Oceanside falls in double OT in state AAA girls soccer semifinal after two-hour weather delay
Oceanside's Ryann Zydor during a state Class AAA girls soccer semifinal Saturday in Dryden, N.Y. Credit: Jorge Marcano
CORTLAND — What began as a game drenched by two hours of rain delays, ended as one of the most hard-fought games of Oceanside’s season. The Sailors battled Section III’s Cicero-North Syracuse through every puddle and possession before falling in double overtime, 1-0, in the state Class AAA semifinal Saturday. A gutting finish to a night defined by resilience.
“I’m so proud of this team and all of the adversity they faced this season,” coach Danielle Chiera said. “It was clear tonight that they gave it everything they had, even with all of our shots and opportunities, but unfortunately, we just came up a little short.”
From the opening whistle, the Sailors and Cicero-North Syracuse traded steady stretches of possession, keeping the game tight throughout regulation. Neither team managed to create much separation, and the wet conditions made it difficult for either side to build consistent momentum. Junior goalkeeper Ella Murray came up huge for Oceanside, making seven saves in regulation.
After a scoreless overtime, the game went into the final 15-minute period. About two and a half minutes in, Cicero-North Syracuse’s Adalaide Svoboda found the net for the lone goal to finish the game.
“We all wanted it so badly from the very beginning,” senior Molly Boller said. “Waiting in the locker room during the rain delay, the anticipation just kept building. We all used all of our energy during that game and gave it our absolute all until the final second.”
It was a historic season for the Sailors, earning back-to-back county titles, and the program’s first-ever Long Island title. They finish 10-5-3.
“I don’t think we could have asked for a better season,” Boller said. “We made history, and we all have something to be proud of. It’s been such an amazing experience with such an amazing group of people.”
Reflecting on this season, Chiera noted the team’s growth, toughness, and ability to rise to big moments when it mattered most.
“You try to set goals and you hope your team can come close to reaching them,” Chiera said. “And really, this team has exceeded our expectations and we could not be more proud of the effort they’ve given throughout this season.”
