9 hours Ago By Timothy Dashiell
With her team just one win away from capturing the Class 1A girls soccer state championship, Liberty coach Danni Prietz has a simple formula for what her team needs to do Saturday in order to pick up the win. “[We will win this game if] we communicate and play as a team.” she said.
While the formula is simple, it’s the flawless execution that has carried the Lions as they’ve tore through the playoffs, outscoring opponents 18-2 with two shutouts heading into the championship game. The final hurdle comes at 5 p.m.
Saturday against Mardela at Loyola Maryland’s Ridley Athletic Complex. For Prietz, a stingy defensive unit has been blessed to be anchored by two strong goalies: senior Mady Smith and junior Maeve Reese. The goalie tandem has not only been stellar on the backend, but are just two of the many Lions playing their best and with the upmost confidence heading into the big game.
“I’m excited,” Smith said. “We’ve been working all season for this.” Smith has been amongst the county’s best goalkeepers with 79 saves on the season.
She’s proven to be a tough and reliable presence for the Lions defense, a unit that hasn’t given up more than two goals in a game the entire season. “We have put in the hours, on grass and on turf, so we can be prepared and ready to go,” Smith said. “When we’re out there, it’s just about always picking each other up in low moments and having each other’s back.
” Whenever Smith takes a much-needed and well-earned break, Reese steps right in and opponents are often discouraged that there is little to no dropoff as she picks up right where the senior leaves off. With 17 saves of her own this season, it’s her energy on the bench and voice on and off the field that has helped provide that extra push her teammates need. “I’ve gotten used to playing my role,” Reese said.
“When I’m in the game I’m all about communicating with my defenders and even when I’m on the bench, I’m getting everyone hyped up.” Communication has been the key for a Liberty team that has won six straight games heading into Saturday’s final, outscoring opponents 29-3 with three shutouts, as they look to finish the run off with a seventh straight win and the state championship. Related Articles A big part of that run: a program wide commitment to the defensive end.
“Everyone plays and everyone defends,” Prietz said. “When we are sharp with our marking and supporting our goalies, we play with energy and are ready to go.” Regardless of who’s in goal for the Lions, Prietz had confidence in both her girls as they continue to make each other better.
Besides all the work the pair puts in together, it’s the myriad of reps defending shots from Bryce Sarver, Hannah DeVincent and Aver Asom everyday in practice . “They work with each other a lot and because of that, they see some pretty tough shots and good looks,” Prietz said. “They both work super hard and that’s why they both play.
” Battle-tested and ready for whatever is thrown their way, the Lions are a relaxed confident bunch knowing they have two strong players they can turn to on the backend to bring the state championship to Liberty once and for all. “We’ve worked hard and we’re ready,” Smith said. “We deserve to be here.
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