Cards fall to Eagles in regional semi
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EAST FAIRFIELD -- Cardinal Mooney’s season came to an end on Tuesday, falling 8-2 to Warren JFK in a Division IV, Region 15, semifinal.
Mooney junior Mia Williams scored both goals for the Cardinals.
The Cardinals end their season with an 11-7-2 mark and as district champions in the first year under coach Britta McCreary.
"We lost some really key seniors going into this year, and we were stepping into Division IV, so we had our work cut out for us," McCreary said. "But we had a lot of girls step into new roles, and everybody really stepped up. They worked together, played excellently. Today wasn’t necessarily our best showing, but the way everybody stepped up and banded together throughout the season was really impressive."
Mooney graduates three seniors, Leah Hudak, Julia Diorio and Lainey Hunt. The three have made McCreary’s transition to head coach easy, and will leave big shoes to fill going forward.
"I’ve been with them all four years, (three) as an assistant, and it’s a really special group of girls," McCreary said. "Some incredible athletes, wonderful leadership, and they’re just a delight to be around. So we’re going to miss them tremendously moving forward.”
The win sets the Eagles up in what will be their first regional final showdown.
Despite the lopsided score, Kennedy coach Kayla Zoccole was quick to mention how tough a team the opposition was.
"This game is still pretty reflective of Mooney’s intensity to score, no matter what the scoreboard looks like," Zoccole said. "I think we as a team played a little bit better than we did the first game, as in connecting passes and being dominant on the offensive side. Tonight, they were scoring through a great goalkeeper [Mooney’s Nina Hughes], who has stepped in as a freshman and done a great job."
With an intense game that carries a lot of weight comes an added physical touch that both teams were prepared for.
“I think that our group of girls have been competitive all year long, playing against some pretty tough teams, and have been pushed around and bumped around a little bit, so I think they were ready today," Zoccole said. "Obviously, frustration comes and some silly retaliation fouls, but for the most part, I think we dominated on the field and physically, I think they were ready to get knocked over."
The Eagles walked off the field in the first half with a 4-0 advantage.
Didi Ryan scored twice, alongside sophomore Sophia Tilley and a penalty kick from Maylee Nadaud.
Ryan scored twice more in the second half and Nadaud scored again.
Kennedy has the luxury of multiple talented scorers, any of whom can strike at any given time.
"I’ve been very blessed that every single kid has confidence and believes in themselves, and they work together as a team," Zoccole said. "Any team that sees us, they could shut down Didi, but that leaves Maylee and (Sophia Beltran) and (Sophia and Olivia Tilley) and a lot of other people available. That’s one pro of us is that if you shut down one part of us, there’s another part that’s going to come attacking."
Kennedy (16-4) will face off against West Branch with a trip to the state final four on the line. The game is scheduled for Saturday.