Despite the harshly cold evening, the long-standing soccer rivalry between Albany and Piedmont was as hot as ever on Friday, December 12th. Even those sitting motionless on the bleachers, who had never been to a single soccer game, sat with rapt attention as Albany finally came out on top, 2-1.
That’s right, the AHS Women’s Varsity Soccer Team beat the until-now unbeatable Piedmont High. This is no overstatement: no one can remember the last time Albany beat Piedmont, let alone the women’s and men’s soccer teams beating the Highlanders on the same day.
The game was scoreless for the first 30 minutes or so. That is not to say that there was not fierce action. There was a brief pause when freshman Maddie Kirkby suffered an arm injury and retired from the game. Many other injuries were inflicted, with most leaving only the usual Albany-Piedmont bruises.
Toward the end of the first half, Piedmont drew first blood pushing a goal past keeper Jessica Bibby for a 1-0 lead.
Minutes into the second half, any spectator could tell that this game would be intense. The bleachers roared with approval after freshman Marielle Pastor scored a goal, tying the game.
Spectators cheered at the numerous saves by senior captain Bibby.
Towards the end of the match, yet another freshman, Robin Mertins, made a free kick over the wall of opposing players and through the legs of the Piedmont keeper, scoring what proved to be the winning goal. Once again the fans stomped with pride, feeling the game was well worth their numb hands and ears.
“I think it was a bit of a surprise to Piedmont,” remarked junior forward Amy Hershberger.
I especially would like them to know that freshmen scored our goals,” Hershberger said with a smile.
Compared to last year’s 8-0 drubbing at the feet of Piedmont, last Friday’s score of 2-1 is a very auspicious start.
Asked about this year’s squad, sophomore Jessica Quinn replied, “Yes, I definitely think we have a better team this year.”
Written by Aidan Meyer and Thomas Poole
