Harrison girls battle Pirates to scoreless tie in Play for a Cure game
By Skip Pearlman
The Harrison High girls soccer team had their hands full last Thursday at home, trying to keep the visiting Pirates of Pearl River out of their goal.
The Huskies’ defense – anchored by standout net minder Cailyn Burgos – did its job, holding the Pirates scoreless throughout regulation and two 10-minute overtime periods.
But Harrison’s offense was also unable to penetrate Pearl River’s defense, and the end result – after 100 minutes of soccer – was a 0-0 tie on Harrison’s Senior Night – also their Play for a Cure game, with proceeds going to the American Cancer Society
For the better part of regulation play, the Pirates managed to keep play in the Harrison end, putting pressure on the Huskies defense, and Burgos, who made at least two spectacular saves – one on a full extension dive, and the other deflecting a ball that was headed in the net, over the crossbar.
Harrison had its chances on the offensive end as well, but was unable to capitalize.
“We definitely had our opportunities,” Huskies coach Jon-Erik Zappala said. “We had two breakaways, and put the ball over the net… and their goalie had a good game. We didn’t capitalize when we had chances, and both goalies played well.
“Everyone played hard, and I thought we moved the ball well,” Zappala added. “Cailyn made some big saves, she had a really good game. And Jessica Scazzero played really well. Maddy Specht was killing it out there, she played very well. Cat Ensign, who injured an ankle (but is hopeful for sectionals) also had a good game for us.”
Saturday at home, Harrison (5-9-1) nearly kept the Dutchmen out of the net, but TZ got a 1-0 win, with the game-winning goal coming from Shauna Shalvey, off an assist from Amy Kohen, with just 10 minutes to play in regulation.
Burgos stopped eight shots on goal for Harrison, while Molly McGovern made six saves in net for Tappan Zee.
“That was unfortunate,” Zappala said. “We played with a lot of heart. We moved the ball well… in the last third, we were around the goal box… but in the final third we didn’t communicate well. So we ended up losing the ball down there. The TZ defense played well.
“Gina Dirusso played well for us at midfield,” Zappala went on, “and on the line Maya Samad made some good runs… she was definitely in the right places and created opportunities. We just didn’t seal the deal.”
Harrison was scheduled to end regular season play Monday, taking on Pleasantville (too late for this edition). Zappala was expecting the Huskies to have a play-in game Thursday, and first-round playoff action gets underway Friday.
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