Lauren Kratky delivered the game-winning goal for Staples in Tuesday's 2-1 win over Southington in the first round of the Class LL girls soccer tournament. Just a few minutes earlier, goalkeeper Jessica Ambrose delivered the game-winning save.
The victory sends 11th-seeded Staples (12-4-3) to a second round contest Thursday at No. 6 Naugatuck. Kratky delivered both goals for the Wreckers, which rebounded after falling behind 1-0 early in Tuesday's contest.
Kratky scored with 19 minutes left in the game to even the score on a direct kick. Both teams had opportunities as the game wound down. Southington, the No. 22 seed, had the best chance when a Southington attacker looked to beat Ambrose on a breakaway with five minutes remaining. The ball slipped past Ambrose, who hustled back and cleared the ball away before it crossed the line.
With time winding down and overtime looming, Staples got the opening it was seeking when Ali Crofts was fouled on the edge of the box. Kratky stepped up and knocked in her second direct kick.
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