Ashley Higuita's first varsity goal boosts North Babylon girls soccer past Patchogue-Medford
North Babylon's Ashley Higuita celebrates after scoring a goal against Patchogue-Medford during a Suffolk Division I girls soccer game in Medford on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026. Credit: Brittney Dietz
North Babylon eighth-grader Ashley Higuita took a shot and watched the ball sail over the goalkeeper’s head from 25 yards out. She was immediately mobbed by teammates celebrating her first varsity goal with less than five minutes remaining in the first half.
The sideline had erupted. At halftime, another group of teammates in black North Babylon soccer jackets rushed toward Higuita and embraced her in a group hug.
The goal gave North Babylon a two-goal halftime lead, and the Bulldogs went on to defeat host Patchogue-Medford, 2-0, in Suffolk Division I girls soccer Wednesday.
“It was really special because everyone gathered around,” Higuita said. “It was my first goal as an eighth grader, and it was just a mix of happiness and excitement.”
“The best part about our team is the team,” North Babylon coach Steve Corrado said. “The kids pull for each other, they root for each other . . . We’re part of a family. We win together, and we lose together as a family, and it was never more evident than that whole sequence with Ashley’s first goal.”
Senior captain Monica Clavijo was reminded of her own experience as a young varsity player.
“I remember when I was in eighth grade, I was very scared to be playing on the field,” Clavijo said. “Just watching her on the field reminds me of when I was little. And I’m really proud of her. And I’m so excited to see what she has to offer for the next four years.”
North Babylon controlled possession and created scoring opportunities from the opening minutes.
In the ninth minute, Melania Turano delivered a corner kick that Brook Milheiser headed into the net to give the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead.
The Bulldogs continued to generate chances throughout the first half before Higuita found the back of the net.
North Babylon protected its two-goal lead in the second half, with Turano, Sydney Villalta, Lauren Iudica and goalkeeper Alexa Furman anchoring the defense.
The victory was North Babylon’s sixth straight and clinched the program’s 14th consecutive playoff berth.
“We’re getting healthy and we’re playing team defense,” Corrado said. “We have a lot of three-year players who don’t really crack when it gets a little difficult on the field.”
Patchogue-Medford now needs three points from its final four games to secure a playoff berth.
For North Babylon, the victory continued a tradition of success. But Wednesday’s celebration showed what makes this group special.
“We’re not just teammates, we’re gonna be best friends for life,” Clavijo said. “And that’s something that’s really special to us.”
