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Hudson Girls Moving On To Semis

COBRAS 4, HORNETS 3 (OT)

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By Eric Horchy | The Suncoast News

Published: February 3, 2009

Updated:

HUDSON - For the first time in school history, the Hudson High girls soccer team advanced past the FHSAA regional quarterfinals by coming back and stunning Orlando Bishop Moore in overtime, 4-3.

Leading scorer Lindsay Zullo got by a defender deep in Bishop Moore territory just two minutes into overtime and ripped a shot that got by goalkeeper Katelyn Koula for the game-winner.

Hudson players immediately piled on top of one another and the small but boisterous crowd rushed the field following the goal. The Hornets were visibly shocked as they made their way off the turf after giving up what seemed to be a sure win.

Bishop Moore (16-7-4) dominated Hudson (21-2-1) throughout the entire first half with its high-octane attack. Deborah Ambar put the Hornets on the board first during the 14th minute and passed off an assist about 16 minutes later to teammate Diana Dimuro to increase the lead to 2-0.

Nearly every Hudson attempt to advance was thwarted near midfield and the Hornets completely nullified the Cobras' top attackers.

"That's a very fast team and they took us to task early with the pace of the game," Hudson coach Christine Rizzieri said.

Bishop Moore had outshot Hudson 9-3 in the opening half.

"We told them at halftime that if we can get one, that's a dangerous score in soccer; 2-1," Rizzieri said.

Whatever was mentioned, Hudson players took it to heart and came out in the second half looking like a whole new squad. Slowly the Cobras began controlling possession more confidently and effectively and quality looks at net picked up.

The shutout was ended in the 20th minute when Katy McGee controlled an indirect free kick with her body, turned and blasted a goal to the upper-left hand portion of the net.

Following the water break and only three minutes after McGee's goal, Zullo netted her first of the night to tie the game. After a Hudson steal at midfield, Zullo was hit on a pass with only one defender and the goalkeeper to beat. She weaved and spun her defender around and scored on a low, hard shot to the left side of the net.

The comeback effort was nearly ended when Bishop Moore's Megan Young gave the Hornets back the lead in the 35th minute, but Hudson's Alicia Schuering re-tied the game less than two minutes later.

The Cobras will now play host to Eustis High (19-4-1) on Tuesday night at 7 p.m. Eustis advanced by beating Zephyrhills 8-0. The game will be a rematch of last year's quarterfinal. Eustis beat Hudson in overtime, 4-3.

Eric Horchy can be reached at 727-815-1071 or ehorchy@suncoastnews.com.

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