Father McGivney Reaches First IHSA Girls Soccer Finals
The Lady Griffins made program history in Bethalto with a decisive super sectional win over Litchfield. Key first-half goals set the tone for a memorable postseason breakthrough.
BETHALTO — Father McGivney advanced to the IHSA State Girls Soccer Finals for the first time in program history Monday evening, defeating Litchfield 3-0 in the Civic Memorial Super Sectional.
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Claire Wade opened the scoring at the 33:25 mark of the first half, heading in a corner kick for the Lady Griffins’ first goal. Natalie Beck added a penalty kick with 1:40 remaining in the half, sending the ball past Litchfield goalkeeper Lynzie Reid to give Father McGivney a 2-0 lead.
“It wasn't an easy road to get to the state tonight. Litchfield competed hard. It was a big goal to get us started tonight by Claire Wade, and the girls kept going,” Father McGivney coach Jason Turkington said.
Father McGivney Reaches First IHSA Girls Soccer Finals
Litchfield tightened its defense in the second half and held the Griffins scoreless for much of the period. But with 5:09 left in the match, Bristol Ellis scored the final goal from about 30 yards out.
Father McGivney also limited Litchfield’s chances on goal and preserved the shutout.
“The program has come a long way. I couldn't have done it without the players and coaches before us paving the way for us,” Turkington said.
Toward the end of the game, Litchfield received two yellow cards. Coach Dominique Ranger was also issued a yellow card and then a red card for arguing calls.
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