The Alvirne High School girls’ soccer team closed out its regular season with a hard-fought tie against Londonderry, while the Broncos boys’ team suffered a loss to the Lancers in their final game of the year.
Girls’ Soccer
The Alvirne girls traveled to Londonderry on Tuesday night, Oct. 20, and appeared poised for a victory after building a 2-0 lead. However, the Lancers rallied with two second-half goals to earn a 2-2 tie.
Reese Wanamaker opened the scoring for the Broncos, finding the back of the net off an assist from Layla Jennings. Avery Newton added Alvirne’s second goal to give the visitors a two-goal advantage.
Londonderry began its comeback midway through the second half when senior Abby Mantegari redirected a shot from junior Emmalyn Nussdorf into the net.
The Lancers completed the rally later in the half when junior Jackie Heimsath, recently returned from a concussion-related absence, scored the equalizer with eight minutes remaining.
Alvirne goalkeeper Samara Bryant made eight saves in the tie, while Londonderry goalkeeper Shannon Crowley recorded nine saves.
The result left the Broncos with a final record of 3-12-1. Alvirne was unable to qualify for the Division I playoffs.
Boys’ Soccer
The Alvirne boys also finished their season against Londonderry on Tuesday, falling to the visiting Lancers despite a late offensive push.
Londonderry took the lead at 32:38 of the first half after an errant pass by the Alvirne defense ended up at the feet of a Lancers forward, who converted the opportunity.
The visitors added to their lead on the opening play of the second half.
After the Broncos goalkeeper punched the ball away, a Londonderry player collected it and put it into the net.
The Lancers extended their advantage to 3-0 on a penalty kick at 37:27 of the second half.
Alvirne responded with two goals in quick succession. The Broncos scored with 13:50 remaining, then found the net again at 12:09 to cut into the deficit.
The final goal of the season came with approximately eight minutes left, as the Broncos continued to battle to the end.
Alvirne finished the boys’ season with a 3-12-1 record.