Soccer is Headed to the Playoffs!
This was the Cardinals final week of regular season games before going into the playoffs. It was going to be a tough week with three games ahead. Last Wednesday, the Cardinals played the sixth ranked Northlake Christian and put in one of their best performances outplaying, out-possessing, and outshooting the opponent. They beat them in every aspect of the game except for the score. Northlake took three shots on goal, and two went in. Sacred Heart took at least 15 and only scored one off a beautiful bend in the corner from
Monet Menard ’20. The Cardinals lost 1-2, but the way they played showed how far they have come as a team.
The second match was against Country Day, and the Cardinals once again came to play. Only this time they took advantage of their chances.
Carolina Mehaffie ’24 started off the scoring with a great finish on a through ball from
Paige Ready ’23. Country Day struck back with a goal off a long free kick, but the Cardinals came right back within minutes and got the game-winner, a shot from
Monet Menard ’20 that was saved and finished by
Martha Hammet ’23. It was a great team effort and a great team win, 2-1.
The final game was against the fourth-ranked Christ Episcopal. This game would be a great test for the team as three starters would need to leave at halftime to make their confirmation. The Cardinals would need to be sharp because with a win or tie, their ranking for the playoffs would improve. They started out doing a good job defensively and taking chances when they had them. Both teams played well in the first half and neither could break the 0-0 tie at halftime. In the second half, the girls knew what they had to do. Christ Episcopal came out strong for the first five minutes, but the Cardinals came together and played an incredible second half.
Carolina Mehaffie ’24 scored on a goal that was pure effort and determination beating three defenders and the keeper single-handed with a left-foot finish. At the whistle, Carolina played a pass to
Martha Hammet ’23 who placed the ball brilliantly in the corner. The Cardinals won their final game 2-0 and bettered their rankings in the playoffs to the 13th seed. What a great week of soccer!
Soccer will face St. Frederick in the opening round of the playoffs at Pan Am on Friday at 5:00 p.m. Go Cardinals!