In a thrilling Georgia Independent Athletic Association (GIAA) semifinal matchup, the Lions Girls Soccer team clinched their spot in the State Championship with a 5-3 victory over John Milledge Academy in the final game ever played on their current football and soccer field, which was built by St. Andrew's School parents in 1994. The memorable win capped off an era and propelled the Lions one step closer to a title.
PHOTO: Final win at the Lions Den! St. Andrew’s girls soccer team celebrates a 5-3 semifinal victory and a trip to the GIAA State Championship! - Photo via St. Andrew’s Information Deptartment
The game started at a blistering pace, with both teams trading goals within the first two minutes of play. Junior Sage Lough opened the scoring for the Lions, and senior Sydney Berkman added a second later in the half. After a hard-fought, back-and-forth 40 minutes, the teams entered halftime tied 2-2.
Photo: Senior Sydney Berkman (#8) lines up her 30-yard tying goal scoring free kick in the Lions Den finale. Photo Prep Sports Report
The Lions came out in the second half with renewed intensity. Junior Makenna Riley broke the tie early by finishing a well-placed cross from senior Gray Holmes. The score remained 3-2 for the next 20 minutes until junior Orly Standing found the net with 15:40 remaining, extending the lead and injecting the Lions with a crucial energy boost.
PHOTO: Junior Makenna Riley (#17) pushes forward in St. Andrew’s 5-3 semifinal win—last game at the Lions Den. Headed to the GIAA title match! Photo by Prep Sports Report
Sophomore Avery Nein followed up with a goal at 11:39 to make it 5-2, effectively sealing the outcome. John Milledge added a late goal with 6:25 left, but the Lions held firm until the final buzzer.
PHOTO: St. Andrew's School senior Gray Holmes (#14) fights for every inch in the Lions Den finale as St. Andrew’s advances to the GIAA State Championship! - Photo by Prep Sports Report
With the 5-3 win, the Lions (9-5-1) advanced to the GIAA State Championship and bid farewell to their current Lions Den soccer field with a performance to remember. They’ll take on Frederica Academy (15-4-1) on Tuesday, May 27, at Strafford Academy, with the state title on the line.
Photo Credits: Prep Sports Report and Courtesy St. Andrew's Sports Information Department
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