For the first time ever, Coginchaug Girls Soccer advanced to the final round of the CIAC Class S Championship and defeated Morgan 4-3 in penalty kicks in a nail-biter game, on Sunday, November 17th.
The game started slowly with not much action until Morgan scored a goal in the 19th minute. The game remained at 1-0 until the second half when sophomore Allison Booth scored the tying goal on an assist from Sophie Farr in the 57th minute. The game continued until the time on the clock ran out, ending regular play with the game tied at 1-1.
Both teams entered into overtime play determined to secure the championship win, but at the end of two ten minute overtime halves, the score remained tied.
The game then moved to penalty kicks. Morgan scored their first two penalty kicks. Seniors Sophie Farr and Rachel Dills landed shots for Coginchaug. Then on Morgan’s third kick, freshman Anna Meisenkothen, Conginchaug’s starting and only goalie, made an exceptional dive and blocked the shot. Addy Nappi then put Coginchaug ahead 3-2, which was followed by successful shots from a Morgan player and Coginchaug sophomore Taylor Kestenbaum, to bring the score to 4-3. Morgan’s next shot hit the post which sealed the historic win for Coginchaug.
After clinching the win, all of Coginchaug’s players raced to surround each other in celebration. The loud and spirited Coginchaug fans, sporting blue Coginchaug gear and yellow Believe t-shirts, went wild waving their yellow BELIEVE signs.
Anna Meisenkothen was named MVP of the game. Meisenkothen, when asked about her award, says, “This MVP award means so much to me. As a freshman, joining the team this year there was a lot of pressure to step up and fill this role. However, with the support of teammates and coaches we got the job done.”
Congratulations to the entire Coginchaug Girls Soccer Team on their championship win and a great season!
Congratulations to: Sophie Farr, Estella Perez, Etta Funke, Rachel Dills, Regan Dills, Kaelyn Connell, Emerson McGoldrick, Kiara Kaczor, Aaliyah Watson, Allison Booth, Shayla Vazquez, Marcy Funke, Taylor Kestenbaum, Sofia Hempel, Jilliana Casillo, Whitney Aingworth, Anna Meisenkothen, Addy Nappi, Aurora Kobus, and Kylie Dailey
