Fredericksburg, VA (June 10, 2022) - Entering this semifinal matchup, the Broad Run Spartans could be called a "late bloomer." They had a solid regular season, finishing 9-6-1, but they really got going in the postseason with a Dulles District championship and a runner-up finish in Region 4C. On the other hand, The Atlee Raiders overall record of 13-3-1 and their sweep through the Region 4B tournament, made them the favorite going in. But none of that mattered more than the opportunity in front of both teams--the chance to play for a state championship.
Chas Sumser Photography was there to capture the action and emotion and posted a gallery of images from the game.
Broad Run's Mia Casciani has made a habit of twenty-five yard shots that come in just under the cross bar and over the reach of opposing goalies. But until the 24th minute of the match she wasn't getting the chance to demonstrate her skill. The Atlee defense and midfield made every Spartan possession short-lived, and while the first half was played primarily in the Atlee defensive third, there simply wasn't much room for an open shot.
But then Casciani found that opening and put her team up 1-0 with one of her patented right-footed shots. Atlee keeper Sarah Robinson was correctly positioned, but she couldn't quite reach this one. Two other times in the half the ball had deflected harmlessly off the crossbar, but not this time. And that's the way the half ended, with Broad Run up 1-0.
Despite the spirited play of the Raiders' Georgia Skelton, the second half was again primarily on the Atlee side. In the 56th minute, Casciani found some space at the top of the penalty area, but this time she was shooting left-footed. And this time the ball hit the crossbar, but rebounded off of Robinson's back for a 2-0 Broad Run lead.
With time running out, Atlee went into desperation mode, but that opened up some space on the right wing for Spartan Taylor Reyes. Deep in the corner with just three minutes remaining, she drilled a low hard shot that zipped past Robinson and into the left side of the Atlee net. A fitting cap to a winning afternoon.
Broad Run advances to a showdown matchup with local rival Tuscarora for the 2022 Class 4 state championship.
Final Score: Broad Run 3 - Atlee 0
