Late O'Fallon Christian goal denies Notre Dame girls soccer second straight Class 2 state championship

Notre Dame's Kristen Tarno walks off the field as O'Fallon Christian celebrates in the background following the Class 2 state championship on Thursday, May 31, 2018, at Swope Soccer Village in Kansas City, Missouri.

Matthew Hicks ~ Special to the Southeast Missourian

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Notre Dame did not repeat as champions in Class 2 girls soccer, but after nearly 70 scoreless minutes in the final, it took an incredible shot by O'Fallon Christian to beat them Thursday afternoon.

Sophomore striker Eylessa Kellam, using what she described as something of a "half-bicycle kick," scored with her back to keeper Grace Powderly, stuffing the ball just inside the left post from about six yards away.

Yes, Christian practices such plays, Kellam said.

"Last year, one of our goals was to score on five headers," Kellam said. "This year, it was to put in a bicycle kick."

O Fallon Christian's Rachel Curran trips up Notre Dame's Megan Heisserer during the Class 2 state championship on Thursday, May 31, 2018 at Swope Soccer Village in Kansas City, Missouri.

Paul Kopsky ~ STLhighschoolsports.com

The Eagles (18-4) saved it for the biggest moment of the season. Kellam credited senior Chloe Hall with the key pass that set up her right-footed backward kick, though the scene in front of the net was chaotic before Kellam gained control.

"Heck of a toe flip," Notre Dame coach Ryan Schweain said.

Notre Dame couldn't retaliate in the final 10 minutes, 46 seconds, running out of time and perhaps energy trying to come back in the heat, and Christian came away with a 1-0 victory at Swope Soccer Village.

Pleasant Hill (18-9) took third place, winning 2-0 against Kansas City's St. Pius X (19-6-1).

The Bulldogs, who had a 9-0 shot advantage in the first half, were credited with just two shots in the second. Christian had six shots, and controlled possession for most of the final 40 minutes.

Notre Dame (23-4-1) went home disappointed after a season that included a second straight appearance in the championship game. Just not a second title.

"You don't play for second, so we're disappointed," Schweain said. "I told the girls after the game that they can't hang their heads and they should be proud of this season. And to make it back for the second year in a row is impressive. They worked so hard. They were a fun team to be around. Pleasant kids. No drama. They all like each other. It was a blast to be coach of this team."

Junior midfielder Kristen Tarno spoke quietly afterward, proud of her team's effort and its results until the last game, but disappointed the Bulldogs couldn't double up on their 2017 championship.

"Second is still all right," Tarno said. "We played our hardest. It's hard because, after winning last year, we knew we have the ability to win again."

Schweain and Tarno also lamented not having defender Abby Wilson, who sustained an apparent knee injury right after kickoff in the semifinals that knocked her out for the rest of the tournament.

"It's still a huge loss," Schweain said. "No doubt in my mind that the game could have turned out differently."

Tarno said they were playing for Wilson.

"We still played great defense after losing Abby," Tarno said. "We missed her still."

Notre Dame's best chance to score in the first 22 minutes came when Megan Heisserer, off a Hannah Miller takeaway and pass, was denied by diving keeper Grace Kinsey. The Bulldogs controlled the rebound, but missed high with an open net on the second attempt.

Not long after, Kinsley made a pair of leaping one-handed saves near the crossbar.

"We were all over the place in the first half with opportunities," Schweain said. "We missed a couple of golden ones. Second half, they turned the tables."

Schweain said the Bulldogs graduate nine seniors but have an encouraging group of younger players headed to varsity.