West Morris Girls Soccer Loses to Mendham

The West Morris Central Wolfpack varsity girls soccer team succumbed to its visiting sister team Mendham, losing 3-1 on Tuesday, Oct. 12.

"It's always a difficult match when these two teams meet," said Ken Rossi, Wolfpack head coach. The sentiment was echoed by Mendham head coach Mark Lahey, "the game could of gone either way."

The last match between the two rivals resulted in a tie. The teams will meet again on their way to the conference finals. "There's a chance we can make it to the finals but we'll have to play them (West Morris Central) again," said Lahey, "They are always a tough match."

The beginning of the game saw the Wolfpack utilizing an offensive strategy leaving Mendham to play conservatively and repel attacks until the Wolfpack's offense tired.

Just 12 minutes into the first half, Wolfpack midfielder Megan Monaco headed in the first goal, courtesy of teammate Megan McQuaide's perfectly placed corner kick.

The Wolfpack attempted to use the momentum from the first goal to score a second allowing them to relax but Mendham would not give up chances easily.

As the second half began, it was now the Wolfpack on the receiving end of the attack. Five minutes into the period, Mendham forward Nicole Graziano scored off a quick run, firing just outside the penalty area before Wolfpack goalkeeper Allysin Tank could advance to close the angle between her and the offender.

With just minutes to spare, Mendham's Devon Russel scored on a blocked shot rebound, giving her team the lead. 

The third Mendham goal came right after as Jamie Hofstetter rolled a shot into the right corner of the goal from just inside the penalty area.

Lahey smiled after the game, looking upon his victorious team. "I am very pleased," he said.

Both teams now have the same record of 6-2-2.

The Wolfpack visits the Randolph Rams for it's next match on Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. while Mendham plays Parsippany Hills on Oct. 14 at 4 p.m.