For Whom the Bella Tolls
Game photos click here.
The Chagrin Falls Tigers girls soccer team has been to the top of the totem pole with state titles, and the Berkshire Badgers are working their way toward such levels. It’s only fitting that the teams should end their regular season preparations in a contest, and they played on the turf at C. S. Harris Stadium Oct. 7 with the idea of getting ready for stiff post-season action.
In a tight battle from start to finish, the Tigers rallied late in the second half to claim a thrilling 3-2 decision, both teams relying on their star players to come through, which they did.
Kelly McCandless tallied both Berkshire goals on the night, but the game-winner came from senior forward Bella Radomsky of Chagrin Falls, who enjoyed a hat trick of terrific shots.
The Tigers had an edge in overall speed on the night, but the skill sets of the young Badgers kept the contest scoreless until the 38:19 mark of the first half. A controversial officials call in front of the box by Badgers keeper Liv Masink led to a penalty shot for Radomsky. The shot was awarded after a consultation among officials, and Bella sent the kick home to break a scoreless tie.
To that point, the Tigers regularly got down the sidelines to attack, but the Berkshire defenses were equal to the task every time. Several scrums in front of the net led to great saves from Masink, and the Badgers also were able to put some pressure on Tiger keeper Izzy Pribanic — but she, too, was equal to the task.
Then, with nearly seven minutes gone in the second half, McCandless battled for a loose ball near midfield, gained control on a breakaway right down the middle, and deposited the ball into the net to tie the score.
Fourteen minutes later, she did it again, anticipating passes across the field. She went in after breaking through a trio of defenders with magnificent footwork and control to score for a 2-1 Berkshire lead.
At the 29:54 mark of the second half, Mia Buno found Radomsky with a crossing pass to the left of the box, and the senior forward did a quick hip turnaround and sent the ball home to knot the score again at 2-2.
McCandless promptly untied the score with the game-winner with 35:52 gone as she headed home a corner kick from Buno, and the Tigers (8-5-4) did a fine job of playing keep-away thereafter to secure a tough win.
Berkshire Head Coach Ian Patterson was upbeat for his team after the match.
“There’s good reason why we schedule tough teams in the regular season,” he said. “That’s what you do if you want to get better, you play tough teams. I think the teams we play in the CVC are as tough as any team. There’s good reason why Chagrin and other CVC teams have won state titles, and that’s what we are shooting for as well. We played very well tonight, and I’m proud of how the girls got the job done.”
While the Tigers are a team loaded with experience, the Badgers are still in their youthful stage. Freshman Emma Rucinski played a large role in this game, getting to the ball to set up action for her team, and her assessment of the game was brief but on target.
“Chagrin Falls is really a tough team to play,” she said.
Chagrin Falls Head Coach Joe Ciuni appreciated the effort his girls provided and paid the Badgers compliments as well.
“Berkshire is really a quality team,” he said. “You need to play good defense against them, and tonight we did a great job. In a tight game, too, your top players have to step up, and Bella Radomsky really did for us with her hat trick. “
Stats don’t always tell an accurate story. The Tigers got off 27 shots on Masink, 12 stopped in her hands. Berkshire got off 10 shots on Pribanic, leading to six saves, several of the spectacular variety.
The Tigers had more overall team speed, but the Badgers knew how to cover for it and get into position to defend all night long.
Chagrin hosts Coventry in the start of tourney action this week, while the Badgers (8-5-4) host Newton Falls at Great Lakes Cheese Stadium.
Whether hard work leads to a state title this year is unknown, but with a young roster to work with, Coach Patterson has the potential to reach the top in girls soccer soon.
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