SCT RD #2 #13 Manasquan at #4 Middletown South

In the biggest upset of the tournament, #13 Manasquan earned their biggest win in over a decade by defeating #4 Middletown South 2-1 in overtime to move on to the quarterfinals of the SCT.

Some teams might have packed it in if they give up a goal 50 seconds into the game, but the Warriors responded by playing better defense and was able to attack the Middletown South defense for several minutes at a time. The Eagles scored when freshman Bea Tinoco scored after receiving a touch pass from senior Abby Doherty.

"I was really proud of how they were able to hang on after being down a goal so early on," Manasquan coach Bailey Price said. "I feel this is the most we have been challenged so far and these have been the toughest opponents we have played."

It would take another 74 minutes to see the next goal, when senior Meghan Stehle sent a cross into the box and junior Renee Herbert got her foot on it to tie the game with five minutes left. That goal came after Middletown South controled about 15 minutes of play, but could not finish. They had several set pieces, free kicks and corners, that were beautifully placed by Doherty, but no one was able to crack through the Manasquan defense.

Manasquan did not wait long into overtime to end the game. They earned a corner kick 90 seconds into overtime and Herbert, who has been great all season on set pieces, served up a perfect ball that bounced around and junior Rylie Rampone was able to put it home past Middletown South junior goalie Allie Greco for the win. Greco was solid all game, especially in the first half when Manasquan was able to apply pressure and get shots on goal.

"I was so excited, she (Rampone) always tries her hardest and she always tries to get off on the ball and it pays off," Herbert said. "We work together and we are closer this year and it is paying off"

Manasquan goalie, sophomore Gia Restivo, was solid once again in goal, always being in the right position when Middletown South would be on the attack. Restivo and the Warrior defense made it difficult for the Eagles to get any clear looks at the goal after they conceded the first one. 

"Our middle of the field that is usually solid, they were doubting some passes and some decisions they were making, but after halftime they pulled it together and they were less nervous and they were able to adjust," Price said. 

With the win, Manasquan moves on to play SJV Saturday for a chance to make the SCT semi-finals, which might be the first time in program history.

"It's been a while since we even been in the Shore Conference (Tournament) and these girls don't realize how big it is. I feel this is a huge accomplishment for the soccer program," Price said.

Player of the Game Renee Herbert - Renee had the equalizer as time was ticking away and then her corner kick set up the golden goal to advance.

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