LIVINGSTON MANOR – Burke Catholic girls’ soccer team visited the Rockland Central Wolves for their match Wednesday. Unfortunately for the hometown crowd, it was a one-sided affair. Burke took the game 8 –0 over the Wolves.

Burke’s entire starting line-up returned this season from their run in the state finals last year where they made it all the way to the final four displaying a high caliber of play. The older Burke team pressured Rockland from start to finish, forcing the young Wolves make ill-advised passes, and turn the ball over. Burke was strong on the ball, providing a big edge in possessions, and more shots on net. Rockland managed one shot on goal in the first half and found themselves down 5 to 0 at the whistle.

The second half was a little more competitive, with the Wolves getting a couple of shots on net, one sailing just over the crossbar. But it was much of the same in the half. Rocklands' struggles to keep Burke from crashing the net was the difference.

Rockland head coach Joe Clarke said at the end of the game, “Burke is a very good team, they went far in the sectionals last year. We were flat, a little intimidated, the bar is high, so we have a lot of work to do to get where we want. But the girl’s didn’t give up, there’s some stuff to build on with this team. We’ve had a good start to the season, we’re just going to continue moving forward.”

Burke head coach Sara Rickard Fandl observed, “It’s always a tough game here, their goalie is awesome, and just a freshman...wow. After last year, our bar is set pretty high, we still have a lot to work on. But it was a great game, that’s what we needed.”

 Gabriella Filosa, Evelyn Lopez, scored one goal each for Burke and Kate Cuebas, Kathleen Conlon, and Inga Haines, scored 2 goals each. 

Rockland goalie Angelina Schwartz, a freshman, faced a relentless attack from Burke throughout the game but stood her ground. Her performance offers Rockland a reason for optimism as they look forward to future games.