After a rain postponement earlier in the week, Shipley and Friends Select took to the fields on Tuesday, October 30 for a Friends League semi-final game. Shipley was first to score with a goal from freshman Geoff Stewart, taken off of a deflection by the goalie.

The Gators held their lead for the next 20 minutes, but Friends Select answered Shipley’s goal with a goal of their own, when an attacker blasted a shot that sent senior keeper Matt Piltch diving and tipping the shot. Another Friends Selects player was there to tap home the rebound.

The game was tied 1-1, but not for long. Shipley made a number of good attempts to score, but it took sophomore Derek Smith to challenge the Friends Select goalie and head in the second goal for Shipley. The score at halftime was 2-1, Shipley.

In the second half, Friends Select was able to get a number of good shots off, but all were saved by Piltch. Both teams had opportunities, beautiful pass sequences, and shots on goal, but only Shipley senior Dan Mayernick turned an opportunity into a goal.

Friends Select continued to play hard to the end but Shipley left with the win. Final score was Shipley 3, Friends Select 1. Shipley now advances to the championship game at Germantown Friends on Thursday, November 1 at 3:00pm.