NEWTOWN, CT — With time running out and the Masuk High girls soccer team on the verge of its fifth tie of the season the Panthers struck for a dramatic 1-0 win at Newtown on Tuesday night.
Bri VanDerheyden banged in a penalty kick with just four minutes remaining. The goal was made possible by a combination of the strong foot of Tatianna Fabryk and speed of Ella McGee. Fabryk cleared the ball from the back, McGee made a run and got behind the defense and was fouled within the 18-yard box setting up the penalty kick.
Masuk improved to 7-1-4 and sits in fifth place in the South-West Conference standings, just one point out of fourth and two from second place as the season winds down.
The Panthers will visit second-place Bethel (8-1-3) in a key game on Thursday night at 6.
Goalkeeper Kara Leandres made some crucial saves to keep things scoreless throughout most of the evening.
“This is a good win, a big win,” said Masuk Coach Katy Kreiner, who wants to see her team play better Thursday and in the playoffs to have a chance at making a nice run.
The Panthers were coming off back-to-back ties, a scoreless battle with New Fairfield on Oct. 8 and a 1-1 tie at Brookfield two days later. Amelia Stephens had a nice, long dribble and finish for the lone goal.
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