2000 Route 208, Hawthorne, NJ 07506-2254

Sunday, September 18, 2016

GIRLS SOCCER:HCA pulls off its biggest ever comeback to win on homecoming

Hawthorne Christian's Gianna D'Amato.

By Rich Barton
NJS.com Staff Writer

HAWTHORNE – When Saddle River Day scored with less than 14 minutes to play in regulation, history was not on the side of Hawthorne Christian Academy as it was facing a two-goal, second-half deficit. In the history of the program, the Defenders had never rallied to win after trailing by two so late in the game. History is meant to be rewritten; and with a furious late rally led by Gianna D’Amato, the Defenders did just that. With a Homecoming crowd on hand to witness the action, D’Amato sent the game into overtime with a penalty kick late in regulation then completed her hat trick and the comeback midway through the second overtime as Hawthorne Christian pulled off a wild 5-4 win over Saddle River Day on Saturday in Hawthorne. “This is a great win and we’re really excited about it,” said Hawthorne Christian striker Kelly Etemadipour. D’Amato got Hawthorne Christian on the scoreboard first by converting a penalty kick in the 14th minute. Saddle River Day responded three minutes later with a goal from Alexa Tsahalis that tied the game. MORE...

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