Emily Irwin picked a wonderful time to connect on her first varsity goal in her girls’ soccer career.
Irwin, a senior, delivered the clutch goal with 20 seconds remaining in overtime to guide her Toms River High South team to a 1-0 victory over Brick Memorial High at Detwiler Stadium in Toms River on Sept. 27.
Irwin’s senior teammate, Zya Sosa, produced the key assist on the winning goal that snapped a scoreless tie in this Shore Conference A South Division matchup.
“The team just hung in there. The team started off very slow and picked the game back up in the second half. The girls picked up their intensity. In overtime if you score it is over. The team just kept going in the over time period. The team was in the right spots as the ball came across. This was a good win for us,” Toms River South coach John Crowley said.
Crowley said he wants Toms River South to learn from the game the importance of preparation.
He said the team has to come out and play aggressive right from the start and not wait until the second half.
“This is a great group. Could not be any happier with the way the team has started this season. We have some really tough games coming up. The team just has to keep plugging away,” Crowley said.
Toms River South took 14 shots during the game, but just four were on goal, including the winning connection by Irwin.
“Honestly I just saw the open net. I was not even thinking about it I knew we needed to get a goal. I tried my hardest to get the ball in the net. It ended up going in my favor. I am just happy I could do this for the team,” Irwin said.
Irwin said she is excited for the rest of the season.
“We started off strong. To be honest with you I think we are going to finish strong. We are working hard day in and day out. We deserve it,” Irwin said.
Toms River South hit the road following the victory on its home turf against Brick Memorial. The Indians play four games away before they return home to be the host to rival Toms River High School East on Oct. 11.
