The ball flies past friend and foe in front of the Black Forest Academy goal during Division II final action at the DODEA-Europe soccer championships in Ramstein, Germany, May 22, 2025. Naples beat BFA 3-0 to take the division title. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany – A slow scoring start in Thursday’s finals matchup between Naples and Black Forest Academy threatened to produce an unexpected outcome for the reigning multi-year champions.
The Wildcats, however, had a reputation to uphold, and their unfamiliar finals opponent couldn’t hold them back for long. Finding their rhythm, the team surged to a 3-0 victory over the Falcons to claim the title at the Division II girls soccer European championship.
BFA presented an unexpected challenge for Naples, as their stunning upset over the Vicenza Cougars in Wednesday’s semifinals meant the Wildcats were facing a new opponent in the finals, breaking years of rematches against their Italian rivals.
“They were really anxious, my players,” Wildcats coach Maria Oropallo said. “The first 15 minutes, we just had to pretty much play (our) side. I mean they had two, three people on (Emerson Shorey).”
The Falcons came out strong offensively, applying pressure to the Wildcats’ defense and keeping the ball in their territory for much of the opening minutes.
A free kick just outside the Wildcats’ 18-yard box, taken by Falcons junior Esther Lee, was crucial in potentially setting the tone for the match.
Her beautifully executed strike sailed past Naples goalkeeper Noya Dillard, nearly giving the Falcons the initial lead — but the play was called back after a whistle, leaving the score at 0-0 when the second attempt didn’t find the same success.
The Naples Wildcats are the Division II girls champions after defeating Black Forest Academy 3-0 at the DODEA-Europe soccer finals in Ramstein, Germany, May 22, 2025. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)
Black Forest Academy’s Olivia Wilson gets between Naples’ Emma Heavey and Sonja Gottlieb in the girls Division II final at the DODEA-Europe soccer championships in Ramstein, Germany, May 22, 2025. Naples won the game 2-0. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)
Naples’ Sonja Gottlieb clears the ball against Black Forest Academy’s Micah Gable in the Division II girls final at the DODEA-Europe soccer championships in Ramstein, Germany, May 22, 2025. Naples took the title with a 3-0 win. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)
Naples keeper Noya Dillard gets her hands on the ball before Black Forest Academy’s Esther Lee in girls Division II finals at the DODEA-Europe soccer championships in Ramstein, Germany, May 22, 2025. Naples won the game 3-0. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)
Black Forest Academy’s Esther Lee defends against Naples’ Emma Heavey, as Olivia Wilson watches, in the girls Division II final at the DODEA-Europe soccer championships in Ramstein, Germany, May 22, 2025. The Wildcat beat BFA 3-0. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)
Following their semifinal win against Vicenza, Falcons coach Jack Wilson explained that their strategy focused on shifting key players, including junior Esther Lee, across the field to maintain a dynamic offense and defense — all with the goal of neutralizing the Wildcats’ scoring powerhouse, Shorey.
With that strategy in mind, Lee and senior India Atchley proved formidable on both offense and defense, seamlessly shifting with the ball and staying aggressive.
Their key plays included winning crucial defensive challenges and taking several shots on goal, driving the Falcons’ efforts throughout the match.
“Esther Lee, she’s a wonderful midfielder and she really controls the field,” opponent Emma Heavey said after the match – the midfielder often finding herself challenged by Lee.
However, the constant shifting began to take a toll on the Falcons’ endurance, and as they faced a corner kick opportunity for Naples, a quick substitution saw Shorey re-enter the pitch.
Just seconds after her return, the striker scored the first goal for the Wildcats, putting them on top 1-0.
The Wildcats held the single-goal lead heading into halftime, but the match still felt wide open.
Until play resumed again and the Wildcats started to dominate possession.
Shorey capitalized on a moment when Falcons goalkeeper Natalie Lawrence came off her line to make two saves, and on the third attempt, Shorey calmly tapped the ball in, extending the Wildcats’ lead to 2-0.
To seal the deal for Naples, Heavey capitalized on a lateral run outside the Falcons’ 18-yard box, stepping up in a big way for the reigning champions.
“Really the only thing pushing me was my teammates and keeping that upbeat energy throughout,” Heavey said. “As a captain, having to keep my team up, it’s a big role and I’m just trying to be there for everybody.”
The junior took a shot that soared off the tip of Lawrence’s fingers and found its way into the back of the Falcons’ net, giving the Wildcats their third and final goal.
The Wildcats celebrated yet another undefeated season and finals title. Oropallo expressed the bittersweetness of losing several key players, including her three captains – Shorey, Heavey, and Jazmin Miranda – for the upcoming season.
