PCA Girls’ Soccer Triumphs in Overtime, Sparking Controversy Over St. Thomas Aquinas’ Early Exit from Championship Chase in a Season of High Hopes and Expectations for the Reigning Champions
In a thrilling Division IV semifinal match, the Portsmouth Christian Academy (PCA) girls soccer team secured a place in the state championship with a dramatic 2-1 overtime victory over Lin-Wood. Sylvie Wamberg emerged as the hero of the day, scoring both goals for PCA, the first of which came in the dying moments of regulation, ensuring the team would not succumb to a heartbreaking defeat. This win is particularly significant for PCA, as it marks their second appearance in a state championship game, with their first being in 2022, where they suffered a narrow 1-0 loss to Newmarket.
As PCA prepares to face No. 8 Profile in the upcoming championship match, the narrative surrounding the team has evolved from underdog to contender. With a season record of 16-2, PCA has demonstrated resilience, particularly in the semifinal where they found themselves trailing after Lin-Wood took a 1-0 lead in the second half. Coach Derek Summers praised his team’s grit, emphasizing their ability to bounce back and perform under pressure. Wamberg’s equalizing goal, assisted by Jaela Stockbower, came with just 12 minutes left in regulation, showcasing the determination and fighting spirit of the PCA squad.
Conversely, the defeat of St. Thomas Aquinas, a two-time reigning Division III state champion, has sent shockwaves through the soccer community. The fourth-seeded Saints fell to top-seeded Stevens in a closely contested match that ended 1-0. St. Thomas was aiming for its fifth consecutive championship appearance, a feat that would have solidified its dominance in the division. Instead, they were left to grapple with the disappointment of an early exit, ending their season with a commendable record of 15-1-3.
Head coach Patrick Hureau expressed pride in his team’s performance, noting that they fought valiantly until the final whistle. However, the harsh reality of sports is that even the best performances do not always guarantee victory. The tension surrounding this loss raises questions about the team’s future, as they now face the challenge of rebuilding and re-strategizing for the next season.
The contrasting outcomes for PCA and St. Thomas Aquinas encapsulate the unpredictable nature of high school sports, where the stakes are high, and the emotional investments run deep. PCA’s journey to the championship is a testament to the power of perseverance and the thrill of competition, while St. Thomas’s exit highlights the cruel unpredictability that can accompany the pursuit of greatness.
As PCA gears up for the championship match against Profile, the excitement in the community is palpable. Fans are rallying behind the team, hoping for a victorious outcome that would elevate PCA’s program to new heights. Meanwhile, St. Thomas Aquinas must reflect on what went wrong this season while looking ahead to the future, where they will undoubtedly aim to reclaim their place at the top of Division III soccer.
This juxtaposition of triumph and disappointment within the realm of high school athletics serves as a reminder of the profound impact that sports can have on young athletes, their coaches, and their communities. The narratives that emerge from these competitions often transcend the field, influencing the lives of those involved and shaping the culture of high school sports for years to come. The upcoming championship match promises to be a highly anticipated event, not just for the teams involved but for the entire community, as they come together to support their athletes in a display of unity and pride.
LACONIA – Sylvie Wamberg’s second goal of the game lifted the Portsmouth Christian Academy girls soccer team to a 2-1 overtime win over No. 3 Lin-Wood on Tuesday in a Division IV semifinal at Bank of New Hampshire Stadium.
PCA (16-2) will play No. 8 Profile (12-5-2) for the Division IV state championship on Friday at 5 p.m. at Bank of New Hampshire Stadium.
This will be PCA’s second state championship game in program history with the first in 2022 – a 1-0 loss to Newmarket.
"It was a gritty win," PCA head coach Derek Summers said. "We didn’t play our best in the first half, but I liked how our team responded after going down a goal."
Lin-Wood took a 1-0 lead in the second half, but Wamberg, assisted by Jaela Stockbower, scored with about 12 minutes left in regulation.
PCA lost to Profile in a Division IV semifinals last year.
GIRLS SOCCER
No. 1 Stevens 1
No. 4 St. Thomas Aquinas 0
BEDFORD – St. Thomas, two two-time reigning Division III state champion, fell just short in its attempt to reach its fifth straight championship game.
The fourth-seeded Saints fell to top-seeded Stevens, 1-0 in a Division III semifinal on Tuesday at Bedford High School.
St. Thomas Aquinas ends the season at 15-1-3. Stevens will play No. 2 Raymond for the Division III state championship on Saturday at 3 p.m. at Bedford High School.
"The girls gave it their absolute best tonight, we fought until the very end," St. Thomas head coach Patrick Hureau said. "Sometimes the game just doesn’t go your way. I think we played the best game of the season tonight, unfortunately, they were able to put one away and we weren’t."
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Seacoast Tourney Roundup, PCA girls soccer to play for title