BELFAST — The Belfast girls’ soccer teams hosted the Medomak Valley Panthers Sept 16. In the varsity match, the two teams played to a 2-2 double overtime draw. Despite dominating much of the match, Belfast conceded the first goal 30 minutes into the first half.

Medomak Valley took that lead into halftime.

Just after the break, Medomak Valley doubled its lead in the 41st minute of the match. After the second Medomak goal, Belfast scored two goals two minutes apart from one another. The first goal, in the 51st minute, was scored by Alexis Racioppi, and came off of a corner kick. Lydia Violette floated a corner into the area and Racioppi flicked it into the side netting at the far post past the Medomak goal keeper.

Two minutes later, Belfast equalized, when Kasey McLeod turned in a cross from Violette. The tying goal came in the 53rd minute.

In the game's final 27 minutes both teams created chances, but Belfast created more and better chances — including a missed penalty kick, a miss on an empty net from inside the 6-yard box and a missed one-on-one opportunity with the Panthers goalkeeper.

Overtime was fairly uneventful, with both teams having chances; although not great chances.

It was a tough match and I am really pleased with the effort of my girls. This is a game that past teams would have lost — coming back from 2-0 down at the start of the half shows a lot of heart, determination and team spirit.

KEY STATS

Shots:
Belfast: 26
Medomak: 11

Saves:
Belfast: 6 (Cori Shooter)
Medomak: 19 (Chelsea Ripley)

Corners:
Belfast: 3
Medomak: 8

Goals:
Medomak: Jordan Moore (30:00), Lexi Genthner(41:00)
Belfast: Alexis Racioppi (51:00), Kasey McLeod (53:00)

Assists:
Medomak: Miranda Belcher
Belfast: Lydia Violette (2)

In the junior varsity match, Belfast bested Medomak Valley 1-0 on an Olivia Lovejoy goal. 

The article’s author, Chris Lavelle, is the Belfast Lions’ varsity girls soccer head coach. 

Reach the Pilot sports department at: sports@penbaypilot.com.