OBSERVER Photos by Ron Szot Maple Grove’s Marisa Schuppenhauer (19) and Silver Creek-Forestville’s Carly Barrett battle for a loose ball Tuesday night during their high school girls soccer playoff game in Dunkirk.

Top-ranked Maple Grove kept its dreams of a perfect season alive with a 1-0 victory Tuesday night over fourth-ranked Silver Creek in the semifinals of the Section 6 Class C girls soccer playoffs at Dunkirk High School.

Matched up against one of the toughest teams in the state, Silver Creek got its best chance early on a corner kick that sailed just wide of the net.

“I don’t know how we didn’t score on that,” said Silver Creek coach Kevin Rice. “They escaped on that one.”

Maple Grove (18-0) seemed fully in control of the game from that point on, neutralizing the Silver Creek attack for the rest of the game. The Lady Red Dragons showed why they have not allowed more than one goal in a game all season long. Senior goalkeeper Sky Tarapacki only faced three official shots on the night, stopping all three.

Despite a scoreless first half, Maple Grove put the pressure on Silver Creek goalkeeper Tessa Douglas all night long. It seemed only a matter of time until the top-ranked team found the back of the net.

Finally, with 17:51 remaining in the game, Maple Grove got the goal it needed. Senior forward Adrianna Carlson drilled a shot from distance that found the back of the net. The game-winner was the captain’s team-leading 32nd goal of the season.

“As soon as we got the goal, you could see it was a difference,” said Maple Grove coach Mike Burr.

The game was close throughout, but one goal ended up being all Maple Grove needed.

“Silver Creek played awesome,” said Burr. “They gave it everything they had.”

Silver Creek’s season comes to an end with a record of 14-4 on the year.

“Losing 1-0 to them, that’s pretty good,” said Rice, who credited Maple Grove as one of the best teams in the state.

“We both wanted this game,” said Rice. “If I have to lose to someone, I don’t mind losing to my good friend Mike.”

Maple Grove moves on to face a familiar foe in Allegany-Limestone, who they faced in the championship game last season, as well.

“We know what we want to do against them,” said Burr. “We have to execute the gameplan a little bit better than we did, at least in the first half tonight.”

Allegany-Limestone reaches the championship after upsetting second-seeded Holland, 4-1. Maple Grove puts its perfect record on the line once more, this time with the title on the line.

“To be undefeated at this point is just an amazing accomplishment,” said Burr. “They just find ways to win.”

The championship game of the Class C tournament will take place on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. at Dunkirk High School.

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