By Frank Rizzo
LIVINGSTON MANOR — September 28, 2001 – Tuxedo came to Livingston Manor on Tuesday for a non-league soccer game with some impressive credentials. The Lady Tornadoes were two-time defending Class C champions and in their last outing had lost to Class B power Highland in overtime.
The host Lady Wildcats had been impressive as well this season, winning their first five games, including their last three league matches by a combined 19-7.
And, in the opening minutes of Tuesday’s game, the hosts were not impressed at all with their bigger-school opponents.
Swarming all over the at-times disorganized Tuxedo defense, the Wildcats peppered goalie Shannon Quinn, and were rewarded with a pair of goals in the opening minutes.
First, Amy Krupp won a ball near the endline and came on a sharp angle to beat Quinn at the 3:10 mark. Tegan Kern was credited with the assist.
Three minutes later Kern swept past a defender and passed to Krupp, who one-timed the ball past Quinn.
The Tuxedo offense finally roused itself to score three straight goals — Flora Silico at 10:16; Krystle Paccione at 17:19; and Meghan McManee at 31:31.
Arielle parker answered for Manor, pouncing on a loose ball Quinn was unable to control and slamming it past the keeper to knot the game at 35:03.
But with just seconds remaining in the half, McManee tallied again for Tuxedo (3–0–1).
Kristin Nooman added a pair of second-half goals for the visitors, even as Manor continued to mount credible attacks.
The Manor scorebook gave the hosts a 25-19 edge in shots and 5-3 in corner kicks. Quinn was credited with 21 saves while Danielle Franco made 15 for Manor (5–1).
“That was very disappointing,” said Tuxedo coach Joe DiMattina. “That wasn’t the team we’ve been putting on the field. The defense was by far the worst ever, in a game or scrimmage, since I’ve been coaching.”
DiMattina noted that “we thought we were going to take over the game, but Livingston Manor came out strong. They played tough and finished their chances when they had to.”
“Tuxedo is faster than what we’ve been used to seeing, and that gave us a problem,” said Manor coach Shirlee Davis. “A couple of our defensive backs are still adapting and had trouble today.”
At press time Manor (4–0–0) was ahead of Eldred (2–1–1) in the OCIAA Division VI.
“We have seven seniors, kids who’ve played together a long time,” said Davis. “We hope to finish undefeated in the division.”