In a nail-biting battle, the Riders would defeat the Spartans 2-1 after a game winning kick by Olivia Gebhart.

CAMDEN, Del. — In a high-stakes showdown between two girls' soccer powerhouses, Caesar Rodney escaped with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Lake Forest on Wednesday night, thanks to a last-second goal from Olivia Gebhart. The game-winner came in stoppage time off a corner kick, capping a tense and physical contest that featured highlight-reel saves and relentless back-and-forth action.

The Riders struck first late in the first half when Alexandra Lenoir converted a penalty kick past Lake Forest goalkeeper Raegan Starkey. CR’s defense, anchored by standout keeper Eva Sheppard, held strong through multiple threats, including two close-range chances from Lake’s Erin Melvin. Sheppard came up with key stops to preserve the early lead heading into halftime.