Early York goal enough to bring Lady Trojans’ soccer season to an end

New Kent’s Gretchen Smith (6) battles it out with York’s Caroline Burner (4) along the sideline.

Robb Johnson photo

New Kent’s Lady Trojans stellar soccer season had one more obstacle to overcome in order to earn the team a berth into the state tournament. Unfortunately for New Kent, that opportunity ended in heartbreak thanks to a district rival.

York’s Lady Falcons held on to a 1-0 victory over New Kent’s Lady Trojans in the June 3 contest at Bailey Field.

With home field advantage on their side, York scored within the first four minutes of the contest, putting New Kent behind in the contest. The Lady Trojans struggled to find offense during the night, with their first clear shot attempt coming with 22 minutes remaining in the first half. However, that attempt by Gretchen Smith was unsuccessful, allowing York to remain ahead.

Meanwhile, the Lady Falcons’ defense focused on swarming the New Kent attacker with the ball. On many occasions it was Lady Trojan Olivia Allen who faced double and triple teams. New Kent had ample opportunities, but a missed goal from 15 yards out kept the visiting team scoreless heading into intermission.

In the second half, New Kent received a free kick after the York goalkeeper picked up the ball too early. However, the Lady Trojans were unable to capitalize, and time would eventually expire, ending New Kent’s season.

After the contest, an emotional Lady Trojan Head Coach Stella Follett spoke about the contributions her senior class did to turn around the program.

“I am extremely proud of this group,” she said. “New Kent was lucky to have them.”

New Kent’s season ends at 8-7-3.