Bianca unstoppable in 4-0 win over Vikings
TROY, NY – Riding a three-game win streak into Troy, NY on Saturday (10/12), the #2 Herkimer Generals women’s soccer team relied heavily on Michaela Bianca to defeat their second straight Mountain Valley Conference opponent, beating Hudson Valley 4-0 to increase the win streak to four games.
Herkimer (12-1-0) led 1-0 after the intermission on Bianca’s 10th goal of the season in the 1st minute. Connecting with Bianca was Grace Johnson (Tully, NY), who has an assist in her last two games.
Bianca’s 11th goal came in the 49th, increasing the Herkimer lead to 2-0, this time working with teammate Teigha Ward (Ilion, NY). The midfielder took a Ward pass on the left side of the field, working herself past a defender inside the 18, then used her right foot to score on the right side of the net. It was the sophomore’s third multi-goal performance this season after scoring just one goal in her last four games.
Netting the final two goals of the game on Bianca assists were Ward and Alexys Bolton (Middleville, NY). Ward scored her 21st goal in the 56th, getting to the ball before Viking goalie Teller Wood for the empty net goal. Ward has consecutive games with one goal and one assist, now ranked third nationally in goals (21) and fourth in assists (12).
As for Bolton, the freshman took Bianca’s pass down the right sideline and blasted a shot past the goalie, watching it deflect off her hands and into the net for Bolton’s first goal in five games. The midfielder now has four on the season.
In goal for the Generals was Sydney Stanley (Schoharie, NY). Stanley saved seven shots, her second most this season, helping the sophomore to her 12th shutout. Stanley has not allowed a goal in any of the Generals wins this season.
Up next is Jefferson Community College. The Cannoneers will come to Herkimer, NY on Wednesday (10/14) to play the Generals at Wehrum Stadium. Jefferson is 2-7-1, winning their last game against Corning at home. Game time on Wednesday is 4:30 p.m.
Score:
#2 Herkimer Generals 4, Hudson Valley Vikings 0
Halftime:
Herkimer 1-0
GENERALS (12-1-0) Michaela Bianca 2-2, Teigha Ward 1-1, Alexys Bolton 1-0, Grace Johnson 0-1. Sydney Stanley 7 saves
VIKINGS (8-3-2) Teller Wood 7 saves, Madelyn Welch 0 saves
Next Game: 10/14 vs. Jefferson 4:30 p.m.
-Giorgio Varlaro