Photo’s from GRFC’s semifinal 3-2 Overtime win against the Long Island Roughriders
Grandville, Mi — The Grand Rapids Women’s Football Club beat the Long Island Roughriders 3-2 in a shootout in Friday’s night’s United Women’s Soccer National Championship semifinal at Grandville High School.
“What a night, what a game, what a fight. My heart is still beating, and going crazy,” said coach Lewis Robinson. “The grit, determination, and the willpower of the girls to never give up and score a goal like that with thirty second left on the clock is unreal”
GRFC overcame a two to one goal deficit during play. One in the first half, when Bethany Balcer scored on a penalty kick to even the score 1-1
“It was one of the most exciting games we have had all season” said Long Island Head Coach Adam Whitehead.
The final tying goal came in the waning minutes of overtime when Michaela Kovacs scored on a diving header to send the game to a shootout.
“Anna (Stinson) played a terrific ball, just amazing. I got me head on it,” said Kovacs. I was not to confident with the feet so if I went with my head knowing that something would hit it in”.
GRFC goaltender Reilley Ott stopped two Roughrider shootout kicks to give GRFC a stunning comeback win.
“Final overtime, we finally got it, I couldn’t believe it, I was astounded, and to go down to PK’s,” said Ott. “In PK’s you do what ever you can to throw them off their game.”
GRFC will host the national title game Saturday, July 22, at 7:30 p.m., also at Grandville High School. GRFC, 11-1-1 overall and playing in its inaugural season, will take on defending national champion Santa Clarita (9-0) in the finals. Santa Clarita defeated Detroit Sun FC 3-0 in Friday’s opening game.
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