Morgan Farrell's pair of goals lead Sayville to Class A crown
Morgan Farrell of Sayville holds the county championship plaque after a Suffolk Class A Final on Sunday November 2, 2025 in Huntington Station. Credit: Michael A. Rupolo Sr.
Losing in a county championship game is devastating, but for Sayville, it became the motivating factor to return to the top of Suffolk girls soccer.
After suffering a heartbreaking loss to Shoreham-Wading River last year, the Golden Flashes vowed that this year’s story would be different.
“Last year, when we went to the counties, we felt like it was such a huge accomplishment,” said Morgan Farrell, who is committed to Johns Hopkins University for lacrosse. “When we made it this year, we said, ‘We’re not here just to make counties. We are here to win it.’ ”
Mission accomplished.
Farrell scored two goals as second-seeded Sayville secured the Suffolk Class A championship with a 3-2 victory over fourth-seeded Bayport-Blue Point on Sunday afternoon at Whitman. Sayville captured its first county title since 2013.
“This one is emotional. This is something we’ve been wanting for so long,” coach John Burke said. “Every single girl earned it today.”
Sayville (15-3-1) will face Nassau champion Seaford (12-0-5) in the Long Island championship game at 4 p.m. Wednesday at Harborfields.
Mia McCormack scored on a free kick to give the Phantoms (13-5) a 1-0 lead.
Senior midfielder Sophia Buffardi responded with a goal on a penalty kick to tie it at 1-1. Minutes later, Farrell scored a goal off a rebound to give Sayville a 2-1 lead.
“I knew we were going to get it back because I know we are a strong team,” Buffardi said. “We couldn’t let up and had to keep our foot on the gas.”
Within the first nine minutes of the second half, Farrell split two defenders to score her second goal.
“Every single time the ball is in the air, I just try to run for it as hard as I can,” she said. “I know if you give everything your all, something good is going to come from it.”
Kailey Bruckner scored from outside the 18-yard box to bring the Phantoms within 3-2, but Sayville’s defense, anchored by eighth-grade goalkeeper Julia Madsen, prevented Bayport-Blue Point from tying it. Madsen finished with six saves.
“I know I have to keep myself composed and control the defense,” Madsen said. “I gained more confidence during the season, and playing with my team made it better. They made me feel a lot more comfortable.”
Burke praised Farrell’s commitment to the team and being the catalyst to get Sayville over the hump.
“They all came in with a chip on their shoulder, but she controlled the vibe of this team,” Burke said. “She doesn’t quit. Her work rate is contagious, and that’s what propels us.”
Jonathan Ruban covers high school sports for Newsday after graduating from St. John’s.
