New York High School Soccer - Franklin Central nudges Milford Central
October 18, 2014: Milford, NY 13807 The Franklin Central Purple Devils soccer team scored 2 points and limited the host Milford Central Wildcats to 1 in the Purple Devils non-league victory on Saturday.
Next, the Purple Devils face the Laurens Central Leopards (Laurens, NY) in a non-league contest, on Wednesday, October 22. Franklin Central will attempt to better on its 14-1 season record.
The Wildcats now have a 15-1 record.
Game Summary
The Franklin Lady Devils defeated Milford Wildcats 2-1 in overtime to give Franklin the Tri-Valley League Championship. Jess Downin got the Lady Devils on the scoreboard first (9:52 into the first half) when she scored a 30 yard direct kick under the crossbar and over the outstretched hands of Milford goalkeeper Rukiye Henderson. Later that half Franklin defender Jessi McNeilly kept the game 1-0 with a sliding clearance of the ball off the Franklin goal line.
The game remained 1-0 until Milford forward Addy Lawson converted off a Rileigh Griffiths's assist. Both teams had chances to win in regulation but Henderson and Franklin goalkeeper Alicia DeSilva kept the teams at bay.
Jess Downin scored her second goal with 1:01 left in first overtime when she caught Henderson off her line and finished off a 15 yard shot from the right side.
The victory gave Franklin their first League Soccer Championship since 1976 and ends Milford's four year reign as Tri-Valley League Champion.