The Eleanor Roosevelt girls soccer team endured a week of contrasting emotions. The week started with an Election Day regional championship victory against the Parkdale Panthers. Zosia Nicholson struck early for the Raiders, heading in a beautiful cross off the foot of senior Jamie Kraske. Soon after Parkdale evened the score on a break away by Kultumi Conteh, whose speed challenged the Raiders backline throughout the first half. After halftime, the Raiders reasserted themselves, controlling possession though they failed to capitalize, with several missed chances.
Junior centerbacks Zion Albright and Louisa Ellison kept Conteh in check until senior forward Daniela Luna finally broke through for the Raiders, chipping a shot over the Parkdale keeper with only 10 minutes remaining. The Raiders added an insurance goal A Victory, But then a few minutes later when senior Amina Bejja blasted a shot from the right side into the side netting. The only thing that could slow the Raiders celebration was the fog that persisted throughout the night. On Saturday the Raiders hoped to build on last year’s state semi-final appearance – and
they looked poised to do so for the first 15 minutes against the formidable Perry Hall Gators. But, after conceding a goal to the Gators, the Raiders were unable to respond and they allowed in another goal not long after, making for a long afternoon for keeper Stephanie Ijomor. Though the season-ending loss left the Raiders short of their ultimate goal, the team walks away from the season having successfully defended their league, county and region championships – and they return 16 players for next season.
A Victory, But then a Defeat For ERHS Girls Soccer Team
Eleanor Roosevelt girls' soccer team after victory over Parkdale Panthers. Picture by Thanusha Ragunanthan