Girls Soccer - Burrell vs Deer Lakes

Deer Lakes Scores Late to Beat Burrell Girls Soccer 2-1 in Key Section Battle 

It was the game that both teams had circled on their calendars. The first round had gone to Deer Lakes on September 10th in a 5-4 win over the Lady Bucs on the Lady Lancers home pitch. Since that time, Deer Lakes has gone 7-1, with the only blemish being a non-conference loss at Class 4A opponent North Hills. Burrell bounced back from the loss at Deer Lakes with a 7-game win streak, including a 3-2 win over perennial Class 1A power Greensburg Central Catholic two days ago. The long awaited rematch on Burrell's home pitch had the makings of a shootout, with the top spot in WPIAL Section 2 (2A) on the line. But in the end it was defense that ruled the night, as the Lancers late second half goal broke a 1-1 deadlock, giving them the 2-1 victory and a season sweep over rival Burrell.

Burrell came out strong to start the game, getting the opening marker when sophomore Jordyn Kowalkowski slid a shot past Deer Lakes' junior goalkeeper Gabby Weber just over 5 minutes into the game. But neither team was able to find the net again in the first half as the Lady Bucs took a 1-0 lead to intermission.

The Lady Lancers got the equalizer in the second half when Lily Litrun caught Bucs keeper Delaney O'Brien out of the cage and rolled a shot past her with 28:01 left to play. The teams battled back and forth, each coming close on several opportunities but not connecting, as it looked like this one was headed to overtime play. But Deer Lakes forward Abigail Boulos had other intentions, as her well placed header from point blank range gave O'Brien no chance to block as it hit the twine for the game defining point and a 2-1 Lancers lead. With only 4:25 left to play, Deer Lakes held off Burrell for the win, extending their conference record to 9-0-0. Burrell dropped to 6-2-0 in conference with the only blemishes being the pair of losses to the Lady Lancers.

Up next for Burrell is a Saturday 10/6 matinee trip to Highlands for a conference game. Next for Deer Lakes is their own road trip to Highlands on Monday 10/8.            

Watch this link for a full gallery of action photos available for purchase or sharing the day after the game.