Isabel Park ’28 (left) and Ashley Dimnaku ’28 (right) fight to retain ball from opponent in tie game against Choate
This past week, Girls Soccer (5-2-3) shone under the bright Friday Night Lights, tying 1-1 in a difficult match against Choate. On Wednesday, the team traveled to Brooks, falling short in a narrow 1-2 loss.
Last year, the team lost twice to Choate, including in the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) quarterfinals by just one goal. Revisiting that rivalry this past Friday sparked another fierce matchup. Isabel Park ’28 reflected on the physicality and speed of the game.
“It was intense, and I know the defenders probably had it one hundred times worse because [Choate’s] forward was the fastest on the team. In the midfield, they were physical,” said Park.
The score remained tied for most of the game, as both teams fought to gain control. Nina Oswanski ’28 emphasized how back-and-forth the match felt.
“It was a hard game, and it was pretty back and forth. I would also say it was pretty physical. They have some really strong players,” said Oswanski. “The intensity was just super high the entire game, which really helps us perform well.”
Despite the demanding nature of the game, Andover thrived, with players showcasing some of their best performances of the season. Park noted how the team’s composure and ball movement early on set the tone.
“The first half was one of the best we played this whole season. We kept it moving, kept switching the field whenever it wasn’t working, and kept it on the ground. It was really dynamic. In the second half, we did better getting more goal-scoring opportunities. We were very close, and it was great. The Friday Night Lights also really did add to that,” said Park.
Having already played five home games this season, the team was comfortable with the environment, even with the large crowd that the popular Friday Night Lights event drew. Park reflected on the team’s mentality heading into the game.
“We were really hyped up, and the captains were pushing the idea that this was the most important game and the one we really wanted to win. We got away with a tie — it’s better than a loss, obviously — but it was really hyped up. Everyone gave 110 percent. It was our best game by far,” said Park.
According to Oswanski, the crowd’s energy fueled the team’s performance, providing extra motivation throughout the game.
“[The crowd] picked us up. We played really well under the pressure of having so many people there,” said Oswanski.
The team faced a different result on Wednesday, losing to Brooks 1-2. Audrey Gotha ’28 described how the match contrasted with the team’s earlier performance against Choate.
“The game did not go how we wanted. We didn’t have our best game and fought hard, but in the end, Brooks wanted it more,” said Gotha.
Although the loss was disappointing, the team looks to use the result as motivation for the rest of the season. Gotha explained how the group plans to respond in practice and upcoming games.
“The team was disappointed, but all we can do is move forward. We will use this as motivation for the rest of the season and really focus on the upcoming practices and games,” said Gotha.
Girls Soccer will face St. Paul’s on Saturday.
