GIRLS SOCCER: McConnellsburg 0, Windber 1.  On October 29^th, the #1 seed McConnellsburg Lady Spartans as home team faced the #2 seed Windber Lady Ramblers in the District 5 Class A soccer championship played at Northern Bedford High School.  Both teams had a tightly contested season as each had a 1-1 seasonal record having won each’s home game 2-1.  But it would be the Ramblers to outshoot the Spartans in overtime and score the lone winning goal for the championship.  This defeat snapped a 12-game Spartan win streak.  The last Spartan loss was to Windber on their field in September.

In the first half, the Ramblers held the edge in corner kicks and a slight edge in shots taken, whereas the Spartans held the edge in shots on goal (SOG).  In the second half, the Spartans had the edge in SOG, accumulating six to the Rambler’s three.  That was their best opportunity for scoring having twice outshot the opponents.  But, it was in overtime where Windber’s offense ramped up by attempting four shots on goal to none for the Spartans.

With just over one minute to play, the Spartans had a throw-in deep in Rambler territory.  The ball got to center goal for what became the Spartan’s last scoring opportunity, but it was blocked by Rambler defense near the 12 and sent forward into Spartan territory.  In transition, five Ramblers faced three Spartan defenders. Windber’s striker faced one Spartan defender and the goalie who came out to capture the ball.  The keeper rolled onto the ball but in the ensuing fury lost control and the Rambler striker picked the ball loose and kicked it toward the goal where it deflected off a Spartan defender and went in.

Game Summary:

                1    2  OT1        F

Windber   0    0    1     —  1

McClbg     0    0    0     —  0

Up next:  The Lady Spartans (19-3) advance to the first round of the PIAA Class A playoffs on November 4^th vs an opponent, place and time TBA.