CHICAGO — Maryland Charm head coach Emily Parros trusted the video, and the video delivered.
Brigid Duffy cut through traffic and fired a shot with 1:44 remaining in the fourth quarter that appeared to have hit the goal post. The ball ricocheted from the far pipe away from the New York Charging cage. On the field it wasn't called a goal. Parros challenged. After officials went to video review, Duffy's shot was reversed and ruled good; that it had crossed the goal-line — and the Charm held on for a 16-15 win Saturday at Northwestern Medicine Field, their biggest result of the inaugural WLL season.
"Shoot your shot, man," Parros said postgame, summarizing her decision to challenge.
The win avenged a 12-10 loss to New York on Long Island earlier this season, moved Maryland to 2-1, and gave the Charm control of their postseason fate with one regular-season game remaining. The Charging, now 2-2, must wait on other results to have any hope of making the WLL Final.
It was a relentless game from the opening draw. The two teams combined for 16 first-quarter goals before defenses settled in. The Charm led 12-10 at halftime but watched the lead evaporate in the third quarter, eventually trailing 15-14 early in the fourth on a Sam Smith bucket — the first lead change of the day. Smith finished with three goals in New York's cause, while Ally Reilly was electric in her WLL debut with four goals and an assist.
Maryland answered through depth. Sam Apuzzo led all scorers with five points (3g/2a), Ally Kennedy and Duffy each added five points of their own, and Sydni Black chipped in two goals. Grace Griffin and Erica Evans each scored twice. Livy Rosenzweig controlled the game at the draw circle, winning 11 of 21 controls and scooping 10 ground balls. Ashley Humphrey contributed three assists, giving her a league-leading 10 on the season.
Jenika Cuocco made nine saves in the second half. Izzy Scane scored twice with three assists for New York but couldn't force the tying opportunity — her final shot with 40 seconds left went wide.
Maryland plays Boston Guard next Friday. A win advances them to the Aug. 15 WLL Championship in Philadelphia.