Fitch takes Jackson to OT

October 26, 2011 at 12:06a.m.

By Lenny Reich

MASSILLON

The Austintown Fitch girls soccer team hoped the best offense was a good defense — and it almost worked.

The Falcons kept Jackson contained for all of regulation time but a goal off a corner kick in the second minute of overtime gave the Polar Bears a 1-0 win in a district semifinal game on Tuesday at Neitzelt Stadium .

Maddy Tletski knocked in a corner kick from Kalynn Flanigan as Federal League champion and undefeated Jackson (12-0-5) advanced to play North Canton Hoover, a 1-0 winner over Lake in the other semifinal, in Saturday’s district final.

Earlier in the season, the Polar Bears beat Fitch 5-0 behind a four-goal performance from forward Caitlyn Patton. on Tuesday, Falcons coach Tex Martin had a different plan.

“We changed from a 4-4-2 that we played against them in the regular season to an umbrella defense — a 5-3-2,” said Martin.

“The thought was to shut down half the field and hope to take advantage of a bad pass to sneak one in.”

With the middle of the field clogged Patton could not find room to operate and was a non-factor in the match.

“It was a good plan and they executed it well,” said Jackson coach Frank Gagliardi. “They played really tough defensively and really forced us to work hard.”

Even with the extra player back, Jackson dominated play as they out-shot Fitch, 24-2, but the physical defense that resulted in a combined 24 fouls along with the play of keeper Jessica Scott allowed the Falcons to hang around.

Scott did yeoman’s work between the pipes as she had 17 saves to keep the Polar Bears at bay.

“She played a great game even after she tweaked her ankle in the first half,” said Martin. “She was awesome tonight and kept us in the game.”

The Polar Bears’ best chance in regulation came halfway through the first half as Flanigan had a breakaway and was stopped by Scott.

Fitch finally made a run at a score as Emily Durina and the Falcons got the ball in the box with eight minutes left but Jackson’s defense recovered and turned away the threat.

“I am proud of our team and their effort tonight,” said Martin. “No matter if they were hurt or cold no one wanted to leave the field tonight.”

Fitch finished its season with a 10-7-1 record.