By By Cassie Chance/Special to The Star
Feb. 7, 2001
Considering that history tends to repeat itself, it was no surprise the Northeast Lauderdale Lady Trojans found themselves facing a familiar opponent Tuesday night in the second round of the Mississippi High School Activities Association's state soccer playoffs.
It was only a year ago, the Lady Trojans faced off against Pearl in the Class 4A state semifinals. In that meeting, the Lady Trojans fell 3-2.
This year, the Lady Pirates traveled to Northeast and the Lady Trojans were hoping to get revenge and advance to the state semifinals in Clinton this weekend.
This time, Northeast found itself facing a more aggressive Lady Pirates team.
And in the end, Pearl ironically won the game 3-2 in overtime.
Northeast coach Charles Coleman pointed out that, despite the loss, the season went well for his Lady Trojans.
Northeast got on the board early and took a 2-0 halftime lead on goals by Danielle Smith.
However, the Lady Pirates scored their first goal just two minutes into the second half on a shot by Joy Garriga.
Pearl tied the game at 2-2 when Garriga once again found the back of the net to force the overtime.
The Lady Pirates stepped up and just three-plus minutes into the second half of overtime, Jenny Farris gave Pearl the lead and the win on her putback shot that fell just behind Northeast keeper Raleigh Odom.
The Lady Trojans were held to only two shots on goal the entire night, both of those coming on Smith's goals. Pearl registered 12 shots on goal.
Northeast finishes the season at 9-4.
Pearl (7-12-1) will play either Laurel or Florence on Friday afternoon in the state semifinals.