Soccer is a sport built on opportunity. It pays to be in the right place at the right time.

This was the case for senior Eleanor Schroeder on Tuesday night as her tap-in midway through extra time gave the girls’ soccer team a 2-1 victory over crosstown rival Pleasant Grove. The game-winning goal came after a hard-fought battle by both teams.

“When I scored the goal, I just lost control in the moment,” Schroeder said. “I ended up jumping into my teammate’s arms while everyone else was celebrating.”

Early in the first half, the Lady Tigers came out firing and had many scoring chances. This eventually led to senior Aliyah Forte putting in a cross from junior Sarah Rogers to give them a 1-0 lead thirteen minutes into the game.

“The team was obviously motivated today,” head coach Jesus De Leon said. “They passed the ball really well and created lots of opportunities with heavy possession and good ball movement.”

This storm was quickly weathered by the Lady Hawks as they would go on to grab a goal minutes later. A low shot by a Pleasant Grove forward just squeaked by senior goalkeeper Summer Stussy to even the score at 1-1 before the half.

Both teams came out conservative in the second half as tensions slowly began to rise, exemplified by a yellow card given to senior Jillian Ross midway through. While they each had their fair share of shots and momentum, the game would have to wait to be decided in extra time.

“I think the team was a bit nervous at times,” Rogers said. “When we began to build confidence towards the end, we were able to stay calm and play our game.”

In the extra time, the Lady Tigers came out similar to how they did in the first half and tested the Pleasant Grove goalkeeper many times. The deciding goal would come on another cross from Rogers that found the feet of Schroeder in a prime position as she finished it off.

“This was a great win for the team,” Schroeder said. “I’m glad to have done it with such great teammates. I wouldn’t want to do this with anyone else.”

This signature win comes at an opportune time as district play approaches. The team looks to use this victory as a motivational boost for the rest of the year.

“We have been slowly building confidence in the way we play,” De Leon said. “Now, we can point to this game as an example of what happens when we play the right way. Success will build confidence, and confidence will result in more success.”

The next home game for the girls’ soccer team is against Sulphur Springs on Friday, Feb. 9.