. Smith," Murray said. "It was a big win."

The battle to score was tough on both teams, though Avon created more opportunities, outshooting Berlin 9-3.

"I think we played our hearts out...With a quarterfinal game, each team is going to get a few chances and they were able to bury one," Berlin head coach Steve Yanosy said. "They left everything on the field. It's just a great group of kids, we couldn't be more proud of them."

The Falcons almost swooped in on an early lead with just over 16 minutes left in regulation, hitting the target amid a scramble in Berlin's box, however the goal was not counted.

"On both sides, it was a very composed game, a lot of ball movement. I thought we had the better opportunities," Murray said. "We just didn't finish. I just didn't want to lose when we played so well, especially around the goal."

Berlin had 16 seniors on the team this season. Despite the loss, they will graduate with the memory of a conference title.

"We have a great team, a great group of girls who are just great teammates," Yanosy said. "We always try to build a great team. You know, team is a lot better than any individual player. That's what we tried to build on and I think it's pretty evident throughout our season."

Avon will take on RHAM either on Nov. 18 or 19 at a neutral site to be determined.


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