Another perfect day for soccer Saturday, sunny with light winds. After a loss to Neds before the fall season opener, Harps were looking to even the score. The match kicked off with Harps putting on immediate pressure with solid possession and threats on goal. Neds weren’t without their own attacks, but were unable to penetrate Harps’ defense. It was a Harps’ attack up the left flank when Sandra Carolan sent a precision cross in for an Amy Rinehart clinical finish putting Harps in the lead. Their opponents didn’t sit quiet for long as their own assault on goal forced Marissa Bea to fully outstretch to get a tip of the ball sending it wide and brilliantly denying Neds.
The second half showcased Harps’ ability to maintain possession and composure. Even while under pressure, their defense never panicked and succeeded in clearing the danger. The offense also maintained pressure on Neds’ goal with Rinehart lofting in several crosses, which ended in narrowly missed finishes. One such recipient of a Rinehart perfect cross was Ruth Moskowitz who received the ball on the far post and managed to put it beyond the keeper and the open net. But Harps were relentless when Suzy Malone drove up the left flank and sent a cross in for Carolan to tap home a second goal. Harps defeat Neds 2-0, cutting three points from Neds’ second place lead.
Best for Harps: Amy Rinehart & Sandra Carolan.