Just by showing up on their new turf field on Thursday, the Fair Lawn girls soccer team was already a part of school history . But the Cutters wanted more, were determined to make the first game on the new field a win, and, well, that’s just what they got.
Fair Lawn upset No. 11 ranked Wayne Hills, 2-1, in a rain-shortened Big North Independence clash that was the first game played on the school’s new field. The girls soccer team was given the honor of being the first team to christen the turf in an official game and they were determined to make it a winning start.Â
“The big thing was playing on the new turf field,†Fair Lawn coach John Van Soest said. “It was special for the girls to have that opportunity and it was also motivating for them.â€
The Cutters showed that early on, getting two goals from Daria Ortega on assists from Emma Chelstowski to take a 2-0 lead in the first half. There was a brief rain delay in the second half and when the teams returned to the field, Sarah Bendl scored for the Patriots to cut the deficit to one. But with 20 minutes remaining, the game had to be called because of inclement weather.
Of course some detractors might say that it wasn’t a real win because the game didn’t go the full 80. To them I say, the Cutters could only do what mother nature allowed. Besides, let’s not drag down what could be a major turning point in their program.
They haven’t consistently competed well against the top teams in the league (Wayne Hills, Wayne Valley) for a long time. This win could be a stepping stone for them.
Everyone has to start somewhere. This could be the start Fair Lawn has been waiting for.
“It was important we got the girls to believe this is not the Fair Lawn team of past years,†Van Soest said. “They believe that now. We’re hoping this can carry on to the next game and the game after that.â€
It was a monumental win for Fair Lawn’s program. Only time will tell if there are more to come. Either way this was a good start.