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By JOHN CORYER
CORTLAND — Smithtown Christian had all sorts of problems with the Reynolds sisters Friday morning.
Victoria Reynolds scored two goals and Megan Reynolds, one, as Chazy recorded a 3-1 victory over the Section XI (Long Island) champions in the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Class D girls' soccer semifinals at SUNY Cortland.
The win sends the Eagles (21-0-0) into today's championship against Arkport, a 1-0 winner over top-ranked McGraw in the other semifinal. The Class D final is scheduled for 10 a.m. at Homer High School. Arkport of Section V (Rochester area) is 21-1 and ranked third in the state. Chazy is ranked second, behind McGraw (20-1) of Section III (Central New York).
"We played our game today and came ready to play," said Chazy Coach Karin Sherman Trombley. "We've been working on the mentral part of the game and did a good job with that today."
The Section VII champion Eagles broke a 1-1 tie, taking the lead for good with 26:19 gone in the second half.
Smithtown Christian was unable to clear the ball over the midfield and it deflected back to Victoria Reynolds, who got behind the defense. Smithtown Christian keeper Brittany Drysmala came off her line and Reynolds's shot deflected off Drysmala's fingertips and just under the crossbar.
Chazy then made it 3-1 shortly after, at 28:07, when Megan Reynolds, a defender, scored from midfield on a ball that floated over Drysmala's head and bounced into the net.
"I was just trying to clear the ball in and it had a curve on it," said Megan Reynolds.
Chazy keeper Katharine Tooke made a nice save on a shot from the side with nine minutes left and that would be the best scoring chance for Smithtown Christian the rest of the way.
"Victoria's goal that gave us the 2-1 lead took some of the pressure off," Sherman Trombley said.
Chazy held a 1-0 lead at the half on Victoria Reynolds's goal at 19:28.
"It was a goal kick along the ground and it came right to me," Victoria Reynolds related. "I was about 18 yards out."
Smithtown Christian, however, turned up the pressure to start the second half and tied the game at 6:38.
Chazy was unable to clear the ball and Shannon Casey got possession at the top of the penalty area. She slipped a pass to her right to Christina Casamassina, who beat Tooke with a low shot to the near corner.
"They came on strong to start the second half," Sherman Trombley acknowledged. "But my girls kept on going.
"We didn't give up after they tied it and we've learned through experience."
Chazy led Edmeston 1-0 in last year's semifinals, only to fall in the second half, 2-1.
The Eagles held a 12-8 advantage in shots Friday with Tooke and Drysmala each finishing with six saves.
"We were able to capitalize on their mistakes," Sherman Trombley continued.
"We knew going in who their top scorer was and that they had an excellent and quick sweeper. The key was we were able to play our type of soccer.
"The win sends us in the right direction."
—
Chazy 3, Smithtown Christian 1
Chazy12—3
Smithtown Christian01—1
First half- 1, C, V. Reynolds, 19:28.
Second half- 2, SC, C. Cassamassina (Casey), 6:38. 3, C, V. Reynolds, 26:19. 4, C, M. Reynolds, 28:07.
Shots: Chazy 12, Smithtown Christian 8
Saves: Tooke, C, 6; Drysmala, SC, 6.
