By: Sean Farrell, NorthJersey.com
GLEN ROCK
Nicole Crane showed how much can change when she’s happy and healthy in the middle of the field.
The Panthers sophomore scored two goals and brought a composed and physical mentality to lift the second seed past No. 6 Park Ridge, 3-0, on Tuesday afternoon. It sets up a championship matchup with Waldwick for the North 1, Group 1 crown.
The Panthers sealed their fate with three goals after the break, including tack-on scores from Crane in the 50th and 53rd minute. She’s back to 100 percent after missing the first two weeks while rehabbing from summer surgery on a torn right meniscus.
“I was a little nervous to start playing again because I hadn’t been playing the whole summer and everyone had been playing during preseason,” Crane said. “It was good to get back on the field and play with everyone.”
Glen Rock applied plenty of pressure throughout the game, but the Owls weathered the storm in the first half and came out of the break with their best stretch of soccer. Junior forward Ryan Doyle put the momentum back on the home team’s side by scoring her team-leading 17th goal with 32:26 to go in the game.
Crane doubled the lead by heading in a Carly Kopelman corner and added insurance with a well-struck shot in the box with 27:42 left. Her ability to direct traffic and shake off contact was a big factor in the rematch of last year’s quarterfinal won in overtime by Crane.
“I feel really confident with her in the middle of the field,” Doyle said. “She has really good footwork. I can always rely on her.”
The Panthers, who start only four seniors, are now unbeaten in their last 10 games with a stout defense anchored by goalie Annie Leonard. She didn’t have much do to on Tuesday with defenders Ava Lautermilch, Harper Goshin, Stephanie Biskobing and Vivian Ferreri keeping action out of the box.
“I think that was probably one of the best games we’ve played all year,” coach Steve Grenz said
Waldwick
The Warriors punched their ticket to the finals after welcoming back one of the top scorers in Bergen County.
Abby Incorvaia scored a goal in regulation and one in penalty kicks to help the top-seed down Pequannock, 2-1, (5-4 in the shootout). Four different players made shots for Waldwick in the tiebreaker including Abby’s older sister Ava (two goals) along with Kyra Rahulatharan and Hanao Nakamoto.
“They remained positive and supportive of one another,” coach Julia Cuddy said. “Their bond and focus really showed tonight. Another displaying of the tenacity I’ve witnessed all season.”
Boosting morale on the Waldwick sideline was the return of sophomore midfielder Abby Incorvaia after a three-game absence due to injury. She’s poured in 32 goals and 13 assists this year for a Waldwick offense that’s put up some staggering numbers. Her teammates rallied to win all three games while she healed and now have a chance to bring home the program’s first sectional title since 2012.
“I think some of the offensive players learned a lot about themselves during her absence and definitely built up confidence after the win against Park Ridge and then North Warren in the quarterfinals,” Cuddy said.
