The Scotia Glenville Lady Tartans scored three goals in the second half to defeat the Amsterdam Lady Rams 4-1 in a Foothills Council girls soccer game Monday afternoon at Lynch Literacy Academy Field. AHS got a goal from standout senior forward Madison Healy and another impressive effort from junior goalkeeper Cassandra Robataille whose athletic skills have been getting the attention of opposing teams all season long.
“Their keeper (Robataille) had a fantastic first half,” Scotia Glenville coach Lisa Williams said. “She saved shots I’ve seen go in at other games.”
The game looked like a repeat of Friday’s contest against Queensbury. The Lady Tartans had break away chances early that were turned away by Robataille. The only one getting through was by Abby O’Connor at the 38:17 mark of the first half. Robataille was locked in from then on however and denied any further attempts to score. Robataille opened everyone’s eyes when making a block off a corner kick and then recovering to stop the rebound on an attempt late in the first half.
“I just tried to remember things I learned in training at Capital [United Soccer Club],” Robataille said. “Stay calm and anticipate the shot. Remember that anything can happen. Getting the rebound is most important.”
Robataille, like many area high school players, plays soccer with a club team during the summer or off-season. Like other former AHS players, Robataille plays for Capital United. Her training has paid off for the Lady Rams throughout the season and Monday’s game was no exception. O’ Connor’s goal gave the Lady Tartans a 1-0 lead at the half, but Robataille had left them looking for ways to get more.
“We talked about it at the half,” said Coach Williams. “Making her (Robataille) work harder, move her feet and moving the ball across the goal.”
O’Connor ‘s second goal of the game came off a direct kick only three minutes in the second half, but the Lady Rams had plenty of fight left in them. Less than a minute later, like she has done in every game this season, the determination of senior forward Madison Healy gave AHS a chance once again.
Healy took the ball deep in the Scotia Glenville zone, controlled it and kept it away from a defender then crossed in front of the goal and fired it past second half goalkeeper Lauren Hosner. AHS trailed 2-1 and for the first time in the game had the momentum.
“She’s probably the one that’s scored the most this season,” said AHS coach Deanna Alex. “ She’s a senior and she’s going to be missed after this season.”
The Lady Tartans had played their defenders up for much of the game to keep the ball I the AHS zone, but now Amsterdam defenders and midfielders including Kayla Abbatisti, Nina Fedullo, and Kaitlin Devine worked hard keeping the ball in the SGHS zone. The Lady Rams had more chances to score, especially on corner kick tries from Dianna Constantine, but Hosner and the Lady Tartans defenders turned them away.
“We had opportunities to score,” said Coach Alex. “We’ve been struggling at capitalizing on those opportunities.”
Lady Tartans forward Becca Phillips took a pass and broke away into the AHS zone. Phillips shot went high into the net giving Scotia Glenville a 3-1 lead. Phillips teammate Maya Hughes would finally move one across the front of the goal and score four minutes later for the final margin of victory.
Scotia Glenville out shot Amsterdam 17-8. Kelsey Jesup and Hosner teamed up to make 5 saves for the Lady Tartans. Robataille collected 12 saves.
“She was fantastic as usual,” said Coach Alex on Robataille’s effort. The Lady Rams travel to Gloversville for their next Foothills Council challenge.
“I’m excited to play Gloversville,” Robataille responded. Game time is set for 7pm The Lady Rams will hold Senior Night on Tuesday, October 14 when they take on Hudson Falls at Lynch Field.
(Photos by Scott Mulford)
