Hooac Valley Girls Down Taconic

PITTSFIELD, Mass. – Put the Hoosac Valley girls soccer team under the lights, and they can really light up the scoreboard.

Without injured goalie Megan Richardson, the Hurricanes defeated the Taconic Braves, 5-1, Monday evening at Berkshire Community College.

It was Hoosac's second night game of the season; it scored six goals in its season opener against Drury at home on Renfrew Field.

On Monday night, Lily Kronick started the scoring 2 minutes into the first half off of a cross from Marissa Felter.

The Canes controlled the half from there on out; adding two more goals. But their defense is what led to such spectacular offensive play. Hoosac stopped Taconic at every chance they got and took advantage of open space to move the ball up the field.

Hoosac’s second and third goals came from Carah Cote and Abby Chaput; assisted by Kronick and Fallon Field.

“They’re picking their heads up and seeing the plays happen,” Hoosac coach Kristin Holmgren said about her offense.

And the Canes (2-2) continued these plays into the second half, opening the scoring off a shot from Field just outside of the 18, which soared just over the Taconic goalie's reach.

Taconic had an opportunity to put one in the net minutes later when the ball slipped through Hoosac goalie Kailynne Frederick’s hands, but Skylar Case was right there to support and worked the ball to Madi Ryan, who was able to clear it.

Hoosac’s final goal came when Cote beat a Taconic defender and went 1-on-1 with the goalie, who came out and challenged the play. The ball was deflected off the goalie into the net, considering it to be an “own goal”.

Taconic was finally able to add one to the board with five minutes remaining in the game. Lauren Curry slipped one through the Hoosac defenders, and Jill Campbell was able to finish it.

Holmgren is confident in her team’s ability for a successful season; considering their performance’s without Richardson. Her defense has done a spectacular job supporting their back-up goalie and making her feel comfortable in the net.

“I’ve been doing my best,” Frederick said. “Most of it comes from my team; I’m so proud of how they’ve stepped up and supported me since Meg has been out.”

Richardson is expected to be back in goal in Hoosac’s next game Thursday, against Lenox. Taconic now 2-2, will travel to Mount Everett Wednesday.