Center Moriches girls fall short, lose in penalty kicks
Center Moriches' Hailey Krauss (1) controls the ball as Wilson's Rachel Senek (21) defends during the NYSPHSAA Class B Girl's soccer state semifinals played at Cortland High School on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015. Credit: Rich Barnes
It was not the fairytale ending they dreamed for themselves. But the players from the Center Moriches girls soccer team walked off the field to adoring fans, raucous applause and the respect of everyone who had just witnessed them giving it their all.
Not even a 2-1 loss to Buffalo Wilson in a Class B semifinal Saturday can taint what the Red Devils accomplished this season.
"I got to go to states my senior year with my sisters," said goalie Megan Ricci, who played superb. "It can't get any better. We play high school ball to come here."
It came down to penalty kicks on a frigid afternoon at Cortland High School. Casey Luongo and Hailey Krauss scored for Center Moriches, but Buffalo Wilson won scored four times.
In the playoffs, Center Moriches (15-1-2) beat Mattituck, Babylon and Nassau B champ Carle Place to win the Long Island title.
"It meant a lot to get here," Luongo said. "We fought. We had heart and determination. I'm so proud of everybody."
After 85 minutes of scoreless soccer, Luongo broke through for Center Moriches. She stole the ball, wove through two defenders and scored from 12 yards to put the Red Devils ahead 1-0.
Luongo, who missed all of last year with a torn ACL, leads Long Island with 31 goals.
"She wanted this more than anything," coach Sara Sullivan said. "She breathes soccer. It's tough to see her upset like this, but she's an outstanding player, she always gives 100 percent. She pushes for herself, her teammates, for us coaches."
Emily Paterson tied it for Buffalo Wilson in the 92nd minute to set the stage for penalty kicks.
After it was over, with Buffalo Wilson still celebrating its win in the background, the players from Center Moriches walked toward the stands and heard the applause from their fans: "We're still proud of you, Devils!" they shouted.
"Having the fans come up to support us," Luongo said, "you can't ask for more than that. It's awesome."
For Ricci, it was a reminder.
"We worked so hard and we got something out of it," she said. "We can't forget that. We've left our mark."
Ricci expects the Red Devils to make it back upstate soon. "And I'll be with them," she said. "Just in the stands, next time."
