Ward nets game winner in overtime
HERKIMER, NY - Playing in their third one goal contest this season, all in the last six regular season games, the #2 Herkimer Generals women’s soccer team remained undefeated at home on Saturday (10/17), defeating #8 Genesee 1-0 in overtime.
Herkimer (14-1, 3-1) got the game winner from Teigha Ward (Ilion, NY) in the 95th minute, on an assist from Michael Bianca (Guilderland, NY). Bianca intercepted a Genesee pass just beyond midfield, then passed it up midfield perfectly to Ward, taking it to the left side of the field and burying the shot in the left side of the net for her 24th goal of the season, one more than she had as a freshman. It was Ward’s second overtime winner as a General, going back to September 4th of 2014 when she scored the game winner against Onondaga, and also collected her first hat trick in a 3-2 victory at home.
As for Bianca - the sophomore had an impressive week - amassing three goals and three assists in the Generals three wins to end the regular season, totaling 12 goals and 13 assists. Her 13 assists is the fifth best total in the nation.
Not to be forgotten in the overtime victory was the defense which is anchored by Sydney Stanley (Schoharie, NY) at goalie. Stanley now has 14 shutouts, not allowing a goal in any of the Generals wins this season. On Saturday she saved two shots, helping the Generals outscore opponents 40-to-0 at Wehrum Stadium in 2015.
Up next for Herkimer is the Region III Quarterfinals, which will be hosted at Wehrum Stadium on Saturday, October 24th. The Generals will find out later this week who they will face.
Score:
#2 Herkimer Generals 1, #8 Genesee Cougars 0 OT
Halftime:
Tied 0-0
GENERALS (14-1, 3-1) Teigha Ward 1-0, Michaela Bianca 0-1. Sydney Stanley 2 saves.
COUGARS (11-5, 3-0) Katlynne Tubo 7 saves.
Next Game: 10/24 Women’s Soccer Region III Quarterfinal @ Herkimer College TBD
-Giorgio Varlaro