Freedom Wins First WPIAL Soccer Gold With Win Over Freeport

By: HSSN Staff
Thursday, November 3, 2016 | 11:25 PM

The #1 seeded Freedom Bulldogs got two goals each from sophomores Michaela Watkins and Myla Sharpless to defeat #2 seed Freeport 4-1 Thursday night at Highmark Stadium to capture the 2016 WPIAL 2A Girls Soccer Championship. 

Freedom entered the game undefeated, having given up only 8 goals all season, none in the playoffs, and continued their unbeaten streak with a stifling defense and opportunistic offense that saw 4 goals scored on only 7 shots on net. 

Michaela Watkins started the scoring at the 30:54 mark of the first half as she took a lead pass and broke in alone on Freeport keeper Cassie Suran, beating her with a quick shot to make it 1-0 Freedom. 

Myla Sharpless took a cross on a set piece corner at 17:22 of the 1st half and went top corner left to give the Bulldogs a 2-0 lead in what eventually would be the game winning goal. 

Freeport had an excellent scoring opportunity in the first half off of a nice run by freshman Sidney Shemanski who put a cross into the box for junior Kaylee Comperatore, but she was unable to convert on the chance. The score remained 2-0 Freedom at the half, despite Freeport having a decided edge in time controlling the ball. 

The second half saw Freedom start to control the ball more, but it was Freeport who struck first scoring at the 25:16 mark on another great cross pass from Shemanski. This time it went to sophomore Abby Bastaja who settled the ball down and beat Freedom keeper Jacklyn Hartle to the far side ending the Bulldog’s playoff unscored upon streak and cutting the deficit to 1. 

It didn’t take the Bulldogs long to answer as Sharpless picked up her second goal at the 24:28 mark to put the lead back to 2 goals. 

The score stayed that way until the 5:50 remained in the game when Watkins added her second goal on a great individual effort and the Bulldogs lead grew to 3 goals at 4-1.  That goal iced the game for Freedom and it wasn’t long until the clock hit zeroes and the Bulldogs celebrated their championship. 

It was a well-played game by both sides with Freedom’s ability to capitalize on their offensive opportunities being the major difference in the game.  One player from each side picked up a yellow card, Taylor Petroff from Freedom and Topanga Christie from Freeport. Both players will have to be careful as the teams head into PIAA state playoff action. 

Freeport falls to 15-4-1 and will enter PIAA action as the #2 team out of the WPIAL. Freedom meanwhile goes to 20-0-0 and will be the WPIAL’s #! Team in state action.

Tags: Freedom, Freeport