There is no better way to end a regular season than with two crosstown rivals battling for the league title—and that's just what happened when Yorktown hosted Lakeland on Oct. 20 to battle for the crown.
Two Liv DelGaudio goals helped Yorktown erase a 1-0 halftime deficit and give the Huskers a 2-1 win and the League II-G championship.
“Winning the league title against our crosstown rival was an incredible moment,” DelGaudio said. “We came out in the second half determined to finish strong, and that’s exactly what we did. As a senior, it’s definitely one of the best highlights of my soccer career. Ending my final season with a championship means so much to me and to our team.”
Yorktown coach Ryan Langkafel said winning the league crown with this squad had extra meaning.
“We finished in second and were so close my first two seasons,” Langkafel said. “Returning 11 seniors this year, led by captains Liv, Izy (Walling) and Mandy (Amanda Linahan), it was our first goal that we could accomplish this year. To win the league with them, and the first of my career, meant so much. The preparation and hard work these girls put in has paid off, they truly deserve it, so it was great to see them enjoying the moment and celebrations after the game.”
Caroline Leonard put Lakeland up 1-0 midway through the first half.
“We had them under a lot of consistent pressure early on, allowing me to take advantage of the opportunity when it came and put one away for Lakeland,” Leonard said.
The play for the goal started with a great pass by Gianna Pace, who slipped the ball to Leonard just inside the box.
“I took a couple of touches and got a shot off, placing it right above the goalie,” Leonard said. “Scoring that goal felt amazing, especially knowing what was at stake. Even though it was exciting to put my team in the lead, I knew I had to stay focused because there was still a lot of soccer left to play.”
DelGaudio tied the game at 1-1 with a goal 1:30 into the second half.
“I passed the ball to Anna Walling and made my run, she dribbled up the field and crossed it to the box and I was able to connect and score,” DelGaudio said. “The feeling was absolutely electric to tie the game so early on in the second half.”
With 27:45 left in the game, DelGaudio scored what turned out to be the division winner.
“I received the ball from Kayleigh Hung off a throw-in, I turned my defender and laid the ball off to Amanda Linahan, who took a shot which was then deflected,” DelGaudio said. “I made my run into where the ball was deflected and finished. The game-winning goal is always a special one but this time it was beyond that. It was a storybook ending to my senior year.”
Despite the disappointment, Leonard, a senior, said she was proud of her team’s effort.
“Playing at our crosstown rival is always intense, and with the addition of the league title on the line just amplified that feeling,” Leonard said. “Getting an early goal to put us up 1-0 in the first half definitely gave us a boost of confidence and energy, and although we were not able to achieve the result we wanted, we still played well and worked hard.”
Yorktown’s Autumn Richards (9 saves) and Lakeland’s Amelia Calisi (8 saves) did the job in goal.
Mia Chee, Eva Monaco, Ella Simone, Khloe Clarkin, Lea Bryant, Gabby Luis, Anna Walling, Mackenzie Meola, Mia Spiniello, Maddy Reilly, Sienna Mosca, Julia Sammon, Tori Rocco, Sam Forte, Sydney Soliz, Keira Mooney, Olivia Woolard, Heilee Leonard, and Silvana Milizie also make up the Huskers’ league-championship squad.
“I was happy with the way we played. We worked hard and created some chances,” said Lakeland coach Greg Doell. “We just needed a bounce or two to go our way and it didn’t happen.”
While the league is decided, the rivalry has another chapter, as Yorktown will host Lakeland in the Section 1 AA Tournament quarterfinals at 5 p.m. Tuesday.
Both squads won their opening-round games on Oct. 25.
No. 4 Yorktown (9-5-3, 7-1-1) bested No. 13 Peekskill 4-1, led by DelGaudio (2G, 1A), Bryant (2A), Anna Walling (1G, 1A), Izy Walling (1G), and Richards (1 save).
No. 5 Lakeland (8-8-1, 6-3) defeated No. 12 Brewster 5-0, paced by Alexa Marricco (2G, 1A), Emily Hahn (2G, 1A), Pace (1G, 1A), Leonard (1A), and Calisi (6 saves).
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