The moves are sudden and each one looks like it will be the start of another score.
Rutgers commit Allie Post is one of the state’s elite midfielders and her movements on the field show you why. Whether it’s the subtle move of the ball, sliding it back and forth through a defense to create space, or a picture-perfect pass into the box, Post creates magic with her feet.
On Tuesday, the senior set the tone with two goals and two assists in a 4-1 win over Oak Knoll. Juniors Caroline Freer and Darcy Monaghan each came through with a goal as well.
It was an impressive win over a team that has beaten Cranford and Scotch Plains-Fanwood in 2021.
“Allie’s obviously been an important part of what we’ve done the last four years,” said Gov. Livingston coach Mike Roof. “She drives a lot of what we do and a lot of success comes from her. Allie played a part in every goal we scored, but we also needed those complimentary pieces to step up.
“Today, we finished opportunities and took advantage of our chances.”
Post showed the state what she was capable of three years ago when she helped Gov. Livingston win its second state championship in school history. The Highlanders made a surprise run through a strong field that fall and Post’s emergence as a rookie was a big reason for the Union County squad’s success.
The next fall, injuries hindered what Post could do and cut her season short.
Last season, shutdowns affected Gov. Livingston’s schedule and one at the end of the year took away a chance to shine in the playoffs. That was tough to take for a team that felt it had the talent to compete for a regional title with some of the state’s elite teams.
With Post on the field, Gov. Livingston always feels like it has a chance.
In a lot of ways, the senior pulls the strings for the offense and the Highlanders react to what she does to make their runs. It’s a formula that has worked well so far. Post has either scored or assisted on every one of Gov. Livingston’s goals this fall, including game-winners against Parsippany Hills and Summit.
With one last season to play, Post is ready to do whatever it takes to win.
“Freshman year, we made a run in states and won a state title, but then it felt like I blinked my eyes and I was a senior,” Post said. “I was injured two years ago and last year it was a COVID season. Now, it’s great to be back with another chance to make a run. I love being able to be vocal and have a leadership role on the team. This is my last year here with these seniors, so I know we have to make the most of it.”
Gov. Livingston plays in a tough division, and there are no lights days.
Oak Knoll was the darling of the first couple weeks of the season, with upset wins over Cranford and Scotch Plains-Fanwood. The Royals played Gov. Livingston tough for a half this week as well, going into the break with a 1-1 tie thanks to a score from freshman Riley Cross.
Post was the game-changer in the second half though.
Her first goal in the beginning of the game came after the defense slacked off and gave her an angle to bury a shot into the side of the net. The senior had to work a little bit harder down the stretch, dribbling through the defense and pulling defenders out wide with her before sending in a pass.
On her second goal, Post knocked in a corner from Freer.
In between those scoring plays, the senior was like an All-American cornerback in the midfield, picking off passes as a defensive presence and winning possession for her team. Post also got into the box on a corner and headed away a cross to keep Oak Knoll’s offense at bay.
The talented midfielder’s efforts compliment a rock solid defensive showing in the second half.
“We were really looking for a big win today,” Post said. “They beat Scotch Plains-Fanwood and Cranford, who is a team we lost to, so we knew it would be good competition. We came in with energy and brought a team effort that allowed us to score those second half goals, play defense and get the win.”
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Brandon Gould can be reached at bgould@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrandonGouldHS.
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