The Gibson Southern girls’ varsity soccer team met with Forest Park in what players said would be a tough game. Both teams were back and forth on the pitch, totaling 29 shots during the September 17 pairing. 

The Titans and Rangers were tied 0-0 by the end of the game, forcing 15 minutes of overtime. Forest Park was the first to find the back of the net against the Titans in overtime action.

Senior defensive midfielder Kyra Menke scored a goal from a free kick outside of the goalie’s box in the second period of overtime, tying the score at 1-1.

“I was very anxious, but I was also very excited,” head coach Syliva Adler said.

With the game on the line, the two teams went into a penalty kick shootout, five players from both teams lined up at midfield going back and forth. Menke, senior center midfielder Kymberly Reeder, sophomore forward Riley Bryant, junior center midfielder Madeline Steckler and junior center midfielder Chloe Field were chosen to take the kicks for the Titans during the shootout. Menke, Steckler and Field scored on their penalty kicks while Forest Park only landed one, giving the Lady Titans the win.

The aggressive Forest Park defense kept Gibson Southern’s forwards and midfielders, like senior Emily McKee, from scoring points in regular game play.

“We pushed through and gave it our all and were able to overcome our challenges,” Menke said.

The battle back to win the game was surprising but also a testament to the team’s bond.

“I think that [comeback] was pretty awesome, that we were able to do that, and I think it was because of all of our hard work together,” Bryant said.