AURORA – Freshman Amanda Byrne’s goal inside the game’s final two minutes lifted La Salle Prep to a 1-0 victory over North Marion in girls’ varsity soccer here Tuesday.
The Falcons, who improved to 4-1-1 in Capital Conference play, controlled the match from the outset but were unable to finish any attacks until Byrne’s timely goal, her first of the season. La Salle, which defeated North Marion 1-0 for the second time this season, outshot the Huskies 15-2.
“The players had to play all 80 minutes this game to get the result we were looking for,” said La Salle coach Ryan Cereghino. “Amanda has played solid for us all season as outside back, and I am proud she had the opportunity to score the game winner.”
Byrne’s goal, which came on a half-volley with the outside of her right foot from close range, was set up by a corner kick by Marissa Cereghino.
“I moved Marissa to the forward position for the final 10 minutes of the game,” said Ryan Cereghino of his younger sister, who normally plays in the back line. “We needed to give North Marion a new look up front, and Marissa helped provide the extra energy we needed up top. She ran down some great balls from our midfield and earned the team two corner kicks, the last of which resulted in the game-winning goal. I give North Marion a lot of credit for making us earn everything in the game.”
Falcon keeper Natalie Byrne, Amanda’s older sister, was credited with the shutout.
La Salle returns home to host Estacada Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
Dave Haglund
