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vs. Jersey Village High School – 2.21.25
Friday night’s contest against Jersey Village would be Senior Night for your Spartans. This group of seniors is a really special group, and their contributions to Stratford High School and Stratford’s soccer program can’t be overstated. Stratford’s Class of 2025 includes Seniors #1 Olivia Harbison, #3 Allison Goodwin, #8 Ryann Weber, #9 Claire Lamon, #10 Hannah Ryan, #11 Hannah Haygood, #12 Whitney Bui, #14 Mary Charlotte Paul, and #19 Elizabeth Byrd. Congratulations, ladies, on all of your accomplishments – both on and off the pitch!
As the action got started on a frigid night at Stratford High School, the Spartans would control the action from the opening whistle. Through the opening minutes there were several shots on goal by Byrd, Paul, and Goodwin, but a talented Falcon goalkeeper turned the chances for the Spartans away. Ten minutes into the match, Paul would take a corner kick for Stratford, sending it to the far post, where Weber would head the ball in for a goal to start off the scoring. Nine minutes later, Weber intercepted a Falcon pass and found a sprinting Junior – Sydney Valentine running down the near sideline. Valentine would outrun the last outside defender and center a ball to Paul, who would finish inside the far post. Despite dominating possession and opportunities, the Spartans would have to settle for a 2-0 lead at the half.
Shortly after the second half got underway, Sophomore – Audrey Brendel would drive down the far sideline before sending a ball across the box to the far post, where Junior – Sara Benton would effortlessly settle the ball at her feet and fire just inside the post to extend the lead for Stratford. Freshman – Ava Gibson earned her first minutes of time with the Stratford Varsity Soccer Team and made the most of them by getting a couple of shots off. In the 59th minute, Junior – Avery Rushing would dispossess a Jersey Village midfielder and quickly pass to Goodwin. Goodwin would drive toward the goal before finding Weber in the center of the field. As three defenders closed in on her, she laid the ball back to Paul, who took a touch out wide before firing a laser near-post to stretch the lead. Just four minutes later, the Spartans would press again. Bui sent a ball forward to Goodwin, who played quickly up to a streaking Benton. Benton would beat the last defender and lay a ball back across the goal to Valentine, who would put the ball in the back of the net, but a questionable raise of the flag by the AR with an offsides call would negate the goal. With 12 minutes left in the match, Benton would be fouled 35 yards out and Sophomore – Zoe Lawless would step up to take the free kick. Her shot would sail over the Falcon defense and catch the cross bar before being cleared by Jersey Village. Shortly thereafter, Goodwin would send a ball into the box to the feet of Valentine, who got around the Falcon center back and fired past the goalie to give the Spartans a five-goal advantage. As time was winding down on the clock, Benton would again be in the mix, sending a ball across the field to Weber, who easily volleyed the pass into the net to secure a 6-0 victory for Stratford on Senior Night for the Class of 2025.
Because of a cancellation last week, your Lady Spartans will play three matches this week.
Please come out and support your State-ranked and District-leading Girls Varsity Soccer Team!