Stars use golden goal to get past Wasilla girls

JUNEAU — Regardless of what happened Friday afternoon, Wasilla head coach Amber Craig wanted her team to put together their best effort during a consolation semifinal match with Soldotna.

“I told the girls at the beginning, we know we can beat them, but we know they’re tough,” Craig said. “Win or lose, know you went out there and gave everything you’ve got.”

Soldotna edged Wasilla 2-1 in overtime to move on and eliminate the Warriors from tourney play. Even though the Warriors saw their season come to an end, Craig couldn’t help but be proud of what she saw Friday during the consolation semifinal round of the ASAA/First National Bank State Soccer Championships in Juneau.

“It’s the best game I’ve seen them play in a while.” Craig said by phone. “I think the girls walked off the field knowing they did everything they could.”

Soldotna converted a breakaway to record a game-winning golden goal during sudden death overtime. Sophomore Nikki Vanni recorded Wasilla’s lone score 10 minutes into the second half.

“It was definitely and equally-matched game,” Craig said.

Colony girls eliminated on second day

JUNEAU — South Anchorage scored a 6-0 win over Colony during the consolation semifinals on Friday. Colony was eliminated from play with the loss.

Contact Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.