Old Tappan claimed its first sectional championship since 2022 by defeating Ramapo 4-1 in the North 1, Group 3 girls soccer final on a chilly November 13 afternoon. The Golden Knights (16-4-1) secured the trophy with a dominant performance anchored by Elena Pothos, who recorded a hat trick, and Ella Candullo, who delivered the match’s standout shot. This victory marks a significant milestone for the program, ending a dry spell and capping a season defined by resilience and tactical precision.
Elena Pothos’ hat trick powers Golden Knights to first sectional crown since 2022
The decisive moment arrived just three minutes into the first half when Pothos, a committed Rutgers recruit, exploited a defensive lapse. After receiving a short pass and sprinting 40 yards down the bench-side, she drew a foul in the box and converted the resulting penalty kick low to her right. Despite Ramapo’s early possession and favorable wind conditions, the Golden Knights maintained control, building on this early lead to dismantle the Green Raiders (11-8-1). This win avenges a penalty-kick loss to Ramapo in the Bergen County Tournament, a result that Old Tappan coach Maia Levenshus explicitly targeted for redemption.
Coach Levenshus emphasized the psychological edge gained from their previous encounter, noting that the team anticipated Ramapo’s desire for revenge after the Golden Knights’ first win over the Green Raiders in 15 years. “I told my team when we beat them in PKs we would see this team again,” Levenshus stated. “That was our first time beating them in like 15 years, and I knew they were going to want to come back and get us.” Pothos reflected on her crucial opener, admitting the shot went slightly toward the middle but ultimately worked in her favor, setting the tone for a comprehensive 4-1 victory that secured the sectional crown.
Source: Yahoo Sports
