The U16/19 Girls Mentos, coached by League Director George Getek, suffered a painful loss Saturday, in more ways than one, in what turned out to be their final game of the season in the High School Girls House Soccer League. 

The Mentos took a 1-0 lead early in the contest over their undefeated opponents from Stafford, but were tied late in the half on a hard angled shot that caromed off the goal post into the net.  After a scoreless second half and two scoreless overtime periods, the semi-final contest for the league championship went to a Penalty Kick shootout. 

And then disaster.  After scoring on their first attempt, on the Stafford team’s second kick, All Star goalie selection Nichole G. dove far to her right, and, after stopping the shot (photo at left), landed hard on her right shoulder.  The contest was stopped while Nichole received attention on the field (ice packs can only go so far), later being taken  to Fairfax Hospital by Fairfax County Fire and Rescue where xrays revealed a badly broken collar bone,  more than enough to end her play for the season.  Meanwhile, with a courageous (and surprised) backup goalie in the nets, the Mentos went on to lose the shootout, missing the league’s championship game by an eyelash. 

Congratulations to the Mentos for an outsatanding 7-1-1 season.  Best wishes to Nichole for a speedy recovery, though the All Star tournament coach, George Getek again, will have to find another goalie.  More pictures from the Mento’s hard-fought contest are now posted on the U16/19G League Page.