When Lia McCarthy is not on the soccer pitch for Shepard, she is likely on horseback. The senior midfielder also competes in show jumping equestrian events, a passion that runs deep in her family.
“I love horses,” McCarthy said. “My parents actually met on a horse farm. Horses are a big thing in my family. My sister is pursuing a career with horses now while she’s in college in Montana, and I’m going out there in the fall to attend the University of Montana.”
On the soccer field, McCarthy is the Astros’ workhorse. The four-year varsity regular delivered again Tuesday night, scoring a goal and adding an assist as Shepard beat Argo 2-1 in Palos Heights, spoiling Argo’s chance to win the South Suburban Red title outright. Wiktoria Skupien also scored for the Astros (10-9-1, 6-4-1), who extended their winning streak to six games. Clarissa Sanchez added an assist, while Jannel Balbuena made five saves and Mariah Perkins contributed three saves.
“This win means a lot,” Skupien said. “I played against a lot of my friends who play for Argo, so it was like a friendly competition. It was fun.”
Klara Cicha scored Argo’s goal (9-5-3, 6-2-3), leaving them sharing the SSC Red championship with Reavis. After Cicha tied the game 1-1 with 35:21 remaining, McCarthy answered for Shepard. She received a pass from Sanchez, sprinted through the middle, and buried a high shot from 20 yards with 23:43 left.
“We were mad because we were up and then everyone maybe took their foot off the gas a little bit and then we’re back to square one being tied,” McCarthy said. “We had to lock back in and really push our hardest. Scoring that goal, we knew it’d bring the energy back up.”
The goal was McCarthy’s 19th of the season. Shepard coach Dan Cordes knows he can always rely on her.
“Lia just does a little bit of everything,” Cordes said. “She scores goals. She assists. She helps us defend to close out games. She’s a leader vocally and with her play. It’s obvious every game that she’s the best player on our team. Everyone follows her lead.”
McCarthy also played hockey before giving it up after her freshman year, now focusing on soccer and horses. She believes hockey shaped her physical style.
“Hockey is what made me a better soccer player,” McCarthy said. “I decided I wanted to focus on soccer because I liked it more. But I feel I’m a very physical player because of hockey. Hockey players make great soccer players.”
As a three-year captain, McCarthy has left her mark on the program. Playing her final regular-season game Tuesday brought mixed emotions.
“It’s a bittersweet thing,” she said. “I’ve played four years and it’s been a long journey. It’s going to be a good ending for me.”