Ella Candel scores two goals for Hills West in draw with Smithtown West
Ella Candel of Half Hollow Hills West battles with Kaylin O’Rourke of Smithtown West in the first half of a Suffolk Division II matchup on Monday in Dix Hills. Credit: Michael A. Rupolo Sr.
The Smithtown West and Half Hollow Hills West girls soccer teams always have competitive matchups. The Colts got the upper hand last year, and the Bulls won two of the three matchups, including a playoff win, in 2024.
But this time around, things ended at a standstill.
Smithtown West and Hills West played to a 3-3 draw after double overtime in Suffolk II on Monday afternoon at Hills West.
"We knew coming in that this was going to be a fun one," Hills West coach Tim Harrigan said. "They're similar to us. They're well-coached, and there is a lot of passion on that team."
"Dix Hills and Smithtown are both great soccer communities," Smithtown West coach Michael Forman said. "I thought we outplayed them in parts of the game, and then they outplayed us later on. There's always great competition."
The Bulls (2-0-2) offense quickly started putting pressure on Hills West's defense, but senior goalkeeper Zoe Franks stood tall in net, making nine saves in the first half. Franks also made an incredible save on a penalty kick, drawing roars from the crowd.
"Compared to a lot of other goalkeepers, I love PKs," Franks said. "The nerves are what get me going. I heard my dad's voice saying, look at where they look first when they pick their head up from the ball. She looked to her right, and the second I saw that I knew where to go."
She added, "That was my plan, and whether I question myself or not, you've got to stick with the plan."
Hills West broke through with 19:20 left in the half when Ella Candel scored on a header off a free kick from Emma Mascaro. The Bulls responded when Dakota Horton scored off a rebound with 9:04 left to tie the score before halftime.
Kaylin O'Rourke gave the Bulls a 2-1 lead before junior forward Emelie Asenjo scored on a penalty kick to tie it.
Candel scored on a header again to give the Colts a 3-2 lead, but Gabrielle Arguelles netted a goal into the top right corner, with 10:25 left for the tie.
After 20 minutes of play, it was called a draw.
Franks finished with 13 saves for Hills West (3-0-2), and Kate Hebron made six saves.
The two teams say they love playing each other because it's always good competition when they meet.
"They have amazing girls on the team," Arguelles said. "It's always a tough battle when we play them."
Jonathan Ruban covers high school sports for Newsday after graduating from St. John’s.
