South Side back in soccer finals

South Side sophomore Christina Klaum continued her hot scoring with the only goal in last Saturday’s Nassau Class A girls’ soccer semifinal playoff victory over defending county champion Garden City at Tully Park.

Klaum converted a pass from sophomore Katie Ford 64 seconds into the game and Lady Cyclones junior goalkeeper Kelsey Berki made it hold up, totaling 12 saves including two from point-blank range in the second half. Second-seeded South Side (11-2-4) advanced to meet undefeated top-seed Division (14-0-3) in the final. 

“Both teams played a great game,” Lady Cyclones coach Shannon McEntee said. “When we played Garden City a few weeks ago, we scored early and they came back to beat us 2-1. We knew we couldn’t sit on a one-goal lead. We just kept playing as if it was 0-0.”

South Side didn’t let off the gas offensively and forced Garden City’s Tracy Rendano to make 10 saves.

“Both goalies were tested all game,” McEntee said. “Kelsey made some huge stops for us. She’s aggressive and talented, and the experience she gained last year gave her confidence and helped her grow as a player.”

The shutout was the third in as many playoff games for the Lady Cyclones, who topped No. 15 Lynbrook, 6-0, in the first round and No. 10 Wantagh, 3-0, in the quarterfinals. Berki has 19 postseason saves, and Klaum seven goals.

Klaum opened the scoring in all three playoff wins and notched hat tricks against Lynbrook and Wantagh. Ford, senior defender Caitlin Wallace and senior Lily Schoen added goals against Lynbrook.

McEntee said the Lady Cyclones are excited to be back in the finals with another crack at Division, which beat and tied them during Conference A-IV play. 

“Our defense is really focused and Kelsey is playing great in goal,” she said. “We have to keep playing our passing game and minimize Division’s set plays. They’re really dangerous on corners.”