Freedom’s 1-0 victory over Bethlehem Catholic in girls soccer ended in a contrast of emotions for the exuberant Patriots versus the discouraged Golden Hawks on Sept. 21 at Freedom.

“It was really important for this team. We haven’t won against them in a long time. For past players and past teams, this was a really big deal for everyone and very exciting to win against them,” said Freedom’s Samantha Mullen, who scored the match’s only goal. “Honestly, I thought we were gonna get another one, but we have a great, great defense, so we held them.”

Mullen’s goal found the back of the net in the 18th minute of play on assist by Anya Johns.

“I saw Anya going down the line, and usually she makes great passes all the time, so I knew she was gonna make it in. I just stayed in the middle and waited for the pass to come,” Mullen said.

Johns had been trying to determine whether to take the shot herself.

“I was trying to decide if I wanted to cross it or shoot it. I didn’t really have the best angle for a shot, but I thought I could still get it off, and then I saw Sammy and one or two other people cutting in, so I decided to slot it back,” Johns said. “Beca was very strong...They could dribble up the field...so I think, in that way, we were challenged because we’re not the best at defending that, but we got the job done.”

Freedom’s victory brought the Patriots’ record to 5-5. Becahi has a similar record with just one extra loss.

“We wanted to make sure we spread the game out, and we really had to contain [Summer Hill]. That was the plan coming in,” said Freedom coach Sean McIntyre. “Our backs really stepped up with Grace (Burke) out (with injury). Grace is one of our main threats. We had to move some people around, and everyone played their part today, and that’s why we got the result. We would’ve loved to get another one right away, but really, just containing [Hill], playing our game, defensively, Lucy (Kontir), as a captain, it’s one of the best games I’ve seen her play, and she really took matters into her own hands.”

Becahi’s time of possession in the second half perhaps could have rendered a goal or two for the Hawks, but Freedom’s defense kept that from happening.

“Cece Warren, as a freshman, played far beyond her years today, someone I could put anywhere on the field and she’ll do a great job,” Coach McIntyre said. “It was our team rallying around Grace and knowing this was a big game for us. We’ve had some close ones this year, some overtime losses, and this was one that we really needed.”

This week, the Patriots will find themselves in another city rivalry match; this time against Liberty, and McIntyre is counting on Johns to be a force on Thursday night.

“Anya sets the tone and the example for this team every day. She’s a quality player. I think people overlook her, and she’s come into her own this year,” he said. “I couldn’t be more proud of the way she leads, and the girls really respond to her. She’s a great person, and that’s the most important thing, so it’s awesome to see her doing well.”