Girls soccer: Barrington strikes first, can’t hold on in state semifinal loss to O’Fallon

Barrington's dream of playing for the state soccer title were dashed after downstate power O'Fallon claimed a 2-1 victory Friday night in a Class 3A state semifinal match at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium on the campus of North Central College.

The hard-fought defeat sends the Fillies (19-2-2) into the third-place game at 11:30 a.m. Saturday against Lane Tech (22-3-2) who earlier lost to Naperville North.

"They (O'Fallon) are big, strong and fast and a very deserving team to be playing for a state title," said a gracious Fillies coach Ryan Stengren.

For the third time in its last three matches, the Fillies got off to a flying start when Maddie Martin-Johnston netted the opener in the 21st minute, thanks in part to a terrific assist from Gabby Masterson.

"We were a little tentative at the start, but we came alive just before Maddie's goal, and I thought we played really well after that," said Stengren.

"(But) once again we conceded a late goal just before the half, and after that, we were in a real battle."

O'Fallon (22-1-1) would create three corners, and another three deep throws in the final 10 minutes of the first half. It would be a long throw that led to the equalizer from Delaney Nieroda who would steer in her close range effort.

Off a counter, the Panthers would stun the Fillies with the eventual game-winner that came from the 26th goal of the season from Allie Tredway, who coincidentally had the assist on the Panthers’ victory in overtime two years ago against Barrington in the state final.

The Fillies pushed numbers forward in the final quarter hour in their attempt to get back level. Piper Lucier, Madeline Lewis, AJ Sanchez, Martin-Johnston and Masterson all were involved in the late push, but the Panthers held firm to earn their spot in the final.