Julia Tylar's free-kick goal for West decides the Battle of Smithtown for girls soccer title
Smithtown West celebrates Julia Tyler's goal during the Suffolk Class AA girls soccer final against Smithtown East in North Babylon on Tuesday. Credit: Peter Frutkoff
When Julia Tylar stepped up for a 19-yard free kick midway through the second half, she had the weight of two Smithtown communities on her shoulders. And she felt it.
"I was nervous," Tylar admitted.
Nervous because her foot could decide the outcome of the first Smithtown vs. Smithtown county final in any sport, according to Smithtown officials, as No. 3 Smithtown West and No. 5 Smithtown East took the field at North Babylon High School with a girls soccer Suffolk Class AA title at stake. But Tylar connected, getting just enough on the shot to get it past the outstretched arms of the Smithtown East goalkeeper for the game’s lone goal in a 1-0 championship victory for Smithtown West Tuesday afternoon.
"I knew it was in between the crossbar and [the goalkeeper’s] hands," Tylar said. "I wasn’t sure if she was going to be able to get it or not. I was just waiting and watching it happen. I got chills when I looked around and everyone was celebrating."
Tylar’s goal sends Smithtown West (16-2-1) to the Long Island Class AA championship/Southeast Regional Final against Massapequa at Shoreham-Wading River High School Saturday at 4 p.m. Smithtown East finishes 12-3-3.
"We had no doubt when we saw her about to kick the ball," senior midfielder Hannah Maracina said. "We just know she has the foot and the ability and the technical skill to finish anything in that area. We know it’s a lot of pressure on her, but she handles it amazing."
The neighboring schools brought out a new level of intensity on the field and in the bleachers with 1,500 fans in attendance.
"County finals is all we wanted and especially against [Smithtown] East, a really well-respected team, crosstown rivals," Maracina said. "We couldn’t have asked for a better way to continue the season. And I think the crowd with East vs. West really brought our energy up a lot more than we could have ever wanted."
The players and coaches know the next game will be a tough test against a 17-0-1 Massapequa team, but coach Emily Fey said the girls are already talking about practice to prepare.
"I couldn’t be happier for these girls," Fey said. "We’ve been saying since the beginning our goal is to go upstate, so we’re just one step closer with this win today and I’m so happy for us. They played phenomenally."
