DOWNSVILLE — The Lady Wildcats are participating in the 2023 James Campbell and Jane Flannery Soccer Tournaments in Downsville to kick off their regular season after a 4-0 win over Middletown started them off on the right foot.

On Tuesday night, after taking a 2-0 lead over Delaware Academy, the Delhi squad rallied for five straight goals to give Livingston Manor their first loss of the season, and the squad returned on Wednesday to take on Downsville under the lights.

The first half of the game was a stalemate, with neither team giving up much ground. 

In the second half, Livingston Manor started to control the ball more on the offensive side, pushing the pace of the game but were unable to score.

LM Goalkeeper Zaylee Cox was a wall on the defensive side, throwing caution to the wind as she chased after any ball that she could and keeping the Eagles off the board. She recorded 13 saves in the game as the Lady Wildcats battled.

At the end of regulation, the teams gathered on the sidelines to grab some water and await the beginning of the overtime period.

Despite the second half and the first few minutes of overtime being controlled by the Lady Wildcats, it was Downsville who was able to chase down a deflected ball and bury the shot for the win.

With the back-to-back losses against Section IV teams, Livingston Manor’s record moves to 1-2 and will look to get back on track tomorrow morning in the consolation game at Downsville.

“We created many scoring opportunities for ourselves, with two even going off the post, but unfortunately couldn’t find the back of the net in time,” Coach Maggi Fitzpatrick said. “Our defense did an excellent job of slowing down their attack time and time again, and we were able to move the ball up the field as a team well tonight. It’s unfortunate when the score sheet doesn’t reflect the way the game was played, but it happens and we will come back stronger from this to be able to put together a complete performance. Congrats to Downsville/Walton on a hard-fought win.”