This is a story of two teams with completely different stories.
The Newburyport girls soccer team (17-2-3) has made great success throughout its existence as a program, but especially in the last five years, while those of Stoneham (15-2-5) entered Saturday the Division 2 North final of Lynn manning field as a virtual unknown to the pomp and circumstance of a game in mid November titled the ambitions of the State on the horizon.
However, despite all this, the Spartans were willing to meet the challenge of Newburyport, although not from a historical context. Both teams entered the games as the top two seeds in Division 2 North, Newburyport leading packet 17 elite North Coast teams, and after 100 minutes of competitive football, including two overtimes, a penalty was necessary to determine the winner. Even went back and forth before the Clippers edged Stoneham, 7-5 to win the title in the North, 1-0. It was title North of Newburyport from 2008. They had won three Northern Championships from 2006 until 2008, also capturing the trophy State in both 2006 and 2007, while the first appearance of Stoneham North title game.
The Clippers did win the Cape Ann League title last year, only losing the Title game at Belmont North, but they avenged that loss in the quarterfinal round of the year.
It was the first time in his career, 19 years old Newburyport Coach Rob Gonnam, in the margins that one of the groups involved in a shootout and emotional roller coaster ride was even affecting veteran mentor.
"I was just hoping and praying that everything will work for us," said Gonnam coach. "At this stage of the season, you can't change anything, maybe some things our settings to customize the opposition, but for the most part are players.
"We have already played six scrimmages, 18 regular season games and four tournaments, competitions and so by this time the girls know what to do to win," Added Gonnam.
In football, winning starts with goal and Newburyport was reply with sophomore Lilly Donovan. The Clippers have allowed only nine goals this year, mainly as a result of Donovan's heroics.
In a shootout, the goalie is centre stage and Donovan ought to be above the game throughout eight rounds, against Stoneham. The Spartans struck a cross on the line, but Donovan struck with stores senior defender Kelsey Dunn and sophomore midfielder Claudio Molinaro to secure the Championship.
Aly Leahy, Karli brand, Hannah Martin, Sarah Casey, Jillian Whelan and Amy Sullivan scored shootout goals of Newburyport.
Susan O'Loughlin, Samantha Gendall, Danielle Phalon, Betsy Markman Albiani and Morgan for the Stoneham Havican enumerates to extend the shootout.
Both teams had to overcome with a firm after midnight wind who created havoc for all players, in particular, defenders have faced mother nature.
Anyone who felt the wind had the advantage, "said Stoneham coach Sharon Chapman, who has just completed its 22nd season. "I thought we were playing in the second half, and the first overtime. But overall, it was a good game between two good teams. "
Chapman lost nine seniors to graduation last year, including the starting goalie and four back.
"Nobody expected to get so far in the tournament this year, but this team has shown great tolerance," Chapman said. "But when it comes to it, nobody likes penalty kicks because the outcome of a game belongs to the shoulders a few players, and is a tough thing to ask anybody."
Senior Jessica Anthony to strengthen fine this year to solidify the position of goaltending in this year, but the transition to another goalie must smoothly next year by Rebecca Walsh ready to take their jobs, according to the old coach.
While the Spartans regroup hoping for another opportunity next year to ensure the title of the North, the Clippers will now be in the third State sectionals in the winner of the game Canton/Duxbury in Taunton Sunday morning.
