Allyson Dickson’s game-winning goal was a “long shot in more ways than one.
The Grade 11 midfielder launched a towering kick half the length of the soccer pitch to give the Burnaby North Vikings a 4-3 victory in overtime over West Vancouver to advance to the B.C. high school girls’ soccer championships.
Dickson’s answer to a Hail Mary pass in football came at an opportune time for the BurWest league champs.
Leading 3-1 after Jessica Filipelli’s second goal of the game on a terrific strike, and great touch pass from Megan Lai, from outside the 18-yard box in the final 10 minutes of play, North surrendered two late goals to the Highlanders.
During the break, North keeper Michella Grippo, who sustained a nasty knock to her already injured knee in Monday’s loss to Argyle, rallied the troops at the interval.
“I don’t know how we’re going to do it, but we’re going to get the next a goal first and win it,” said Grippo.
Ashley Bristow had a good chance to do just that in the first OT, just missing the near post on a leftfooted effort.
Lai tallied North’s other marker.
The provincials run May 29 to 31 in Vancouver.
