HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS' SOCCER: ELMIRA ROLLS TO VICTORY IN FIRST GAME IN NEW STADIUM (24 PHOTOS) (2022-09-22)

By Brian Fees
Southern Tier Sports Report
ELMIRA — Elmira made their first game at their new stadium a memorable one as they scored twice in the opening 10 minutes on their way to a 5-1 win over Horseheads.

For Elmira coach Zach Sarno it was special being on the field, and it brought back some memories for him coaching Southside at the same location years ago.

“I coached on that field (the old field at the location), coaching varsity for Southside,” Sarno said. “It felt great. The kids were excited, it was along time in the making.

“It was a nice feeling, it was nice to break it in that way and get a result at home.”

Sarno really loves the new stadium.

“I think everyone is really receptive,” he said. “Longtime coming. I think with Covid and things getting backed up, I think they were thinking they’d have it done before this. I think this year’s senior class is excited. Last year we had a couple seniors that maybe were hoping they might get on there.

“For it now to be open is a nice thing for them. We got tonight, but we’ve got a couple other home games coming up so it’s a nice feeling for them to get some games on it. Credit to the district, they did a wonderful job. I got a tour of it last Friday, I had seen pictures, but it’s something different when you walk through it. The district, the construction people, hats off to them. From a lot of stadiums I’ve been to, it’s very state of the art.”

On Thursday it was Emily Hanrahan who got the Express off to a fast start with a pair of goals in the opening 10 minutes, both off Mia Capilli assists.

Emily Coles made it 3-0 at the half.

Caitlyn Wagner scored a goal off an assist from Hanrahan and Hanrahan completed her hat trick with an assist from Tierney Krawczyk.

Isabella Enright had the goal for Horseheads.

For Elmira it was actually the first time they had been on the field as a team. They had a game when the stadium opened Tuesday, and some stuff was being finished at the stadium and they were working on some things with the lights on Wednesday so the Elmira girls made their first time on the turf a win against a rival.

For Sarno it was nice to see his offense finishing off opportunities.

“It’s not for a lack of opportunities,” he said. “We have been creating a lot of opportunities, we haven’t been putting them home. To finally find the mark. It’s not for a lack of chances, we have been crating a ton, but not getting the ball our way. To find it quickly like that at home on a new field against a good team that’s always a rivalry. To get a hot start like that was certainly helpful.”

The Express now have a week off before they host Vestal at 7 p.m. at the new stadium next Thursday.
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PHOTOS BY BRIAN FEES