Wood Repeats As Soccer Champion

By Bill Avington, FOR THE INQUIRER
Posted: November 11, 1996

Sara Lindenmuth scored and Emily Oleksiuk was outstanding in net as Archbishop Wood successfully defended its Catholic League girls' soccer championship with a 1-0 victory over Archbishop Ryan yesterday at La Salle University.

Oleksiuk was solid, securing her ninth shutout of the season. Her moment in this title game came late in the second half, with Wood leading.

The senior keeper, who had made other big saves in the half, stopped a penalty shot.

The Ragdolls had been awarded an indirect kick from 10 yards out. In the scramble to stop the shot, a hand ball was called on the Vikings, resulting in the penalty shot.

Oleksiuk made a diving stop to rob Dana Gavaghan.

``I was concerned, but Emily came up big,'' Wood coach Bill Cappo said. ``She's the best goalie in the league.''

For Oleksiuk, it all came down to focus.

``You have to block out the crowd and focus on the play,'' Oleksiuk said. ``I just had to do what I know how to do.''

After that save, the Ragdolls could mount little offense.

Ryan had to overcome an early first-half goal by Lindenmuth. Wood had dominated the early going, putting pressure on keeper Mandy Gillespie. However, Ryan withstood the barrage and stayed close.

``We came out tight,'' Ryan coach Joe McKay said. ``We had to relax and play a soccer game. We had to play like it was a regular game.''

The closeness of the game was no shock to anyone. The two teams had battled to a 1-1 tie earlier in the season, and Wood had won the other meeting, 2-0.

With the two teams so even, a quick start was crucial.

``We got that goal and it gave us a little edge,'' Cappo said. ``It takes a little bit out of their sails.''

Index by Keyword
|
Index by Date
|
About Philly.com
|
Contact Us
|
Terms of Use & Privacy Statement
|
Copyright 2013