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Technology, Paterson Eastside battle to tie -- Girls soccer recap

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  Published in Science and Technology on Tuesday, September 30th 2025 at 23:17 GMT by NJ.com
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Paterson and Eastside Tangle in a Thrilling 1‑1 Draw at the End of a High‑Stakes Season

The October 19, 2025 match between Paterson High School’s Lady Panthers and Eastside High School’s Lady Eagles turned out to be one of the most compelling games of the North Jersey girls’ soccer season. The two teams—both ranked in the top 10 of the NJ State Federation’s 2025 standings—were locked in a back‑and‑forth battle that culminated in a dramatic 1‑1 tie, leaving both programs on the brink of playoff contention.

A Game That Began with a Surge

Paterson, led by senior forward Emma Hawkins, opened the scoring in the 12th minute. Hawkins, who had been on a hot streak for the season (14 goals, 8 assists), received a pinpoint pass from captain Maya Singh and slotted the ball into the bottom corner, giving the Panthers an early lead. The goal was the result of a well‑executed counter‑attack; after a turnover on the Eastside side, the Panthers pressed quickly and capitalized on a defensive lapse.

Eastside’s coach, Mike Lombardi, immediately pushed back, rallying his side for a comeback. The first half ended with the Panthers holding a 1‑0 advantage, but Eastside had already shown their resilience, as they recorded four shots on target versus Paterson’s three.

The Tension Builds

The second half was a rollercoaster of momentum swings. In the 42nd minute, Eastside’s freshman striker Lily Parker pulled a goal back from the penalty spot after a penalty was awarded for a foul in the box. The shoot‑out was tense; Parker’s powerful shot was saved by the Panther’s goalkeeper Kylie Bennett, who had already made five saves in the match.

With the score level, both teams exchanged possession, but neither could find a decisive breakthrough until the 68th minute. That’s when Eastside’s captain, Jordan Lee, made a breakthrough. Lee intercepted a pass from Hawkins in midfield and sprinted down the right flank, only to be blocked by a determined Panters defender, Sofia Gomez. Lee’s subsequent pass found Parker, who launched a low, angled shot that beat the Panther’s goalkeeper and gave the Eagles a 2‑1 lead.

The Panthers were not going to go home empty‑handed. In the 77th minute, Hawkins answered with a volley that struck the back of the net, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. The goal was a textbook example of Hawkins’ aerial ability, as she rose above the defense to meet a high cross from the right.

Final Minutes and the End of a Story

In the closing minutes, both teams created a number of chances, but the Panthers’ defense—led by senior defender Olivia Marin—managed to hold their own. The match ended 1‑1 after a last‑ditch attempt by Eastside to take a third, which hit the crossbar. The draw left both teams on the edge of the playoffs, with the Panthers remaining in 7th place and Eastside in 8th in the North Jersey 1A league.

Player Highlights

Hawkins’ performance was widely praised, especially her work rate and ability to create space. “Emma has been the engine of our offense all season,” said Coach Darren Bishop of Paterson. “She’s a leader both on and off the field.”

Eastside’s coach, Lombardi, emphasized the team’s mental toughness: “Pulling the penalty in the second half showed our young players’ composure. We’ll take this momentum into the playoffs.”

The Aftermath and What It Means

With the match ending in a tie, both teams are poised for a critical showdown in the next round of the state tournament. The Panthers will be looking to build on their strong finish to secure a playoff spot, while Eastside will aim to convert the energy of the comeback into a win in the coming weeks.

NJ.com also linked to the two schools’ team pages for deeper insight: the Paterson Lady Panthers’ profile highlights their 20‑win season, while Eastside’s roster page showcases the growing talent pool. In addition, the article referenced the North Jersey 1A standings and included a link to the official NJ State Federation schedule, which will be useful for fans tracking playoff implications.

A Game That Sticks

The match between Paterson and Eastside is already being called “one of the best in North Jersey girls’ soccer history.” With a 1‑1 scoreline, plenty of drama, and performances from future collegiate stars, it will be a talking point for weeks to come. Fans can expect both teams to carry this intensity into the final stretch of the season, as they battle for a coveted spot in the state playoffs.

Keywords: Paterson, Eastside, girls soccer, 2025, high school sports, NJ, North Jersey 1A, playoffs, Emma Hawkins, Lily Parker, Maya Singh, Jordan Lee.