A must-win Metro game between Eastside Catholic Crusaders (9-4) and Garfield Bulldogs (5-8) started off slow, with both teams struggling to make a mark on the scoreboard. But in the end, Garfield couldn’t overcome a barrage of Eastside attacks, and the Bulldogs fell to the Crusaders 2-0.
While each team was struggling to get any points on the board, the Eastside Catholics defense made major plays thanks to sophomore Caryn Dieker, who turned from defensive stalwart into goal-scorer late in the second half to ice the game for the hosts. On the other side, the Garfield goalkeeper kept the game tied through the majority of the first half by keeping the Crusaders at bay.
Despite the Blanchet keeper’s efforts, the Crusaders offense was too strong and took the lead at the bottom of the first half with a goal by sophomore Ashy Wilkins, securing EC’s lead before the teams headed in for halftime.
After halftime, the Bulldogs came out with a new fire lit under them and kept the Crusaders’ lead to 1-0, while pressuring the home defense and peppering the EC goalie with shots. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, their efforts weren’t enough, and Dieker came through with a second goal for EC in the final minutes of the game.
Securing the Crusaders win and their playoff spot, and sending the Garfield Bulldogs home without the chance of securing the Metro championship.
