Everything went right for the Huntington High School girls’ soccer team on Thursday afternoon as the Blue Devils overcame a late game scare to notch a scoreless tie against visiting Smithtown East, one of the top squads in Suffolk.
Through 80 minutes of regulation play and two 10-minute overtime periods neither team could find the net. Both had chances, including in the closing minutes. Huntington goalie Ainsely Lumpe was once again splendid, recording many saves on blistering shots and deflecting others.
“I was really proud of how hard everybody played today,” Lumpe said. “It was a really tough, intense game and every single person on our team contributed to the well-earned tie. I am excited to see what the rest of the season has to hold for us.”
Huntington was simply outstanding, effectively moving the ball and playing superb defense. Highly regarded Smithtown East and the Blue Devils both came into the game undefeated. The two teams challenged for every ball and gave their fans a real treat.
“I am super proud of the way we played today,” said Marissa Stafford, one of Huntington’s best players. “We played with so much heart and hustle and it paid off. Even though we only tied, it was still an amazing game and we really held our own against a very talented team. This game gives me high hopes for the rest of the season.”
Most of the second half was played in a heavy mist making for slippery conditions, but the two teams endured and played remarkably mistake free.
“Today’s game was unbelievable by everyone,” Riva Bergman said. “We were full of energy and hungry for the ball. I’m so extremely proud of each and every one of my teammates and can’t wait to see what team we take down next. Huntington varsity girls’ soccer has so much talent. I can’t wait to step on the field with my best friends and play the way we did today again.”
When the final horn sounded, both teams were exhausted. “It was the most exciting soccer game I have ever been part of,” Julia Steinberg said. “We really stepped up our game and a 0-0 draw against one of the best teams in Suffolk County will give us a lot of confidence going forward.”
With mere minutes remaining in the second overtime it appeared Smithtown East had finally scored when a shot bounced out and the Bulls blasted the rebound and Lumpe couldn’t hold onto the slippery ball. But the two officials conferred and ruled the shot had actually struck the football goalpost crossbar and not the frame of the soccer goal and thus was out of bounds. Play resumed with the score still 0-0.
Huntington had the ball right in front of Smithtown East’s net with seconds remaining, but couldn’t get off a shot.
“I feel amazing after today’s game,” Jordan Forte said. “It really proved that we can compete with some of the best teams in the league. We all worked so hard from the first minute all the way to the 100th minute in OT. Ainsley Lumpe in the goal played insane and really helped keep us in the game. I couldn’t be more proud.”
The scoreless tie sent a message to Suffolk that Huntington is for real. No one can take the Blue Devils for granted now.
“Today’s game was a huge milestone for us,” Teddi Carnesi said. “We knew that today’s game was going to be a challenge, but took it with a lot of excitement. Today we showed what Huntington girls’ soccer is made of; heart, positivity and will. I am extremely hopeful that the rest of our season will resemble the way we collaborated today.”
