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Sports
Third time's the charm for Jefferson girls soccer in state title win
TL;DR
Jefferson girls soccer won their first-ever GHSA state title on May 12, defeating the top-seeded team in a dramatic penalty shootout after a tied game. The team overcame significant challenges, including injuries to key players.
Key points
- Jefferson girls soccer won their first GHSA state title
- The game ended in a 1-1 tie after regulation and overtime
- The victory came after a penalty shootout
- The team faced significant injuries during the season
- Head coach Molly McCarty emphasized teamwork
Mentioned in this story
GHSAMolly McCarty
Jefferson girls soccer
DULUTH, Ga. — Jefferson girls soccer made history on Tuesday night, May 12, when they won the program's first-ever GHSA state title.
"We knew going into this game, it was going to be a dogfight," Jefferson head coach Molly McCarty said. the Dragons came in seeded seventh against the top seed. "We lost our center back in March. We lost my daughter, (junior midfielder) Maryn, two weeks ago. We've had to make some adjustments tonight, but we're a blue-collar type team where everybody works for the same purpose."
A scoreless first half. A 1-1 tie to end regulation. Two scoreless 10-minute periods of overtime. A penalty shootout. Five balls, five girls, five chances.
McCarty hates penalty kicks with a passion.
Senior midfielder Ava Rodriguez, who is signed to continue her career at Coastal Carolina come July 15, misses.
Oconee County's turn. Junior midfielder Berkeley Veal, senior defender Ava Davisand freshman defender AC Hall all make their shots. Junior defender Sophia Clifton misses.
Luckily, Jefferson is catching up, as senior midfielder Lily Gaddy, junior midfielder Samme Suppes and senior defender Arielle Vermillion also made theirs.
Oconee County junior defender Sophia Clifton misses and Jefferson junior defender Emmie Reed takes the lead, 4-3.
"We practice (penalty kicks) every single day," Rodriguez said. "We sat there and we did the five. Unfortunately, I missed mine, but that's when everybody stepped up. That's why it's a team sport. I wasn't really worried (about missing mine) because I had people behind me that were going to rest the tone."
Sophomore keeper Isabell Ikirt crouched in the goal waiting. Coiled like a snake, ready to strike. She was reading Oconee County junior forward Sydney Jackson. Which way would the opponent aim? Left or right? Ikirt listens to her gut and dives. Blocked ball. Jefferson wins.
Or so they thought.
A whistle is heard. The celebration stops. Anger, confusion, betrayal all felt vibrating through the cool spring air at Duluth High School. What was happening? What was the call?
The referee is saying Ikirt went over the line.
"I know myself, I know I didn't," she told the Banner-Herald later.
But she had to oblige to official calls, so Oconee County's Jackson would get another shot. The one that would determine if Jefferson's premature celebration was moot or not.
A few Oconee County girls go to pick up Jackson off the grass, dusting her off.
Q&A
What date did Jefferson girls soccer win their first state title?
Jefferson girls soccer won their first GHSA state title on May 12.
Who is the head coach of Jefferson girls soccer?
The head coach of Jefferson girls soccer is Molly McCarty.
How did the championship match end for Jefferson girls soccer?
The match ended in a 1-1 tie after regulation and overtime, leading to a penalty shootout.
What challenges did Jefferson girls soccer face during the season?
Jefferson faced challenges including injuries to key players, such as losing their center back in March and a junior midfielder two weeks before the final.
