Dragons win on Rasile’s PK goal

By STEVE WILAJ

swilaj@vindy.com

niles

Bethany Rasile and the Niles girls soccer team had an idea of what to expect heading into Monday’s Division II district semifinal against West Branch.

“We knew going in that it was gonna be a hard, physical battle,” Rasile said. “We were prepared and we just did our best to fight back.”

Sneaking by the Warriors at Bo Rein Stadium in Niles, the Red Dragons defeated West Branch, 1-0, on a penalty kick by Rasile to advance to a district final. Niles will meet Howland at 7 p.m. on Thursday at the YSU Soccer Complex.

“Howland’s a very physical team,” Niles coach Jennifer Mease said. “I thought the last time we played them — which was a tie — that they were more physical than us. So I think this was a very good learning experience for the girls and a good stepping stone so they can know where they need to be.”

West Branch (11-6-1) was, indeed, physical with the Red Dragons (14-2-2) for much of the night — although a little too physical midway through the first half.

In the 22nd minute, the Warriors picked up a yellow card, which allowed Rasile a penalty kick. The sophomore then sent the ball to the right corner of the net for what turned out to be the game’s decisive goal.

“Typically, I like to go to the right corner — that’s just where I’m comfortable with,” Rasile said. “I just relaxed myself and hit it.”

The kick fooled West Branch goalkeeper Kendall Briceland, who was solid for most of the night as she racked up six saves.

“Very frustrated,” Warriors coach McKenzie Wallace said. “You never want a decision made by a PK. My girls played their hearts out. It was not a one-sided possession game and it’s unfortunate. But boy, do they have a fire burning for next year.”

Offensively, West Branch had its chances, but couldn’t quite beat Niles goalie Vada Flannery. The junior finished with seven saves as she recorded a shutout.

“I think we may have been able to make some more opportunities than we had,” Wallace said. “There were some where I would have liked to see us get the ball in a little closer and get a couple more looks — you always want a couple more looks.”

As for Niles, they had more open looks than just Rasile’s penalty kick. She missed on solid scoring chances in the 15th and 53rd minute, although they obviously didn’t come back to haunt her.

“You’d rather win on a go-ahead goal,” Mease said. “But it’s good to come out with the win.”

Added Rasile: “West Branch was really physical — and we know Howland’s gonna be just as physical.”