The Eisenhower Lady Eagles were at Swinehart field , Thursday night matched against the Utica Chieftains in the opening round of the District playoffs. The rain held and we ended up with a perfect night for an intense soccer battle between cross-town rivals.

The Eagles came out fast and controlled possession the first 20 minutes.  There were several scoring chances led by Seniors Amanda Stout and Sadie Zyczynski who kept getting attacking from the wings and slipping behind the Chieftain back-line.  Utica increased their attack for the rest of the second half and was able to create several good scoring chances.  Junior Captain Amy Sidaway made some amazing saves, and the defense held strong led by Senior Captain Natalie Tangelder and Sophomore Katie VanDeWinkle.  The girls went into halftime with a 0-0 tie.

In the second half, the intensity increased.  Quality scoring chances came from both sides, but the defenses held.  Midway through the second half, Senior Zoya Dimovich had to be taken off due to an injury, which was a tough loss of one of our key defenders.  Sidaway was able to turn away a few more Utica quality scoring chances and the second half ended still knotted at 0-0.  We were headed to overtime.

The two overtime periods continued the intensity.  Despite strong offensive pushes from both sides, the defenses held.  Overtime ended with the game still tied 0-0 and after 100 mins of play. The outcome would be decided in a shootout.

The crowd was on their feet, loud and electric.  Both teams selected their 5 shooters.  Eisenhower started out with Senior Captains Lexi Morrison and Lily Arcari, followed by Sadie Zyczynski, and then Juniors Elena Medina and Ellie Daoust. Lexi started off the shootout by burying her shot to take a 1-0 lead.  Utica lined up next and Sidaway dove and knocked down their shot.  However, she was called for early movement and was unable to stop the re-kick.  Score was tied 1-1.  Lily lined up next and knocked her shot confidently in to go up 2-1.  On Utica's next shot, they missed wide.  Sadie went next and nailed her shot to go up 3-1.  Utica scored to make it 3-2.  Elena stepped up and made it 4-2.  Utica made it 4-3 on the next shot.  Ellie lined up next for the win, and hit a beautiful shot to the upper right corner of the net, but just barely touched the goal post and bounced away.  The score remained 4-3.  Utica had a chance to tie, but their shot went over the net.  Ike wins and the team erupted in celebration!!  

The girls are back in action next Thursday, June 2nd at Romeo High School for the second round of districts against top-seeded Stoney Creek. Kickoff is at 6pm.  Bring your family, bring your friends and bring your energy for what will certainly be another intense rivalry battle!