The energy was through the roof after junior Emilie Cadigan on an assist from freshman Gella Hollins, netted a goal in the first minutes of the second half. Despite a low-scoring game, the top-seeded, No. 4 Westfield soccer Blue Devils dominated the field with both their offense and defense, giving them the 1-0 win over the fourth-seeded AL Johnson Crusaders in Clark on October 25 to send them into the Union County Tournament finals to face the second-seeded Cranford Cougars.
Coming into the semifinals of the county tournament undefeated, the Blue Devils were not going to let this be their first loss. From the very start, they communicated consistently with high energy and this created a strong base for the rest of the game.
For Westfield, good playing starts with a great mindset. Senior Andie Janota said, “Our team really focuses on bringing the energy everywhere. Keeping positive both on the field and off the field.”
The Blue Devils worked hard throughout the entire game, with lockdown defense that translated into aggressive offense. There was no dominant component of the Blue Devils; they worked in sync, allowing them to get many opportunities. Even with no goals in the first half, they continued to keep calm and continue to take shots.
At the start of the second half, they came out with the same intensity as the first, but this time were able to skillfully pass their way into a goal. Cadigan said, “We were able to play calmly and more off the ball to get those combination plays in order to finish.”
This was the first and only goal of the game, leading Westfield to the 10 victory and their ninth shutout of the season. Blue Devil Head Coach Alex Schmidt was very happy with how the girls approached this game. “The girls fought; they were patient, so this was a good test.”
The girls held possession of the ball majority of the game and the defense pushed through to hold off Arthur. L Johnson to one shot on goal and senior keeper Sofia Buoscio needed only to make one save. Goalkeeper Suzie Pires recorded 12 saves for the 9-3-1 Crusaders. “The defense always sets the tone for the energy that we’re going to be starting out with,” said Janota.
The team played confidently throughout the entire game and will continue that confidence to the county finals. Cadigan said, “We will need to stay composed, make sure the defense is strong because that’s number one, and make sure we’re staying together as a team.”
Schmidt said in preparation, they will “Get healthy. Recover this week. And watch film to see what they do technically and tactically.”
The 13-0 Blue Devils will finish the county tournament at Arthur L. Johnson this Saturday, November 1, at 5 p.m. against the 11-2-1 Cranford Cougars, who knocked off the sixthseeded Scotch Plains-Fanwood Raiders, 1-0, in the other semifinal.
Certain stats and dates were added by The Leader.
