Girls Soccer: Hudson moves on, edges LOL

At the end of each Hudson practice, position players must score five penalty kick goals against senior Jessi Imbimbo before the day official comes to an end.

Needless to say the team captain has some experience seeing the close-distance shot.

At the pivotal moment of Thursday night's Class 4A Region 2 against visiting Land O' Lakes, that's exactly the view Imbimbo was staring down just 12 yards away. The Gators' Arielle Le-tran awaited her opportunity to knot things up midway through the second half after Land O' Lakes fell behind 1-0 late in the first.

"Oh my god, so many things were going through my mind," Imbimbo said of the instant that came about because of a touchy call within the Cobra goal box. "Of course you've got to be confident and know that the pressure's all on the kicker."

"All I kept telling myself was I've got to make a save, it's 1-0, I've got to make this save. No matter what."

Le-tran's chance would not come to fruition as Land O' Lakes would have liked, though. Striking the ball a hair too low, her shot sailed over Imbimbo's outstretched arms and over the crossbar completely, keeping Hudson (17-3-1) in the driver's seat.

"Jessi, she's just solid," said Hudson head coach Stephen Jones. "She's played in shootouts in the playoffs before in her career. I knew if anything she was going to give us a chance to make a save or psyche the other player out, and we got fortunate."

The eventual 1-0 win avenges a Hudson loss to Land O' Lakes (11-6-6) by the same score during each team's regular season finale two weeks ago.

The Cobras took their lead in the 36th minute with some fancy footwork and strong kick from freshman Brooke McKillen. Working around defenders on the left side, McKillen faked out the goalkeeper and then sent a powerful kick by another defender and into the back of the net.

Playing without three regular starters, Jones applauded McKillen's efforts on Thursday.

"Brooke stepped up big tonight. The poor girl's been sick the last three days and for her to get that goal, I was real proud of her. She worked hard tonight and had some great touches."

Hudson outshot the Gators on the night, 13-4.

Le-tran's penalty kick was the back end of a roughly four minute stretch of heavy attacking for Land O' Lakes after being on the defensive for much of the game.

During the 59th minute, the Gators had two corner kick opportunities and another threat deep in Hudson territory.

Thursday's win advances the Cobras into the regional semifinals for the second straight season. Hudson will stay at home to host Class 4A District 8 champs River Ridge.

BOX SCORE:

Land O' Lakes- 0 - 0 --- 0
Hudson- 1 - 0 --- 1

SCORING:

Hudson - Brooke McKillen