It was a memorable night of firsts at Goshen High School on Wednesday, Sept. 4, also the first day of school.

Playing the inaugural game of the school’s new athletic facility—a.k.a. The Coliseum—the girls varsity soccer team honored the grand opening with a tightly contested 2-1 win against the AA-Washingtonvile Wizards—and many firsts for individual players.

Chloe Kennedy scored goal 1 in the first-half, and newcomer Sofia Fini clinched the game for the home team, at the buzzer, with her first goal as a varsity player.

The night was also a first-start for goalkeeper Ashley Willeburger whose save-after-save performance kept the team ahead, with the help of Jillian Brosnan, Emma Wapshare, Julia Stickley and a host of Gladiators fending off the Wizards’ relentless pressure.

In a pivotal moment, Jillian Brosnan and a wall of Gladiators plugged an indirect kick from the Wizards that would have swung the game toward a tie.

The Coliseum’s opening game also marked the first win for new Gladiator coaches Leslie Ahlborn, Kelsey Malles, and Kelly James.

The girls’ next home game is Sept. 16  vs. rival Cornwall.

*Photos provided by John Mungo.