An early onslaught was too much for the PA Classics to overcome in the Women’s Premier Soccer League East Region final on Sunday. The Classics ultimately fell 8-2 to New York Athletic Club after New York established a 5-0 lead prior to the end of the first half at Lancaster Bible College’s Funk Field.

Despite the opposition’s strength early on, the Pennsylvania side showed persistence, and a late attacking charge during first-half stoppage time allowed the Classics (7-1-1) to rattle off multiple shots as well as earning their first corner of the match.

The corner, by Amber Liu, was sent into the box with promise, but the ensuing header by Jenna Daveler went over the top crossbar just before the first half ended.

But their determination continued — and paid off — at the start of the second half, as Lindsey Husic opened the scoring for the Classics. She was assisted by Melanie Love on the play, and according to Husic, the team’s tenacity out of the halftime locker room mirrored the bond they shared all season.

“I think it just shows that this team is very close,” Husic said of the strong start to the second half. “Our relationship is more like sisters rather than just teammates.”

The momentum shifted back in New York’s favor minutes later, however. New York (8-0-1) extended its lead to 6-1, and added on two more goals before Husic doubled her tally in the 70th minute to make it 8-2.

Husic, sprinting up the middle of the field, corralled a long ball delivered by defender Ella Byrne from deep in Classics territory. Beating her marker in stride, Husic went on a solo break at goal and forced New York’s Tatiana Saunders off her line. With confidence, Husic was able to chip it over the goalie’s head for the score. The play closed out the scoring for the match.

“I definitely think that because we were down by a lot of goals we were just trying to get it forward,” Husic said. “I saw Ella wind up for it, and I just took off (down field). I think I took it off my chest, maybe, or some type of body. I don’t even remember. It was all surreal, and I saw the goalie come out, and I just kind of tried to place it down, so I wouldn’t hit it over the goal.”

Heading into Sunday’s matchup, the Classics had defeated the Columbus Eagles FC 3-1 in the East Regional semifinal. That game was played less than 24 hours prior, with a 7 p.m. start time Saturday night. Despite the short turnaround, Husic, who will be a senior at Monmouth this upcoming year, said she thought the team was unbothered by the back-to-back schedule.

“We all come from a club background,” Husic said. “I’m going through my senior year (of college), so I haven’t played a back-to-back game in a while. But definitely our coaches got us ready for the season, and we definitely do a lot of fitness on our own for college and other stuff. I think we were prepared, and we just came into the game with a positive mindset.”

In total for New York, Wong scored two goals, and Dylan Jovanovic, Abby Douglass, Rachel Rouse, Josey Tunney, Caelan Bacon, and Victoria Vinals each scored once.

For Pennsylvania, Piper Miller made five saves.

While the season may be over for the Classics, their positive production throughout the year will surely be advantageous for both the players and organization.

“I definitely think that this team did very well,” Husic said. “We were undefeated up until this game, so that goes to show a winning season for sure. And we have a lot of younger girls that are still in high school and are going into their freshman year (of college), and I think they really stepped up this season to play with a lot of older girls.

“Coming together and being able to play under great coaches was very good, and it’s very fun to do,” Husic continued. “It’s fun to be able to play the sport that we all love, especially during this World Cup, it’s a soccer summer.”

Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.

Error! There was an error processing your request.