In a closely contested championship game that went into double overtime, the Christ the King (CK) girls varsity soccer team came out on top, defeating Notre Dame Academy of Staten Island (NDA) on penalty kicks, to claim the New York City AA Division title at Saint Anthony High School in South Huntington.
The CK girls capped off an incredible season which saw them win the Brooklyn/Queens regular season title, the Brooklyn/Queens Championship after defeating The Mary Louis Academy, the AA Intersectional Title, and the New York City Title.
The championship game began with a few exchanges between the midfielders of both teams, but NDA was able to open the scoring in the 21st minute, and followed it with another goal in the 26th minute, giving them an early 2-0 lead.
CK got right back into the game when senior captain Medina Mulic was fouled inside the penalty box in the 29th minute and junior Kiana Leger was able to convert the penalty which brought CK within one heading into halftime.
CK started the second half offensively as senior Andrea Cardozo was able to net the equalizer in the 46th minute from a 25-yard shot. Cardozo almost scored again two minutes later, but her shot struck the upright left post, keeping the score at 2-2.
The game eventually went to double overtime and junior goalkeeper Kimberly Moreira made a great save at the end of the second overtime to keep CK’s championship hopes alive as the game moved to penalty kicks.
NDA’s Lacey Strahm and CK’s Diana Paravatos scored their penalties. NDA’s Kaitlyn Mullen’s shot was saved by Moreira, while Mulic scored her kick. NDA’s Ally Porzio scored, as did CK’s Kiana Leger. NDA’s Katherine Libertelli’s kick was saved by Moreira, while Cardozo scored her penalty shot, giving CK the win and championship.
