Springstead's Taylor McKinney Delivers 'Golden Goal' In Second OT

BROOKSVILLE - Some players call it luck. Some players just have a knack for the ball.
While some players do not want the ball in clutch opportunities, others thrive in that environment.
Whatever the formula, Springstead senior striker Taylor McKinney possesses it.
Last year, when it appeared that Springstead would drop the Class 4A, District 8 final against Hudson, McKinney buried a hustle goal to tie matters and send the match into overtime.
Then freshman Cristina Passafaro delivered the dagger in OT to help overcome an early 2-0 Hudson deficit and help capture the school's fourth-ever district title, 3-2.
A year later at Nature Coast Technical's Shark Tank Stadium, Springstead High was locked into a death grip with No. 3 seeded New Port Richey-Gulf in the district semifinal.
The Lady Buccaneers entered the match 2-2 lifetime in playoffs dating back 18 years.
In fact, it was the Lady Bucs who eliminated top seeded Springstead in Head Coach Polo Furlong's first season at Springstead, 2-1.
Locked in scoreless struggle, neither team could settle the issue Thursday night after 80 minutes of regulation.
Ditto for the first 10-minute overtime.
But midway through the second overtime in the 95th minute, freshman forward Ashley Walker -- the county's assist leader -- threaded a pass to near post that McKinney rammed home for the sudden death goal touching off a huge celebration for the No. 2 seeded Lady Eagles, 1-0.
"I was stressing in overtime," explained the 15-year-old Walker. "The ball was mostly on their half in overtime. I was so thankful that the match is over. I'm exhausted. My legs feel like jelly."
Walker's 10th assist of the campaign led to McKinney's team-high 18th goal as the Lady Eagles ousted the senior-ladened Lady Buccaneers (17-9-1).
"That pass from Ashley (Walker) was so nice," understated the 17-year-old McKinney, who has now scored three goals in districts.
What was the mindset in overtime?
"If the ball came over, I just wanted to put a foot on it," shared McKinney with her broad smile. "I figured if we got a cross, somebody would be there."
How well did the defense play?
"They were awesome again," replied McKinney. "They always do a tremendous job back there. We don't win without 'em."

Defense wins

Just as important, the Springstead defense, that limited Gulf to nine shots on goal enabled senior goalkeeper Jennifer DeFrancesco to reach another milestone.
DeFrancesco's 16th shutout this winter tied Julie Taylor's school-record 29 career shutouts set from 1991-94.
The win also enabled the Lady Eagles (17-2-4) to advance into Friday night's 4A-8 finale at 7:30 p.m. against Thursday's night's other semifinal winner, Hudson. The No. 1 seeded Lady Cobras eliminated Zephyrhills, 4-0.
Two key defenders, seniors Paige Alexsuk and sweeper Jackie Holtje, commented on the match.
"If Taylor had not finished that goal, I would have personally killed her," laughed the 17-year-old Holtje. "I was so glad it was over. She needed the goal."
How big is repeating Friday night?
"Winning is important for home field in the regionals," said Holtje. "From here on out we've got to count on our forwards to get the job done."
"I knew we had the skills to beat Gulf," added the 17-year-old Alexsuk. "It really boiled down to who wanted it more. Today was a big match, but tomorrow is bigger."

Coach talk

Gulf's veteran Head Coach Shari Schau was disappointed that her nine seniors (including seven starters) did not at least reach the district final.
"I thought overall we played well," described Schau. "We were a little slow early on. I thought Springstead really tried to score the early goal. After the first 10 minutes, we settled down."
What was the difference?
"It was a physical game, it always is against Springstead," replied Schau. "Springstead made the play at the end. They get to go on. It's sad for our nine seniors, but we had a fine season. And those kids still have a lot of soccer left in them. I wish them all good luck in college."
Any regrets?
"None," answered Schau. "We had a great season and this group of kids improved every year they played at Gulf. People are gonna be shocked with what we've got coming back. Even though we lose those seven seniors, I think we'll surprise some people."
From the home sideline, Furlong appeared speechless.
"This was the longest match I've been associated with at Springstead," he commented. "Give Gulf credit. They are an excellent team. And it boiled to a one-goal game."
How huge was McKinney in the clutch (again)?
"She always seems to be in the right place, at the right time," insisted Furlong. "She did it last year against Hudson and did it again tonight. She sometimes looks exhausted but then gives that last extra bit of energy and it always seems to pay off.
"The two teams were exhausted tonight," said Furlong. "They played their hearts out. Our defense produced another shutout. I'm so proud of this team. It's playing so hard right now."

Springstead 1, Gulf 0 (2 OTs)
Gulf 0 0 0 0-- 0
Springstead 0 0 0 1-- 1
Goals - SPG: McKinney.
Assists - SPG: Walker.
Shots on goal - GF: 9; SPG: 13.
Saves - GF: Fellman 12; SPG: DeFrancesco 5.
Yellow Cards - GF: Roddenberg (unsporting behavior), Goodwin (persistent fouling); SPG: McKinney (unsporting behavior).
Blue Cards - none.
Red Cards - none.
Records: Gulf (17-9-1 overall), Springstead (17-2-4 overall).

Class 4A, District 8 Girls Soccer
Tournament Recap:

01-14:
Hernando 5, Sunlake 1

01-15:
Springstead 5, Wiregrass 1
Hudson 8, Hernando 0

01-16:
Zephyrhills 3, Pasco 2
Gulf 3, Nature Coast 1

01-17:
Springstead 1, Gulf 0 (2 OTs)