FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP – In a moment that would be etched in athletic history, Paul VI triumphed over a familiar adversary, marking a significant milestone in their girls’ soccer program.
The Eagles achieved their inaugural state title in girls soccer after a fierce battle against Immaculate Heart, clinching a 1-0 victory in the Non-Public A final on Wednesday, thanks to a thrilling overtime goal scored by junior standout Emma McCarthy.
McCarthy completed what she referred to as the “Revenge Tour,” decisively finding the back of the net with just 1:11 remaining in overtime, finishing off a beautifully executed cross from teammate Daniela Vogel.
This monumental win was only the Eagles’ second appearance in a title showdown, with both encounters against IHA. During their last encounter two years ago, the Blue Eagles rallied from behind to secure a victory over the Haddonfield school, thanks to a Golden Goal.
However, this time, it was the Eagles’ turn to revel in the triumph, rounding off an incredible season with their third consecutive win by a single goal.
“I always told them that good teams will always manage and find ways to win the game when the moments count,” coach Karen Anderson shared. “We were knocking. I just told them it just has to be one moment of greatness. That’s exactly what it was.”
What it means
Paul VI is proudly bringing a well-deserved state title back to Haddonfield, a feat they achieved after beginning the season outside the state rankings and managing only one playoff win in 2023. With an impressive record of 20-2-1, the Eagles nearly doubled their win total from the previous fall.
“We have really great veteran leaders who were here in this game before,” McCarthy stated. “Our seniors have built this program from the ground up. And we have a super strong sophomore class that came in and made an immediate impact.”
Five sophomores stepped onto the field as starters in the final, including two key players who were instrumental alongside McCarthy: forward Camryn Koerner and midfielder Hunter Kintzing. While sophomore goalie Chloe Krupa wasn’t heavily tested during the final match, she delivered a remarkable diving save late in overtime, showcasing her skill and poise under pressure.
“All season long she’s been coming up big for us,” Anderson praised. “She deserved that moment right there for her because she’s a phenomenal keeper.”
Moment of magic
Paul VI showcased all their prowess and determination in the second half, dominating play yet failing to capitalize, faced with IHA goalie and Seton Hall commit Grace Dalessandro, who made an impressive 12 saves in her final high school match.
However, in an electrifying moment during overtime, McCarthy skillfully directed a ball into the upper half of the net after it had bounced once in the box, sealing the victory for her team.
“It’s incredible,” McCarthy exclaimed. “Danny Vogel had a bunch of services that game. I was playing defensive mid. I made a run and it landed on my foot. Just to finish that was awesome.”
While Vogel joined the Eagles from GCIT this season, the Miami commit reminisced about the years spent playing alongside McCarthy when they were just 8 or 9 years old.
“I was super happy for our whole team that all the work we put in the whole season paid off and we got what we deserved,” Vogel expressed, emphasizing the collective effort that culminated in this well-earned victory.
**Interview with Emma McCarthy, Junior Star of Paul VI Girls Soccer Team**
**Editor**: Congratulations on your incredible victory! Winning your first state title is a significant achievement for the program. Can you describe the emotions you felt scoring that thrilling overtime goal?
**Emma McCarthy**: Thank you! During the game, I felt a mix of nerves and excitement, especially knowing what was at stake. When I scored, it was pure elation. I can’t even describe the joy I felt at that moment—it was a culmination of hard work and determination. I just focused on executing the play, and when Daniela sent that perfect cross, I knew I had to finish it for the team.
**Editor**: You’ve mentioned that this victory was part of your “Revenge Tour.” Can you elaborate on what that means for you and the team?
**Emma McCarthy**: Absolutely! The “Revenge Tour” is all about redemption after our loss to Immaculate Heart two years ago in the state final. We were determined to get back to this moment and show how much we’ve grown as a team. Each game this season was like a step toward achieving our goal, and finally winning against IHA feels like we’ve turned the page.
**Editor**: Coach Karen Anderson spoke about moments of greatness and how teams find ways to win. What does that mean for you as a player?
**Emma McCarthy**: Coach has always emphasized that every game can come down to one defining moment. During this match, we were relentless. Even when we were pushing late into overtime, we believed that we could make it happen. That mindset really helped us stay focused and ready to capitalize when the opportunity arose.
**Editor**: Paul VI was not initially ranked and had a tough start to the season. What do you think changed for the team to achieve such a record of 20-2-1?
**Emma McCarthy**: It was definitely a journey. Our seniors stepped up as leaders and instilled a strong work ethic in the whole team. The losses taught us valuable lessons, and we learned to trust in each other and our skills. By the time we reached the playoffs, we believed in ourselves and each other completely, and it showed in our performance.
**Editor**: Bringing home the state title is historic for Paul VI. What do you hope this victory means for the future of the program?
**Emma McCarthy**: I hope this win inspires future players to strive for greatness. We’ve laid a foundation of what it means to work hard and support one another through ups and downs. Winning this title proves that our program can compete at the highest level, and I believe we can continue to build on this success moving forward.
**Editor**: Thank you, Emma, for sharing your thoughts and experiences. It’s exciting to see such talent and determination from you and the entire team!
**Emma McCarthy**: Thank you so much! It’s an honour to represent our school, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Paul VI soccer!
