Heraldo de Madrid - Averill Park Defeats Schalmont in Overtime to Win Section 2 Class A Soccer Title

Averill Park captured the Section 2 Class A girls’ soccer championship on Tuesday night with a 4-3 victory over top-seeded Schalmont, decided by a golden goal in overtime at Arthur E. Walker Field in Latham.

Abigail Meissner scored the decisive goal with 3:34 remaining in extra time, ending a match that saw Schalmont rally from a three-goal deficit to force the extended period. The win marks Averill Park’s first sectional title since 2018 and halts Schalmont’s bid for a seventh consecutive sectional championship.

Averill Park, seeded No. 2, established early control in the first half. Teagan DeLair opened the scoring with a 35-yard free kick with 5:34 left before halftime, giving the Golden Knights a 1-0 lead. The goal also marked Averill Park’s fifth shot on goal of the half, while Schalmont had not registered a single attempt on target.

Schalmont’s first shot on target did not occur until just over 33 minutes remained in regulation. Senior captain Selena Cassano then equalized from a 30-yard free kick to make it 1-1.

Averill Park regained the lead less than three minutes later when Mia Viloria headed in a cross from DeLair, making the score 2-1. DeLair added her second goal with 17:17 left in regulation, dribbling through Schalmont’s defense to find an opening.

Schalmont mounted a late surge in the final minutes of play. Gia Kowalczyk reduced the deficit to 3-2 on a breakaway with 12:37 remaining. Cassano tied the game at 3-3 with her second goal of the night, another free kick, with 9:50 left in regulation.

In overtime, Averill Park appeared poised to end the contest early. Meissner broke away on a fast break less than three minutes into extra time but had her shot deflected off the left post. Teammate Bailey Roilotta followed with a shot that went over the crossbar.

Nine minutes later, Meissner received another opportunity and capitalized, scoring the decisive goal to clinch the title for Averill Park.

The Golden Knights will advance to the regional final on Saturday at Niskayuna, where they will face Section 7 champion Beekmantown at noon. Schalmont finishes the season with a record of 14-6 overall, missing the state tournament for the first time since 2018.

Averill Park’s scoring came from Meissner (1), DeLair (2), and Viloria (1). Schalmont’s goals were scored by Cassano (2) and Kowalczyk (1). Averill Park goalkeeper Carnevale recorded one save, while Schalmont’s Banks made eight saves.

H.Santana--HdM