LocalSportsJournal.com

The Orchard View girls soccer team never gave up on Monday, and in the end the Cardinals were rewarded with a thrilling 2-1 overtime shootout victory over previously undefeated Ludington in LSJ Logo incertLakes 8 Conference action.

Ludington scored the only goal of the first half, and it looked like the Orioles were going to claim a shutout victory at home.

But Orchard View tied the score 1-1 with a goal from Rachel Darwin with about three minutes left in regulation.

The overtime period was scoreless, leading to a shootout, which involves five players from each team taking turns going one-on-one with the opposing goalie. Three players from each team scored, leading to a sixth round of the shootout.

Ludington missed its shot, then Orchard View’s Rachel Tabler scored, securing the victory for the Cardinals.

Orchard View improved to 5-2 overall and 2-2 in the Lakes 8. Ludington fell to 9-1 overall and 3-1 in the conference.

“I’ve never coached a team that had to go to that length to win,” said Orchard View Coach Burt Wachter. “It was pretty exciting. The girls worked hard and gave it their best. That’s all I ever ask.”

Wachter credited goalkeeper Megan McFarland for making some great saves during regulation that allowed the Cardinals to rally and win.

McFarland was also one of the Orchard View shooters during the shootout round, and scored against the Ludington goalkeeper.

“She had a great game,” Wachter said.