8th Grade Boys vs. Weequahic
Championship Game
The August 3 championship game was contested between Starlight and Weequahic. Weequahic made the finals with a couple of fine wins over Tioga and Westmont, while the boys arrived there after shaving a 1-0 win against Wayne. Both teams looked strong, and certainly Weequahic had the better of the opening exchanges.
Dylan T.’s in goal made an excellent finger tip save, pushing the ball onto the crossbar before gathering in the rebound to keep Starlight on level terms. Starlight certainly had their chances and but for an excellent keeper in the Weequahic goal, they may have found themselves ahead at half-time. Both teams cancelled each other out and at the half it remained scoreless.
The second half saw Starlight take the initiative early on and some fine play down the wings from Ari K. and Kessler forced the Weequahic keeper into action. Spencer W. and Owen B. in the middle of the field were solid but had a rough time against a couple of very good Weequahic players. Starlight continued to search for the opening and eventually this came courtesy of a cross from Ari K. on the right hand side. A whipped ball found a Starlight player in the six yard area who was able to get a quick shot off which nestled in the bottom corner.
For the final 8 minutes Weequahic attacked looking for the equalizer, but Rowan K., Zachary C., Zachary K., Spencer G. and Danny S. made the necessary tackles to keep their opponents off the score sheet. Zachary C. in particular was very busy all game not allowing Weequahic’s players any time or space.
This was an excellent result against a very good team and Starlight’s 8th graders should be very proud of themselves on retaining their title.
5th Grade Girls vs. Wayne
Championship Game
The girls were on the road for their championship game against Wayne August 3 and this one would go to overtime.
Starlight took the early lead courtesy of a free-kick from the edge of the 18-yard area that Jordyn P. dispatched into the top of the net. Wayne were level within 5 minutes following a long range effort of their own that found its way into the bottom corner of the goal. Starlight had the better of the chances but struggled to find the net, and while Wayne made a number of attacking moves, the back line of Samantha S., Zoe S., Danielle A. and Elizabeth E. did well to limit their opponents chances throughout the game. In midfield a combination of Tova G., Samantha B., Brooke G., Brooke H. and Julia H. worked hard to progress the ball forward and link up with Granowitz in the forward position. In goal Samantha S. was quick to the ball when required.
The game continued in a similar vein to the first half, and aside from a couple of half chances that the Wayne keeper saved, over-time arrived with the scores even. Starlight started the brighter of the two teams, and from the kick-off Jordyn P. ran the ball from half-field and found the back of the net from just inside the 18-yard area. Soon after Tova G. hit the bottom corner to give Starlight the benefit of a two-goal lead which they held until the end.
A fine team performance saw the girls go one step further than in 2013 where they ended up the season as beaten finalists.
6th Grade Girls vs. Lohikan
The 6th graders entertained Lohikan on Alumni Field August 3 in their semi-final clash. Champions in 2013, the girls started strong looking for the win that would see a return to the championship game in 2014. Ashleigh S. in goal had very little to do all game, while Starlight’s defense (Chloe W., Ryan G., Kylie M. and Marlie K. were able to relax a little as the midfield of Brooke E., Alexandra S., Daryn C., Danielle S. and Sarah S. made some great forward runs towards the Lohikan 18-yard area. With Samara S. up top keeping Lohikan’s goalkeeper busy, it was not long before the goals started to fly in. Up 4-0 at the half, the girls doubled the score by the end of the game to run out winners 8-0.
A solid performance and now the girls are just one game away from retaining their title.
