Marian Central eliminates Burlington C.

Burlington Central's best just wasn't enough Saturday.

Rockets coach Mike Gecan said his team played its best game of the season against Marian Central. Unfortunately for the Rockets, the Hurricanes got the game-winning goal with 52.8 seconds remaining in the second overtime to win the Class 2A Hampshire regional.

“It was fun to watch them finally play with some confidence and play like the way they are capable of playing.” Gecan said. “It's just sad they didn't win the game. I thought based on heart alone we were going to win.”

The Rockets (14-7-1) struggled to maintain possession throughout the match, but junior goalkeeper Caitlin Solberg kept them in it by making 18 saves. The first bit of possession in the Hurricanes' half of the field in the second half produced Burlington Central's lone goal. Heather Krup and Maddie Stoneman connected on several passes through midfield, allowing Stoneman to get off a shot from 30 yards out. The ball hit the crossbar and bounced back into play. Camille Dela Cruz ran onto the ball and hit a right-footed low shot into the corner to tie the match at 1-1 with 17:31 remaining in the second half.

“All season we've had a problem putting it in side netting,” said Krup, one of four seniors on the team. “That was one of our problems today. We had opportunities. We just didn't finish them.”

Marian Central (16-9) took the lead 5 minutes earlier after a poor Rockets free kick from outside the penalty area by Solberg. The ball went right to the Hurricanes' Susan Thomas, who floated a long shot into the net.

The Hurricanes, who advance to the Burlington Central sectional, had the only scoring opportunities in the first overtime, but most of those came from well outside the penalty area as many of their shots had been all match.

“Their goalie was fantastic,” Marian Central coach Kristian Rockall said of Solberg. “(The Rockets) were exceptional today. They played above themselves and made it tough for us.”

The Rockets had two chances shortly before the game-winner. Dela Cruz's shot from distance was kicked away by Hurricanes goalkeeper Kaitlyn Logan, who finished with three saves. The rebound went to Cali Andrew, but her shot was saved and controlled by Logan with 1:15 left.

That allowed Marian Central to get down the field. Laura LeFevour had possession near the end line on the right side of the Rockets' penalty area. Her cross got past Solberg and found Robin Wenzel alone in front. Wenzel calmly put the ball into the empty net for the victory.

“It's a real big disappointment,” Krup said. “We really wanted it. We just missed opportunities.”