Marathon Girls’ Soccer. (Photo from earlier in the season/The Cortland Voice).
The #1 seeded Marathon Lady Olympians’ season came to an end after a heartbreaking 2-4 loss to Franklin (4th seed) in the Section IV Class D Sectional semifinals in Oneonta.
Franklin came out strong from the start, taking control of the field in the first few minutes of the game, and therefore getting a quick 2-0 lead.
However, with about four minutes left in the first half, Marathon senior Lindsay Courtney scored off an assist from Marissa Allen to make it 1-2, keeping the Olympians in the game.
It was a closer second half, with both teams scoring a goal in the first 20 minutes, making it 2-3.
Franklin then capitalized by scoring another goal to end the game, and therefore getting them through to the sectional finals.
“I told our team after the game to hold their heads high and not let today’s loss take away from their accomplishments this season,” said Marathon Head Coach Elizabeth Duncan. “We did not play our best for 80 minutes. We had glimpses of ourselves; but in order to win in the postseason you have to play every second of every game.”
Marathon’s offense was led by Lindsay Courtney (1 goal), Delta Barber (1 goal), and Marissa Allen (1 assist).
Franklin’s was led by Shannon Kingsbury (2 goals), Valentina Temple (1 goal), and Patricia Rodriguez-Matias (1 goal).
Marathon goalkeepers Kendre Euson and Brenna VanDee combined for a total of 16 saves in the game. Kendre Euson had 5 saves and Brenna VanDee made 11 saves for Marathon; while Franklin goalie Madeline Hyzer made 8 saves.
“Franklin was the better team today, it’s unfortunate we don’t get a chance to defend our sectional title from 2019,” added Coach Duncan. “I’m proud of this team, a 15-3 record is a representation of a great season.”
Here is a score breakdown of yesterday’s game:
