Kaley Scores to Lift Wahconah to Tie Against Agawam

DALTON, Mass. – Sammie Kaley scored the goal of the night to tie up the Wahconah girls soccer team between Agawam on Monday.

 

Agawam set the tone of the Senior Night in the first 13 minutes of the game, scoring the first goal and putting pressure on Wahconah to make a comeback.

 

Throughout the first half, it was a hard and well fought game with excellent exchanges of possession to keep the game moving and exciting. Both teams maintained a strong defense as well and were not willing to give up another goal. 

 

“We never gave up for a second,” Wahconah coach Maggie Rivers said. “We switched some things around at half-time and I think it made a difference. The people in the back really stepped up because we put a little more pressure on them so we could free some space up and they got the job done. I'm super proud of them.”

 

The visitors did not relent under that pressure, but in the later stages, Wahconah found some cracks.

 

In the 70th minute of the game, Elena Iovieno sparked hope in the team and fans for a turn in the tides with a possible comeback. 

 

Iovieno had a breakaway up the field leading to a one time shot with the goalie out of the penalty box. Unfortunately, the goal was scratched due to an offsides call.

 

This however didn’t stop the team from pushing more and more up the field throughout the last couple of minutes in the game. 

 

Three minutes after Iovieno’s attack, Dani Barry took two attempts that unfortunately went over the crossbar but did continue to keep the crowd engaged. 

 

Their patience was rewarded when Kaley scored in the 77th minute to level the score.

 

“I thought it was a great night and we stepped up for our seniors and Agawam was a great opponent,” Rivers said. “We love to play them. I’m glad we played them on Senior Night. It was a great game.”   

 

Now finishing their regular season 3-12-1, Wahconah prepares to head off to the Western Massachusetts Class B Tournament awaiting to know their quarter-final opponent. 

 

Possible contenders look to be, “Either South Hadley or Belchertown right now. Two juggernauts, so we’ll be ready,” added Rivers.