Perhaps no one was more thankful for the rain last week than Cailey Sanchez, who scored the game-winning goal for Liberty in the Hurricanes 3-2 victory over Freedom last Thursday night at BASD Stadium.

“When I heard it was going to rain, I was so happy. I love playing in the rain because people’s touches get wild, and that’s a perfect opportunity for me to take it away,” Sanchez said.

With less than 15 minutes left in the hometown rivalry game, Sanchez shot from the left side, and the ball curved to the upper left corner of Freedom’s goal, breaking a 2-2 tie.

“It was bobbling when Erika [Peters] had it, and I called for it back on the 20. I didn’t think it would go in,” said Sanchez. “It felt kind of breathtaking, but if it hadn’t been for Alicia [Chambers] and Taysia [Snead] making their goals. It made me think of that, if not for them.”

Snead struck early in the first half on a long throw by Sanchez. The Patriots responded about midway through the first half, when Jaiden Coyne scored on an assist by Ava Markle.

“It was a through ball from Ava, and the goalie fumbled it,” Coyne said. “We definitely got a lot more energy after that. I think we were a little sluggish after their first goal.”

By halftime, though, the Patriots hit their stride and talked about keeping their intensity up.

LHS came out early in the second half, taking a 2-1 lead on Chambers’s goal on a header by Olivia Askerneese, but the Patriots tied the game again when Mary Boglioli scored on an assist by Brianna Vera.

Liberty coach Scott Rodenbach said, “Freedom gave us a tough time. When we scored, we stopped, and they kept coming.”

The Patriots were able to find pride in that.

“It’s like this every single year,” Coyne said. “I’m happy with how our team played, right up until the final minute.”

A Freedom header by Giselle Sanchez just missed at the 14:00 mark, and another shot on goal just missed with 33 seconds left in the game.

Cailey Sanchez said, “It feels amazing, winning over Freedom again. Hopefully, we’ll get the fourth win and seal the deal.”

A rematch is scheduled for Oct. 15.