Lexie Thompson's goalkeeping, Sara Kealey's goals spur MacArthur
Sara Kealey of MacArthur, second from left, celebrates with goalie Lexie Thompson and teammates after the Generals' 2-0 win over host Garden City in a Nassau Conference A1 girls soccer game on Tuesday. Credit: James Escher
With a bevy of injuries hitting the MacArthur girls soccer team’s defense, it’s been tough to find consistency for the backline.
Luckily for the Generals though, goalkeeper has no such issue. Between Lexie Thompson, the starting goalkeeper, and Jenna Nasello, the backup, coach Jamie San Filippo feels confident in the last line of defense.
"Having both of them, Lexie and Jenna back there, it gives us that composure that when we need it, they know what to do," San Filippo said. "They’re smart with the ball and I think it also gives confidence to the defense in front of them, which is very young."
Thompson had 12 saves as MacArthur defeated host Garden City, 2-0, in Nassau Conference A-I girls soccer Tuesday. With the constantly changing faces on the defense, Thompson’s voice has been key to keeping the players in line. MacArthur (4-2) started two sophomores, a freshman and an eighth-grader on defense against Garden City (4-2).
"I just try to encourage them and keep them going because they are doing a great job," Thompson said. "And I just have to give them a little bit of confidence to keep them motivated."
Fiona Kilian, one of the team’s top midfielders, slid to defense in the second half after MacArthur suffered another injury. San Filippo said Kilian volunteered before the season to play defense as needed, and Tuesday she was needed.
"It just shows her character," San Filippo said. "She’ll do anything. The game would be so much easier to coach if I had a ton of Fiona’s around. Not just talent-wise, but so willing to do what it takes for the program and that’s the best thing about all these girls."
But Kilian was quick to pass the praise to Thompson.
"She’s amazing," Kilian said. "She tells us where marks are, she tells us when to stay and get up the field on corners, she’s definitely a big part of our communication on defense."
Thompson said that ability to effectively communicate with the backline is a key part of her responsibilities saying, "I think it’s very important that somebody always has your back."
Sara Kealey scored two goals for MacArthur, both off rebounds. Her first goal, with 20:10 remaining in the first half, came after Hailey Hnis hit the post and Kealey floated the rebound over the goalkeeper. She had a similar situation against South Side but wasn’t able to finish the goal. Kealey scored again with one minute remaining in the game.
"I saw it coming at me and I just knew I had to jump up and quickly get to it," Kealey said. "Last time I didn’t get it, so this time I wanted to get it and I watched the film to see how to change it and I did."
