Game MPSSAA Class 3A Girls Soccer State of round Round 2

The Towson girls’ soccer team showed resilience and determination in their 3-1 victory over Oakdale in the state semifinals, coming back after conceding an early goal. Both Towson and Oakdale entered the match undefeated in conference play, and the closely matched competition was apparent from the start. Off a goal kick, the ball was laid off to Ryleigh Alcala at midfield. She ran with the ball down the left wing and scored 15 minutes into the game. Towson kept the pressure on, putting shots on target and winning corners until a corner from Koto Davis landed at the feet of Lila Minton who scored at the back post. Oakdale challenged Towson goalkeeper Madden Sysantos, but she made good saves and was aggressive in coming out of the goal to claim the ball. With possession being exchanged back and forth coming out for the second half, Ari Defino crossed from the right wing to Gia Celenza, Towson’s leading scorer. The looping header put the Generals up 2-1. After Towson took the lead, fatigue seemed to set in for both teams. The ball was turned over at a higher rate and the game became more physical. The physicality came with fouls on both sides, and with 15 minutes left Towson left back Koto Davis scored an extraordinary free kick from 25 yards to seal the victory. A defense that did not allow more than one goal throughout the entire season held strong against Oakdale, who showed that they were one of the best teams in the state. The Generals will now be looking to win their first state title in program history. They will have to go through undefeated defending champions Severna Park to make that happen.