Centreville senior Jenna Green, right, scored two goals against Cosby in the 6A state semifinals on June 14. Photo by Craig Sterbutzel.
Jenna Green, a two-sport star during her time at Centreville High School, will play basketball next year at the College of William & Mary. On June 14, however, Green used her athletic ability to help the Centreville girls' soccer team reach the state championship match for the first time since 2004.
Green scored a pair of goals against Cosby in the 6A state semifinals, leading the Wildcats to a 2-1 victory over the previously unbeaten Titans at Robinson Secondary School.
“This is the end of my soccer career, I wanted to do something,” Green said. “I want people to remember this team, so I’m glad that we’re advancing [at] states.”
Green’s first goal came in the 15th minute, giving Centreville a 1-0 advantage. Late in the second half, Alexandra Littlefield served in a free kick, which Green eventually put in the back of the net, giving the Wildcats a two-goal lead.
Cosby scored a goal with 1 minute remaining, but it was too little, too late.
“[Green] played well, but it’s not impressive because we expect it,” Centreville head coach Gary Malebranche said. “It’s not like, wow, where did that come from? She played well, she’s a great athlete. If she had played soccer full time, I think we’re talking about her as one of the best players in the area.”
The following evening, Centreville lost to undefeated Battlefield 0-0 (4-3) in a penalty-kick shootout in the state championship match.
The Wildcats reached the state final despite a less-than-stellar regular season. Centreville was 3-7 late in the regular season and entered the Conference 5 tournament with a 4-7 record. The Wildcats defeated Oakton 3-2 in overtime in the conference quarterfinals on May 16, earning a spot in the 6A North region tournament.
Centreville went on to beat Washington-Lee, Woodson and Osbourn Park during the regional tournament, earning a state berth. The Wildcats lost to Battlefield 2-0 in the region final on June 5.
After beating Cosby in the state semifinals, Centreville fell short in a rematch with Battlefield and finished state runner-up.