Knoch girls edge Freeport, 3-2
BUFFALO TWP — Earlier this season, Knoch’s girls soccer team fell to Freeport, 2-1. Late in Wednesday’s rematch, the Knights once again found themselves on the short end of a 2-1 score to the section-leading Yellowjackets.
It appeared as though Knoch would have to settle for another moral victory, playing a very good team close before tasting defeat.
But the Knights wanted more, then went out and got it.
Sophomore defender Emma Slusser headed in the tying goal off a free kick in the 76th minute, then won the game with a free kick of her own in the 98th minute at Freeport Stadium.
The 3-2 double-overtime win keeps Knoch alive for the Section 2-2A title. Only the Knights (12-3-1, 8-1-1) and Yellowjackets (12-2, 9-2) are still in play for the championship.
Slusser’s game-winner came from 45 yards out, just two and a half minutes from the game ending in a tie.
The shot was placed just below the crossbar and just above the reach of Freeport goalkeeper Alyssa Alcorn.
“It felt great seeing that ball go in,” Slusser said. “I’m happy to help the team.”
Knoch coach Greg Hess knows Slusser has the potential to be a scoring threat, despite playing in the back.
“We’ve told her that she is our attacking-style defender,” he said. “If she’s not taking the free kicks, she’s in the crowd in front of the net.”
Knoch grabbed a 1-0 lead with Macrina Robb’s goal in the 24th minute, but Freeport moved ahead thanks to a pair of goals by Aleah Parison 10 minutes apart in the second half.
“We battled back in the second half, but sometimes the ball doesn’t bounce your way,” said Freeport coach Joe Treglia.
Hannah Klemm stopped nine shots in goal for Knoch. Freeport starter Liv Giancola made seven saves before leaving the game with an injury in the first overtime. Alcorn had two saves.
The 2022 campaign has been a turnaround season for both teams.
Knoch, previously a Class 3A team, last made the playoffs in 2017. From 2018-2021, the Knights compiled a 12-50-3 record.
“Everybody put in extra work during the offseason and we’re fighting to the end of games,” Slusser said.
Wednesday’s game was a perfect example of that.
“In years past, we’d probably put our heads down and lose this game, 2-1,” Hess said. “But the girls worked all winter, spring and summer, got out there and played a lot of soccer together.”
Freeport made the playoffs last year, but finished with a 5-11-1 record. Now the ‘Jackets sport one of the best records in the WPIAL with the playoffs just around the corner.
“The team chemistry has changed,” said Treglia. “The girls don’t care who is scoring the goals as long as we’re winning. It’s a different mentality.”
Both teams will play section games Monday. Freeport visits Highlands while Knoch travels to Deer Lakes.
