Ike Emegano continued to stay ahead of Norman North's defensive strategy.
Edmond North's women's soccer coach was confident opposing teams would pay special attention to standout sophomore midfielder Riley McClanahan, who was also selected to the U.S. youth national team.
That meant Julia McBride could have a chance to change the game.
“You can't double-team everyone,” Emegano said. “You have to pick your battles. So when they chose to double-team Riley, Julia was wide open.”
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McBride scored two goals for Edmond North in the state final against Norman North on Saturday night at Taft Stadium, clinching the Huskies' first championship since 2011 and fourth in program history.
The junior midfielder improved his game in the Class 6A playoffs, scoring the Huskies' only goal in the quarterfinals against Owasso, then stepped up again in the championship match. Her progress started with the tone Emegano set in her practice, she said.
“It’s all very intense,” McBride said. “And that took me to the next level.”
After the Huskies (13-1) and Timberwolves went scoreless for most of the first period, McBride took the lead with eight seconds until halftime. A Norman North player tried to corral the ball, but it bounced back into the net, forcing Edmond North into the locker room with a 1-0 lead.
“I was just shocked,” McBride said. “I was just happy.”
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Adding its second goal with 29:23 left, Edmond North controlled the energy at Taft Stadium. McBride pumped his fist in glee, and Husky fans in the stands roared as “Who Let the Dogs Out” played over the speakers.
After that, Norman North (15-3) showed the Huskies don't feel safe.
Emegano said his team seemed to “fell asleep a little bit” during a corner kick, which led to trouble. Junior midfielder Makenna Adam scored a header off a cross from Arizona signee Nalyssa Fultz, cutting Edmond North's lead to 2-1. The Huskies could have taken a 4-1 lead, but officials ruled two goals, including one in the second half, canceled for offside.
Without a cushion, Edmond North had to rely on its defense to avoid overtime. The game became a frenzied affair in the final seconds with both teams competing for the ball, but senior goalie Leslie Miller and the Huskies held firm.
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Revenge made the victory even sweeter.
In 2021, the Huskies and Timberwolves met in the state finals, with Norman North winning 2-1. Edmond North flipped the result Saturday with the same score.
The Huskies outscored their opponents 76-8, capping off a dominant season. After posting several high scores throughout the season, they were able to finish the job with just two goals from McBride.
“She's a dynamic attacker,” Emegano said. “She's been great for us. She has emerged as the driving force of our offense along with Riley McClanahan.”