In the final game of the regular season, the Taylor women's soccer team finally won in overtime. After three losses and a draw in their first four overtime games this year, junior forward Molly Drooger struck in the 96th minute to give the Trojans a dramatic 1-0 victory.
The win ensures at least a fourth place finish in conference, and it gives the Trojans home field advantage for the opening round of the Crossroads League tournament on Saturday.
Taylor (12-4-1, 5-3-1) dominated Huntington (12-5-1, 5-3-1) throughout most of the game, outshooting the Foresters 27-9, but they were unable to find a breakthrough in regulation.
"We were in control, but we didn't look that threatening," Head Coach Scott Stan said. "Their goalie barely had to make any saves, we had trouble getting a good shot off and shot a lot of balls over the net."
Taylor's efforts were finally rewarded in the sixth minute of extra time, as Drooger received a pass from senior Rebecca Dix from 18 yards out and blasted a shot past the keeper into the top corner.
"Becca was so calm in front of the goal and gave me a perfect pass, and I was able to finish it," Drooger said.
"I received the ball at the top of the box and saw Molly running to the top of the box, and I was able to slide the ball through to her," Dix said. "She hit it beautifully into the back of the net."
The goal was the 17th of the season for Drooger, tied for first in conference.
Sophomore Kristiana Griffith saved five shots en route to her seventh shutout of the season, as the Taylor defense continued its recent dominance. The Trojans have allowed one goal in their last four games, going 4-0-1.
"The defense did a great job staying compact, and together the midfielders and forwards worked to shut down dangerous passing opportunities and service from the middle of the field to the attackers," said senior defender Jenna Fahlen. "One lapse of focus or effort can end in a goal, and with the game being 0-0 all of regulation, we had to stay focused to get the job done."
Stan was surprised by Huntington's lack of fight.
"Huntington is a really good team, but Wednesday they didn't look like a good team," Stan said. "It was nice to win a close game, but it didn't feel like we had to work as hard as usual."
The Trojans will host either Spring Arbor or St. Francis Saturday to kick off the conference tournament.
"We're not playing anyone new, so we mostly just need to focus on staying sharp," Stan said.
The team is looking forward to the tournament and has been preparing for it since last fall.
"We lost a heartbreaker to Grace in overtime to end last season, and ever since then our theme has been RTN (Road to Nationals). Every practice, game and workout has been done with RTN in mind," Fahlen said.
Drooger echoed Fahlen's anticipation.
"We know we can reach nationals, and I can guarantee that every day we will be getting more and more excited to play and keep playing."
Beyond willpower, Stan believes the team has the talent to go far this year.
"Almost all of our games have been close and no one in our league really scares us. Having that first game at home is really big."
No matter what happens, the team is staying grounded in Christ.
"We are going to take it one game at a time with confidence that this is not for our glory, but for the One who gives us the talent, ability, breath, life and passion to play," Fahlen said.
