Morehouse’s hat trick leads to overtime win
The Hudson Valley women’s soccer team defeated North Country 4-3 in overtime and improved their record to 8-2-2. The team was led by the play of Elisabeth Morehouse, who led the Vikings with three goals including the game winner in overtime.
“I just capitalized on their mistakes,” said Morehouse about her play in the game. “I was in the right place at the right time.”
Being in the right place at the right time seems to happen more often than not for Morehouse. This past game vs North Country was the 5th time that Morehouse has had three or more goals in a game. She now also has 22 goals on the season, which is 2nd in the nation.
“She’s the catalyst,” said head coach Jay Pokines when asked what Morehouse meant to his team. “Every team has that player when she’s on the field they’re at ease. She’s that player,” he added.
After the win, Hudson Valley received some votes in the national poll. If they keep pace with what they’re already doing, they should be heading into regionals nationally ranked.
Saturday’s game was a true test for the women’s soccer team. Earlier in the season, North Country beat a Herkimer team that is currently ranked second in the nation. The Vikings went up early and had a two goal lead with about 20 minutes left in the match. They gave up two late goals, including one with less than two minutes left, which sent the game into overtime.
“I wasn’t sure they were going to bring the lift,” said Pokines in regards to his team having to play in overtime. “They looked pretty beat with a minute left and [North Country] scoring that tying goal, but they proved me wrong.”
Elisabeth Morehouse found the back of the net in the 98th minute to give her team the win. “It was really physical,” said Morehouse about the game.
“I think regionals will be bigger than [this game]. I think it will be this times a few. So it’s good to start working our way up to playing at that level,” she said.
The Vikings will have two more regular season games before regionals start. Both of those matches are away. The first will be a test on the road vs Broome on Wednesday (Oct. 14) at 2 p.m. Broome is currently ranked sixth in the nation. The other game will be their season finale at Onondaga Saturday (Oct. 17) at 1 p.m.
Regional play will begin on Sunday, Nov. 1st at Herkimer.