South Glens Falls Claims Victory Over Troy in Playoff Opener

South Glens Falls emerged victorious in a tightly contested match against Troy High School, winning 1-0 in the first round of the Class AA Section II playoffs on July 7, 2025. The game, held at South Glens Falls, showcased a strong defensive performance from both teams, with neither able to score in the first half.

During the initial 40 minutes, both teams struggled to create scoring opportunities. Troy’s head coach, Stephen Philo, praised his team’s defense, noting that they effectively neutralized South Glens Falls’ offensive efforts. “(We) didn’t give up any corners, and were able to just suffocate any offensive pressure they had,” Philo stated.

In the second half, South Glens Falls found its breakthrough in the 55th minute. Despite controlling the game until then, they had been unable to capitalize on their chances until junior midfielder Emeri Buckley seized an opportunity. After a chaotic sequence in the box, the ball fell to Buckley, who struck it into an open net. “I feel like we worked really well together,” Buckley commented on the buildup to her goal. “It definitely wasn’t just me there. We did a really good job with our crossing and team spirit was high.”

Philo expressed confidence in Buckley’s abilities, highlighting her accolade as a first-team all-star. “She’s the first team all-star player for a reason,” he said. “She showed how valuable she is tonight, both in the offensive and in the defensive end.”

As the match progressed, South Glens Falls maintained its lead with a strong midfield and defensive effort. Key players such as Gianna Marissal, Jaielynn Curley, and goalkeeper Emmalee Sheeran were instrumental in limiting Troy’s chances. Philo commended their performance, stating, “We just limited any chances they had in transition.”

Looking ahead, South Glens Falls will face a challenging matchup against the top-seeded Mohonasen on the road this Friday at 16:30. Philo acknowledged the difficulty of the upcoming game, noting, “That’s gonna be a different beast. They’re undefeated for a reason. They’re a very talented team, and we’re going to go down there and put our best foot forward and see what happens.”

As South Glens Falls prepares for this critical second-round clash, the team remains focused and determined to advance in the playoffs.