VIDEO, PHOTOS: Grier’s first varsity goal sparks Middle’s comeback vs. LCM

September 28, 2022

By BRIAN CUNNIFF

CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE – A junior outside fullback’s first varsity goal sparked the Middle Township High School girls soccer team to a comeback victory over a county rival Wednesday evening.

Kate Grier’s wonder strike from 30 yards out found the upper right corner of goal just below the crossbar to equalize against Lower Cape May early in the second half.

The Lady Panthers went on to win the contest, 3-1.

Middle’s Eva Dimitrov added the winner off an excellent through ball from Mckenna Gregory with 21 minutes left and Gregory’s shot that deflected off a Lower Cape May defender provided insurance with 13 minutes remaining.

Lower scored its goal off a beautiful play on a set piece. Kaia Ray used her head to flick Kaitlyn McGuigan’s long free kick into the path of Riley Deignan, who buried her shot inside the right post for the opening goal with just two minutes remaining before halftime.

Middle Township improved to 6-2 with the victory. Lower Cape May fell to 4-4.

Middle Township's Olivia Srgignioli watches the path of her pass as Lower Cape May's Sianna King looks on.
Carmen O'Hara of Middle Township and Sianna King of Lower Cape May collide in an effort to win the ball.
Lower Cape May's Isabelle Hristov looks to play the ball past Middle Township's Carmen O'Hara.
Lower Cape May's Isabelle Hristov advances the ball as Middle Township's Mckenna Gregory challenges.
Middle Township's Eva Dimitrov settles the ball in the midfield.
Middle Township's Ciara DiMauro tries to free herself for a shot as Lower Cape May's Riley Deignan defends.
Middle Township's Riley Odom plays the ball from the back to a teammate.
Lower Cape May's Riley Deignan clears the ball from her team's defensive third.
Middle Township's Olivia Sgrignioli eludes the defense of Lower Cape May's Kaitlyn McGuigan.