RIDER GIRLS CLAIM METRO CONFERENCE CROWN

The Roosevelt Girls Soccer team was determined to reclaim the top spot in the Metro Conference this year. The only thing standing in their way was the Lincoln Railsplitters. The only two undefeated teams left in conference, played ninety seven minutes before the Riders could call themselves champions after a dramatic 1-0 double overtime win.

The victory was in doubt much of the game. Many of the conference games up to this point had been a cakewalk. The Riders dominating possession and disciplined defense typically wore down opponents. The defending conference champion Rails were committed to not give up their crown without a fight. The Rider back line of Amber Bormann, Rachel Galluzzo, and captains Miranda Vermeer and Sara Schweitzer, were kept busy much of the first 20 minutes of the game. This defensive unit was up to the task as usual. They conceded zero goals in conference play this season. A truly remarkable turnaround after conceding seven to conference teams last year. Goalkeeper Mia Kaufman was forced into making the biggest save of the game as she pounced on a breakaway shot by Lincoln midway through the half. The save turned into momentum as the Riders spent the majority of the rest of the half in the Lincoln side of the field.

The second half started much like the first with Lincoln starting fast and the Riders back on their heels. As the game wore on, the Riders started picking apart Lincoln's Sweeper-Stopper defense. Quality chances started coming late in the game and throughout the overtime. Anna Gilbreath nearly finished a Brynna Shaffer shot off the crossbar. Celia Delury's left footer sailed just wide. Delury with a cross to Ivy O'Conner stuffed by the keeper on the goal line. Again Delury to O'Conner in the box with a shot just wide. A Gilbreath cross to the back post to a streaking Delury was played just over the crossbar. Lincoln was desperately holding on. A PK shoot out seemed imminent. With 3 minutes remaining, Roosevelt earned the breakthrough they were seeking. Left back Rachel Galluzzo gathered a Lincoln clear at midfield and played forward to Gilbreath at the top of the box. Gilbreath played a one touch pass to Delury on the wing. The lefty went to work exposing the right back as she had much of the second half and overtime. A little stop and go move took her to the end line where she drove the ball towards the front of the goal. The Lincoln defenders were caught ball watching and paid a mighty price. Senior captain Ivy O'Conner crashed the goal box from the backside barely beating the keeper to the ball and securing the Riders third conference title in five years.

Next up on the schedule for the Riders is a 7:30 pm Tuesday game at Ankeny before hosting Mason City at 4:45 on Friday.